Analysis of Lube Oils per ASTM D6481

Scope

The measurement of phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), and zinc (Zn) in lube oil is demonstrated as per ASTM D6481-99(2010).

Background

ASTM D6481 is a standard test method for measuring lube oil using EDXRF. The elements and concentration ranges are specified in Table 1 of the method.

ASTM D6481-99(2010)
ASTM Table 1 Elements and Range of Concentrations Determined

Quality control and quality assurance during the lube oil manufacturing process is essential. A fast, simple method of analyzing lube oils is important throughout the QC/QA process. Rigaku meets this industry need with a high performance, low-cost benchtop EDXRF system. Rugged and reliable, NEX QC is an ideal tool with simple and intuitive software for the non-technical operator.
Model: NEX QC

Calibration

Empirical calibrations were built using a suite of 16 commercially available calibration standards. 

Repeatability

Three representative samples from the calibration suite were chosen to demonstrate typical instrument repeatability (precision). Ten repeat analyses were performed with the sample in static position.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate excellent performance for basic lube oil formulations using NEX QC. Given standards assayed for Ba, the Ba content can also be measured over similar concentration ranges. Fast and simple, the NEX QC is an ideal tool for monitoring and controlling lube oil add packs and lube formulations during blending and process QC.