Smarter and faster lubricity testing

Paltro, a deep tech company specialising in robotic test and measurement platforms, presents the next generation of our advanced, automated lubricity testers such as Modular Traction Tribometer (MTT-2), High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR-ADV) and Ball on Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator (BOCLE-ADV) that integrate both 2D optical and 3D profilometry imaging systems with mechanical testing. Intelligent workflow automation seamlessly unifies testing, wear measurement and reporting that eliminates process and measurement errors in lubricant and fuel lubricity evaluation.

The modular traction tribometer (MTT-2) is a ball on disc instrument for measuring friction and wear properties of lubricants under rolling sliding conditions. Independently driven upper and lower rotary drives provide variable rolling-sliding motion with slip between 0 to 100%. Stribeck friction and traction protocols can easily setup using two parameters such as entrainment speed and slide-roll ratio. Beyond friction capabilities of MTT-2 include a 3D profilometer that scans the wear track and reports surface topography and depth information to complement friction data and provides better insights. Several other modules such as electrified contact, acoustic emission sensor, fretting drive and microforce sensor, can be configured for applications in electric vehicles, biomedical devices and advanced coatings.

BOCLE-ADV, a next generation Ball on Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator, is a compact, fully automated desktop instrument to assess wear aspects of the boundary lubrication properties of aviation turbine fuels on rubbing steel surfaces in compliance with ASTM D5001. BOCLE-ADV innovative unified system revolutionises fuel lubricity evaluation by seamlessly integrating mechanical testing, conditioning of air, optical imaging, auto-wear scar analysis and single-click reporting offering unmatched user convenience. 

Several unique features distinguish the system. It offers a fully automated workflow that manages the entire sequence - from testing and imaging to measurement and report generation - ensuring effortless operation. An inbuilt conditioned-air unit controls valves, flow rates, humidity, and automatic phase switching, which simplifies testing and minimises operator dependency. The temperature control module maintains precise adherence to ASTM D5001 requirements and remains unaffected by ambient laboratory conditions. In addition, the integrated imaging setup includes a built-in digital microscope for wear-scar analysis, eliminating the need for a separate microscope.

HFRR-ADV, High Frequency Reciprocating Rig, is a fully automated desktop instrument for ASTM D6079, ISO 12156 and ASTM D7688 to assess lubricity of diesel fuels and biodiesel blends. Its ultra-compact and easy to use design, occupies the lowest lab space, while the automated workflow simplifies testing. A high precision automated humidity control system eliminates manual

activities by the operator. 

The key features include an ultra-compact, fully integrated design in which the vibrator, electronics controller, and digital humidity control module are combined into a single unit, providing the smallest footprint and minimal laboratory space requirements. The system offers a fully automated workflow that manages the entire sequence - from testing and imaging to measurement and report generation - ensuring effortless operation. It delivers clean, salt-free, electronically controlled humidity that requires only distilled water, while air temperature and humidity are continuously measured and recorded throughout the test. Additionally, an edge-detection tool powered by AI and ML algorithms precisely measures the wear-scar diameter without user dependency.