Tandem Analytical Tool for Monitoring Oil Degradation

Spectrometer sample stand incorporating the TCT showing the boat containing the sensor element and leads that fit in the V-grooves of the electrode terminals.

The tandem conductivity technique is an analytical tool developed by UDRI for measuring the burnt oil level in tandem with an oil analysis spectrometer. This technique determines the quality of the operational oil by giving a measure of the ‘burnt’ level of the lubricant.  It is based on the electrical principle that measures the level of charged species in the oil. These charged species are generated as a result of the oil being burnt or scourged at higher temperatures. This measurement is made in tandem with metal analysis so that both oil quality and oil contamination are determined. The dual sensor provides an added capability by measuring the non-polar species that might be ingested in the oil.

The Lubricant Evaluation and Performance group conducts research on improved off-line and in-line diagnostic sensors for solving wear and oil contamination problems.