Identification and quantification of additives in lubricants

In the aerospace and nuclear sectors, lubricant composition determines the reliability of mechanical components, control of ageing and compliance with internal requirements. A formulation degradation, contamination, product mix-up or batch-to-batch variability can alter the performance properties of the fluid. Filab laboratory supports industrial companies in characterising the organic and mineral fractions of lubricants, comparing a sample with a reference and investigating non-conformities.

Investigations may target phenolic or aminic antioxidants, phosphorus- or sulphur-containing compounds with anti-wear and extreme-pressure functions, corrosion inhibitors, as well as detergent, dispersant or viscosity-modifying additives. Elements such as phosphorus, sulphur, zinc, calcium, magnesium or molybdenum may also provide useful indicators, depending on the formulation under investigation.

Gas or liquid chromatography, combined with suitable detectors and mass spectrometry, can be used to separate, identify and quantify many organic compounds. Sample preparation may include dilution, extraction or fractionation to minimise the influence of the lubricant matrix. These approaches are particularly relevant for the quantification of additives in lubricants and for comparing chemical profiles.

Comparative analysis of a new lubricant, a lubricant in service or a lubricant from a suspect batch makes it possible to objectively assess differences in composition. Filab laboratory can investigate additive depletion, the formation of degradation products, cross-contamination or the presence of unusual elements. The analysis plan takes into account the packaging, the sampling history and the availability of a reference sample.

The identification and quantification of additives make it possible to determine the families of compounds present in an oil or grease: antioxidants, anti-wear agents, extreme-pressure agents, corrosion inhibitors, dispersants, detergents, viscosity modifiers, or antifoaming agents. The analytical strategy is defined according to the matrix, the compounds being sought, the expected concentrations, and the control objective. Filab laboratory draws in particular on its expertise in quantifying molecules by GC and LC to produce an interpretable result.

Filab laboratory also supports you with the following services:

• Safety testing of metalworking fluids according to the PCS-4002 standard
• Safety testing of ingredients for temporary use PR-6300
• Analysis and qualification testing of process fluids and products
• Fluid qualification according to DASSAULT DGQT 0.4.2.0065
• Cutting fluid qualification according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-000
• Fluid qualification according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-001
• Fluid qualification testing according to AIRBUS AIMS 12-10-003
• Fluid qualification testing according to SAFRAN PR 1500 (PR-1500)
• Fluid qualification testing according to Rolls-Royce CSS 129 and CSS 131
• PMUC fluid qualification testing and analysis
• Cutting fluid corrosion testing on metal alloys
• Compatibility testing between industrial fluids and metal materials
• Safety testing of chemicals on aerospace alloys
• Evaluation of the effect of a fluid on aluminium alloys
• Compatibility of process fluids with titanium alloys
• Compatibility of lubricants with nickel-based superalloys
• Chemical analysis and characterisation of cutting fluids
• Physicochemical characterisation of industrial lubricants
• Qualification of aviation fluids according to BOEING BAC 5008
• Search for contaminants in industrial fluids
• Safety testing according to DMP 12-300 in the laboratory
• Safety testing according to SAFRAN DMP 6300
• Safety testing of fluids according to SAFRAN Landing Systems PCS-4001

The presence of a compound alone is not enough to determine its function or confirm product compliance. Filab laboratory places the results in context with the base oil, the available reference information and the relative levels measured. This approach supports quality control, comparative analysis and the investigation of formulation deviations.

Elemental techniques complement molecular analysis by assessing elements associated with certain additive families or with contamination. Infrared spectroscopy can also help compare oils, monitor chemical changes or guide investigations. The analytical methods are tailored to the industrial question and the required limits of quantification.

Analytical results provide factual data to support a release, monitoring, batch change or supplier investigation decision. For highly demanding environments, the Filab laboratory adapts its support to the traceability constraints and control objectives specific to energy and nuclear analysis.

To frame the study, provide the type of lubricant, its application, the objective of the analysis, product and batch references, available quantities, sampling conditions and any comparison samples. Indicating suspected additives, specifications to be verified or expected thresholds helps guide the method. Contact the Filab laboratory to define the test plan, submit the samples and obtain a tailored analytical proposal.