Portable Magnetometer Provides Fast, Simple Measurements of Ferrous Wear Particles in Lubricants

The FerroCheck portable magnetometer from Spectro Scientific (USA)  provides accuracy and convenience in measurement of total ferrous wear particulates in lubricating fluids. FerroCheck enables users to perform accurate measurements of ferrous wear particles, both in the field, and in the lab where it can be used to analyze gearbox, transmission and other fluids in fleet and industrial maintenance applications.

FerroCheck works by sensing disruption of a magnetic field that is generated due to the presence of ferrous debris, specifically iron, in the oil.  Operation involves simply drawing the sample, placing it in the instrument and using the touchscreen to complete the analysis and view the results. Non-lab personnel can operate the FerroCheck with no solvents or sample preparation required. The lightweight unit weighs less than five pounds, is compact and battery-operated for fast, 30-second testing of small samples.

The FerroCheck magnetometer can detect particles from nanometers to millimeters in size and has a sensitivity range of 0-2500 ppm with a limit of detection of less than 5 ppm. Results are highly repeatable (+/- 5 ppm at concentrations of 0 – 50 ppm).

Coupled with one of Spectro Scientific’s condition-based maintenance systems (MiniLab Series, MicroLab Series, and ViscCheck 3000 Series), FerroCheck is part of a comprehensive solution that ensures asset availability and longevity. When performing measurements on-site, FerroCheck eliminates the wait associated with lab-based fluid analysis and enables users to make immediate maintenance decisions that reduce unexpected downtime and costs and eliminate potential catastrophic machine failures.

Spectro Scientific Vice President, Business Development Robert Wopperer said, “FerroCheck is a great addition to Spectro Scientific's growing portfolio of performance fluid analysis tools.   FerroCheck enables users to perform rapid and accurate fluid assessments on-site as well as in the laboratory. The availability and ease of the measurement facilitates frequent, routine use that supports predictive maintenance programs as well as detecting unforeseen incidences of ferrous contamination that, if unrecognized, can threaten the viability of large capital assets.”