Physicochemical characterization of industrial lubricants

In the aerospace and nuclear sectors, a lubricant directly contributes to the reliability of mechanical, hydraulic and production equipment. Changes in its composition, contamination or degradation can affect viscosity, lubrication, wear protection and compatibility with materials. The physicochemical characterization of industrial lubricants makes it possible to objectively assess these changes and support maintenance, qualification or investigation decisions.

Depending on the matrix and the requirements, the Filab laboratory assesses, in particular, viscosity, density, water content, acidity, oxidation and any residues. These parameters help assess the condition of the lubricant, the impact of its operating environment and changes in its properties over time. Comparing new and in-service fluid makes it possible to identify significant deviations.

The investigation begins by defining the relevant samples: reference product, in-service lubricant, a sample taken from another piece of equipment or a suspect sample. Comparing physicochemical profiles makes it possible to distinguish a variation related to ageing from an external contribution, such as an incompatible fluid, water, particles or degradation products.

In both the aerospace and nuclear sectors, the control of lubricating fluids is subject to stringent requirements for traceability, reproducibility and technical justification. Characterization can help verify that a product meets an internal specification, document a formulation change or assess its compatibility with the materials and components concerned.

Filab laboratory develops testing programs tailored to your objectives: batch compliance testing, comparison with a reference sample, contamination investigation, ageing monitoring, or post-failure analysis. Chemical analyses of lubricants may cover physical properties, organic composition, wear-related metallic elements, and particles present in the fluid. This approach is particularly useful for linking analytical results to actual operating conditions.

Filab laboratory also supports you with the following services:

• Cutting fluid safety testing according to the PCS-4002 standard
• Safety testing of ingredients for temporary use according to PR-6300
• Qualification analyses and 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 analyses
• Corrosion testing of cutting fluids on metal alloys
• Compatibility testing between industrial fluids and metallic materials
• Safety testing of chemical products on aerospace alloys
• Assessment 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
• Qualification of aerospace fluids according to BOEING BAC 5008
• Identification and quantification of additives in lubricants
• Investigation of contaminants in industrial fluids
• Safety testing according to DMP 12-300 in the laboratory
• Safety testing according to SAFRAN DMP 6300
• Fluid safety testing according to SAFRAN Landing Systems PCS-4001

Investigations may include identifying the chemical families of base oils and additives, as well as detecting metallic elements and particles. The detection of iron, copper, aluminum, silicon or other elements must be interpreted in light of the lubricated system, the materials present and the operating history. For additional requirements concerning process fluids, see the physicochemical characterization of bath solutions.

The Filab laboratory combines analytical techniques according to the signals observed: property measurements, spectroscopy, chromatography, elemental analysis and particle characterization. When the anomaly concerns solid residues or deposits, observation and local analysis can be supplemented using the resources of the SEM analysis laboratory.

The results must be assessed alongside the information available on the product, the sampling procedure, the operating conditions, and the applicable acceptance criteria. Filab laboratory supports this process by proposing an analysis plan consistent with the equipment’s criticality level and the nature of the observed deviation. Also discover Filab laboratory’s areas of expertise by industry sector.

To initiate your project, provide Filab laboratory with the type of lubricant, the operating conditions, the reason for the analysis, any available comparison samples, and the applicable requirements. Filab laboratory can then guide the analytical strategy, specify the quantities required, and prepare a tailored proposal. Describing the anomaly, providing the available information, and requesting a quotation help establish a relevant testing program.