Oil Condition Monitoring: Putting Viscosity in the Front Seat

With the increasing emphasis on efficiency and sustainability goals, monitoring the condition of in-service oil has become more crucial than ever. By closely observing alterations in quality, machinery breakdowns and premature oil changes can be avoided, leading to maximum uptime, cost-efficiency and minimal waste.

Viscosity stands out as a critical parameter for quality assessment. Used oil has a different viscosity and a lower viscosity index (VI) compared to fresh oil, indicating greater variation in viscosity with changes in temperature. Both viscosity and VI are much more reliable indicators of oil condition than mileage or time in service. Therefore, it is common practice to measure the kinematic viscosity of used lubricating oil - at 40 °C and 100 °C - and also determine the VI according to ASTM D2270.

Anton Paar offers a comprehensive range of digital viscometers designed for such analyses. From the entry-level SVM 1X01 series for quick viscosity tests to the top-of-the-line SVM X001 models that can determine multiple parameters, including viscosity, density, viscosity index (VI) and more, from a single syringe. The SVM's wide viscosity range (0.2 mm²/s to 30,000 mm²/s) and temperature range (-60 °C to +135°C, down to -20°C without external cooling) means you can measure a wide variety of used oils without worrying about which glass capillary or bath to choose. The high-end models can even be coupled with an autosampler with up to 71 positions for fully autonomous measurements. And with the top-of-the-line SVM 4001, throughput is further increased by simultaneously measuring the sample at 40 °C and 100 °C while automatically calculating the VI in full compliance with ASTM D2270 and displaying the final result on screen within just a few minutes.

For maximum accuracy and rapid trend detection, each SVM is compatible with a Magnetic Particle Trap (MPT). Designed specifically for in-service oil analysis, this trap removes ferromagnetic particles before samples reach the SVM's measuring cells, ensuring the most accurate oil quality assessments.

So, if you need to track the performance of a wide variety of in-service oils, Anton Paar's SVM viscometers offer best-in-class precision and unmatched flexibility in both measurement parameters and automation. Don't miss out and consider upgrading your lab today.