Overview
Lubricant testing and oil analysis
Chem-Tech® Laboratories is a leader in providing Lube Oil Testing and Lube Oil Analysis Services. Our oil testing laboratory and oil condition monitoring programmes assist customers in analysing machine performance and in maintaining an informed view of equipment and lubricant condition.
Through lube oil testing, customers can obtain information about changes taking place within a machine and its lubricant. Chem-Tech testing services are supported by technical assistance for maintenance schedules and oil condition monitoring programmes.
Testing directory
Lubricant testing by oil and fluid type
Select the lubricant or fluid application that matches the equipment and testing objective.
Automotive, diesel, gas and industrial engines
Engine Oil Testing
Assessment of fresh and used engine lubricants for degradation, contamination and wear-related indicators.
Learn moreIndustrial and automotive gear systems
Gear Oil Testing
Evaluation of lubricants used in gearboxes and geared systems for condition, contamination and wear.
Automatic, manual and industrial transmissions
Transmission Oil Testing
Condition assessment for transmission oils and fluids where viscosity change, contamination or wear is under review.
Axles, differentials and severe-duty final drives
Axle Oil Testing
Focused review of lubricants used in axles, differentials and final-drive systems.
Pumps, valves, servo systems and hydraulic machinery
Hydraulic Oil Testing
Assessment of hydraulic-fluid condition, cleanliness, contamination and wear-related indicators.
Learn moreSteam, gas and hydro turbine lubrication systems
Turbine Oil Testing
Condition assessment for turbine lubricants, including oxidation, water, acidity and cleanliness-related concerns.
Learn moreAir, gas and refrigeration compressor systems
Compressor Oil Testing
Review of compressor lubricant condition where oxidation, acidity, water or deposits may be relevant.
Machining, cutting and metal-forming operations
Metal Working Fluid Testing
Testing of neat and water-miscible metalworking fluids for condition, concentration and contamination concerns.
Learn moreMetal hardening and heat-treatment processes
Quenching Oil Testing
Evaluation of in-use and fresh quenching oils used in controlled heat-treatment operations.
Learn moreIndustrial heat-transfer and thermic-fluid systems
Thermic Fluid Testing
Assessment of heat-transfer-fluid condition and thermal degradation indicators.
Learn moreApplication context
Where lubricant testing is used
- Construction machinery and mobile equipment
- Automotive and industrial engines
- Marine and power-generation equipment
- Mining and manufacturing machinery
- Gearboxes, hydraulic systems, turbines and compressors
Testing rationale
Why oil analysis is required
Every oil testing programme has defined objectives. Source content identifies benefits such as recognising equipment problems, supporting maintenance planning, reviewing oil-drain decisions and improving the information available to reliability teams.
The programme objective may include oil-condition monitoring, machine-condition analysis, trend review, improved lubrication practices and interpretation of oil-analysis data. The selected parameters should reflect the oil type, equipment, operating condition and customer objective.
Technical review
Common condition and contamination concerns
Lubricant condition
Viscosity change, oxidation, acidity and additive-related changes can be considered through an agreed laboratory scope.
Contamination
Water, fuel, process material, particles or mixed lubricants may affect the condition and suitability of an in-service oil.
Equipment wear
Wear metals, ferrous debris and particle information may support a condition review when operating history is also available.
Testing packages
Select the right technical scope
Routine monitoring, comprehensive analysis, fresh-oil assessment and investigation scopes require different parameter combinations. Chem-Tech will confirm the applicable scope before testing.
Discuss your testing requirementBefore dispatch
Sample-submission guidance
- Use a clean, secure and appropriately labelled container. Identify the sample, lubricant grade and the equipment or system from which it was collected.
- Where available, provide operating hours, oil-change history, top-up information, the suspected problem, previous results and the required specification or parameters.
- The required sample quantity and container depend on the selected test scope and oil type. Contact Chem-Tech before dispatch so the laboratory can confirm the requirement.
Technical output
Reporting and interpretation
The report records the agreed test results and the methods used for the selected scope. Customer-supplied limits or specifications can be considered where they are provided before testing.
Results can support condition assessment and investigation when reviewed with equipment history, operating conditions and previous test data. A laboratory result alone should not be treated as a guaranteed root-cause diagnosis or remaining-life prediction.
Discuss your requirement