Oil Analysis | TriboTech Solutions

Oil Analysis

Our oil analysis program (ISO/SAE) provides fast and accurate diagnostics of what is happening inside Marine Engines, Auto Engines, Track Engines, Gas & Diesel Engines, Compressors, Turbines, Generators, Gearboxes, Turbomachinery, hydraulic systems, and other critical equipment.

The analysis identifies changes in the oil’s physical and chemical properties, levels of particulate and moisture contamination, and degradation of additive packages. Early and accurate diagnosis supports predictive maintenance strategies, reduces unplanned downtime, and enhances asset reliability and lifecycle performance.

Oil Engines Testing Kits

Marine Engines, Auto Engines, Truck Engine , Gas & Diesel Engines

Viscosity 40 ºC
Viscosity 100 ºC
Viscosity Index
Oxidation
TBN (Total Base Number)
Nitration
Glycol
Water
Soot
Fuel
Wear Metals (Iron, Chromium, Aluminum, Copper, Lead, Tin and Vanadium)
Contaminant Metals (Silicon, Sodium and Potassium)
Multi Source Metals (Titanium, Molybdenum, Nickel, Manganese and Boron)
Additives (Magnesium, Calcium, Barium, Phosphorus and Zinc)

Oil Industrial Testing Kits

Viscosity 100 ºC
Viscosity Index
TAN (Total Acid Number)
Water
Wear Metals (Iron, Chromium, Aluminum, Copper, Lead, Tin and Vanadium)
Contaminant Metals (Silicon, Sodium and Potassium)
Multi Source Metals (Titanium, Molybdenum, Nickel, Manganese and Boron)
Additives (Magnesium, Calcium, Barium, Phosphorus and Zinc)

Viscosity

Viscosity testing at 40°C and 100°C evaluates the oil’s resistance to flow at both moderate and high operating temperatures. In engines, viscosity must remain stable to ensure proper lubrication, film strength, and heat control. The measurement at 40°C indicates how the oil flows under normal circulation conditions, while the value at 100°C reflects its behavior at full operating temperature. Changes in these values can reveal oil degradation, contamination, loss of additives, or incorrect oil grade, helping prevent wear, overheating, and premature engine failure.

TBN & TAN

The Total Base Number (TBN) test measures the oil’s ability to neutralize acids formed during combustion and oxidation. In engine lubricants, maintaining a proper TBN level is essential to prevent corrosion, protect metal surfaces, and ensure stable lubrication over time. A decreasing TBN indicates oil degradation, fuel contamination, or extended service intervals, signaling the need for oil replacement. Monitoring TBN helps optimize drain intervals, reduce engine wear, and maintain reliable performance.

The Total Acid Number (TAN) test measures the level of acidic compounds formed as industrial oils degrade over time. An increasing TAN indicates oxidation, additive depletion, or contamination, signaling that the lubricant is losing its protective properties. Monitoring TAN helps determine the optimal oil change interval, prevent corrosion, and maintain reliable equipment performance.

Wear Metals

The analysis of wear metals, contaminant metals, multi-source metals, and additives provides a detailed profile of both the condition of the equipment and the integrity of the lubricant.
Wear metals indicate mechanical wear on components such as bearings, cylinders, gears, and pumps. Contaminant metals reveal the presence of dust, coolant leaks, or external particles entering the system. Multi-source metals help identify interactions or combined wear between different components. Finally, additive analysis evaluates the health and depletion of the oil’s protective chemistry.
Together, these tests allow for early detection of abnormal wear, contamination entry points, and lubricant degradation—supporting predictive maintenance and extending asset life.

NItration & Oxidation

Oxidation and nitration tests evaluate the chemical degradation of lubricants caused by heat, air exposure, and combustion gases.
Oxidation measures the breakdown of the oil’s molecular structure, which leads to sludge, varnish formation, and increased viscosity.
Nitration detects the reaction of the oil with nitrogen compounds from combustion, commonly associated with high temperatures, incomplete fuel burn, or restricted airflow.
Monitoring these values helps identify overheating, poor combustion conditions, and extended oil stress, allowing corrective action to prevent deposit formation, performance loss, and accelerated engine wear.

Water

The water contamination test determines the presence and quantity of water in the lubricant, whether in dissolved, emulsified, or free form. Water in oil can cause corrosion, loss of lubricating film, additive depletion, oxidation acceleration, and bearing failure. Detecting water early helps identify sources such as condensation, coolant leaks, seal failures, or improper storage, allowing timely corrective action. Monitoring water levels is essential to maintain oil integrity, protect internal components, and ensure reliable equipment performance.

Glycol, Soot and Fuel

The glycol, fuel, and soot contamination tests help detect conditions that can severely affect engine lubrication and internal component integrity.
Glycol in oil indicates coolant leakage, which can cause sludge formation, corrosion, and accelerated bearing wear.
Fuel dilution reduces oil viscosity and film strength, leading to inadequate lubrication and increased friction.
Soot results from incomplete combustion and can form abrasive deposits that accelerate wear and thicken the oil.
Monitoring these parameters allows early identification of internal leaks, combustion issues, and lubrication breakdown, helping prevent major engine damage and supporting reliable maintenance planning.