Rugged Fluid Analysis System for Comprehensive Lubricant Analysis in Field Applications

Spectro Inc. (USA) has introduced a rugged, portable expeditionary fluid analysis system that gives field operators the capacity to perform comprehensive, laboratory quality, lubricant analysis. The multipurpose Q5800 combines the ability to perform abnormal wear metals analysis, particle counting, viscosity and lubricant condition and contamination tests in a compact, field-based system. The battery-powered device facilitates maintenance of high-value equipment, enabling complete lubricant assessment for condition monitoring and rapid results that permit informed maintenance decisions. Featuring a custom backpack designed to carry the device and all accessories, the system is easy to transport and operates reliably in a wide variety of challenging field environments.

The Q5800 is comprised of three major measurement components: A filtration particle quantifier (FPQ) that provides abnormal wear metal analysis using XRF technology along with particle counting; a kinematic viscometer; and an infrared spectrometer, featuring Spectro’s patented flip-top cell, that carries out tests for TAN/TBN, water content, soot and oxidation. The system requires no solvent usage and all data is conveniently logged and tracked with a powerful operating system that is intuitive and easy to use.

Spectro president and CEO Brian Mitchell said, “We believe the Spectro Q5800 system is the most advanced, field deployable lubricant analysis platform ever offered. Its development was conceived and initially funded under a Defense Acquisition Challenge Program (DACP) initiated more than three years ago and currently embodies seven patents either granted or pending. Combining these capabilities with its rugged and portable design enables users to rapidly perform field tests with accuracy equivalent to bench-top laboratory instrumentation. Because they can immediately evaluate the status of fluids in their high-value equipment, field operators can make immediate and informed maintenance and reliability decisions that will result in lower operational costs, minimum downtime, maximum safety and the elimination of lubricant-related equipment failures. The Q5800 further demonstrates Spectro’s commitment to building on its technology leadership position in the performance fluids analysis industry.”