Infrared spectroscopy is a well-established laboratory method for evaluating and screening used lubricants. The InfraCal Soot Meter measures the amount of suspended soot in diesel engine lubricating oils from infrared absorption at a fixed wavelength. Results are displayed directly as % soot, relative to a standard TGA (thermogravimetric analysis) reference method.
Traditional infrared (as well as TGA) instrumentation applied to used oil analysis requires considerable operator training and attention, and is mechanically and operationally too complex for on-site field use. The InfraCal Soot Meter overcomes all of these difficulties, providing on-site, rapid soot analysis at the push of a button, with minimal operator training. Samples may be applied from the end of a dip-stick or from a simple eye-dropper directly onto the scratch-resistant cubic zirconia measurement surface. Cleaning is as simple as wiping with a cloth or paper towel - no cells to clean and no solvents requiring special ventilation or expensive waste disposal.
The InfraCal Soot Meter is portable, weighs less than 5 pounds, and is roughly a 6 inch cube in size. Its rugged construction which is sealed against external contamination, plus no moving parts, make the InfraCal Soot Meter the perfect instrument for field-based operation. The use of a 12 volt power supply enables the InfraCal Soot Meter to be used literally anywhere - in the testing laboratory or right alongside the engine. It is factory calibrated to 10% levels that will enable accurate measurements up to 12% - 15%.
Field-based soot analysis can supplement preventative maintenance programs with rapid screening for added assurance of equipment or vehicle performance while in service. With rapid and easy field screening, cost savings can be realized by extending drain periods and reducing expensive sample disposal.
Rapid Oil Condition Assessment
Soot, which occurs naturally in diesel oils, is an important oil and engine condition indicator. Extended drain times, combined with stringent emission requirements, make it more important than ever to routinely check soot levels. If monitored regularly, its rate of formation can be used to indicate engine performance problems, such as injector wear, clogged air filters or other operational abnormalities. Also, should the soot content become too high, the lubrication properties of the oil will deteriorate and engine component wear can occur, as well as the increased risk of filter failure and oilway blockage. Any, or all of these situations can lead to catastrophic engine failure. Regular monitoring and trending of oil condition with the InfraCal Soot Meter helps avoid breakdowns and should be an integral part of any maintenance program. It will help save you time, money, and engines.
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