On-Site, Low Level Quantitative FTIR Analysis of Water in Oil Using a Novel Water Stabilization Technique

Water is an important contaminant to monitor in all lubricating oil. Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) provides an easy means to measure water; however, to this point infrared methods have not been able to provide the accuracy and range desired by the lubrication industry. A new method for the FTIR measurement of water in mineral oils has been developed which overcomes key technical difficulties. When used with an on-site FTIR spectrometer, this method measures the concentration of water in mineral based oils with an accuracy and range equivalent to the industry standard Karl Fischer method.