The SpectroLNF Q200 measures three of the most important parameters in condition monitoring of lubricating oils, hydraulic oils and fuels in one compact, benchtop instrument.
Particulate contamination can cause component wear and be a precursor of catastrophic failure, and its measurement should be included in any comprehensive maintenance programme.
The Q200 uses laser technology to provide particle count and classification data while also measuring viscosity, and incorporates machine trend monitoring via a built-in database.
Based on the LNF-C (Laser Net Fines-C) instrumentation developed by Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems in co-operation with the US Naval Research Laboratory, the Q200 combines a pulsed laser source with video microscopy to capture multiple images of the sample.
These are then statistically analysed to generate accurate particle counts of all particles sized from 4-100u.
Particle concentrations up 5,000,000/ml can be handled.
Smaller particles can be classified according to the ISO 4406 cleanliness standard and images are generated of all particles larger than 20u, which are classified by a neural network system according to wear characteristics - cutting, fatigue, sliding - or as non-metallic, free water droplets or fibres.
The SpectroLNF Q200 is ASTM D 7596-compliant.
Water content is calculated and reported in parts per million.
The high-powered laser and optical design mean that even heavily sooted oils can be measured without dilution.
Flow and pressure drop across the cell are used to measure (dynamic) viscosity, which is reported in cP for ISO 15 to ISO-320 grade oils at 40C.
