UNDERSTANDING THE ELEMENTS

Industrial Machines

Elements are quantified in the oil at part per million levels (PPM). This list shows the most common sources of the elements quantified by spectral analysis of industrial oils.

Aluminum: Pump vanes, pistons, valves and contamination. Chromium: Ball and roller bearings, hydraulic rams. Iron: Any steel parts including rotating shafts and valves, contamination. Copper : Brass or bronze parts, bushings, valves, oil coolers. Lead: Friction bearings, solder, component in bronze wear (with copper). Tin : Bearings, bronze or brass component, anti-wear coatings. Nickel: Trace element in steel alloy. Manganese: Grease additive. Boron : Occasionally used as an oil additive, coolant contamination. Silicon: Abrasive dirt, sealers, gaskets and anti-foam additive. Sodium : Contamination from coolants and other sources. Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus: Common oil additives. Zinc : Anti-wear additive, component of brass (with copper). Barium: Oil additive, common to synthetic oils.

Physical properties:

Viscosity/Flash Point: If the oil is contaminated with solvent or another contaminant, the viscosity and flash point will often be lower than the range in the "Values Should Be" line. A high viscosity may show oil stress or contamination.

Water %: Indicates the amount of moisture found in the oil.

Insolubles %: Solid materials present in the oil. They are typically free carbon from the oxidation of the oil itself, or they may be present from dirt or manufacturing contamination.