The Fluidscan lubricant condition monitor from Analysco is said to be so portable and easy to use that it can provide measurements in locations such as at the top of a wind turbine or on an oil rig.
The system, which weights 4lb (1.8kg) and uses infrared spectroscopy, determines key lubricant condition parameters such as TAN, TBN, oxidation, nitration, sulfation, soot, glycol, water and additive depletion in less than one minute, according to the company.
With no delay waiting for laboratory results, vital preventive maintenance can be triggered immediately, thereby avoiding equipment failure.
In addition, costly but unnecessary lubricant replacement can be postponed until actually required.
The Fluidscan's flip-top sample cell can be loaded with one hand from a pipette or dipstick and accommodates all sample types from biodiesel to heavy greases.
No solvents are needed for cleaning, which is said to be an advantage when working in hazardous environments.
A simple wipe-over with a cleaning patch is sufficient, with a built-in routine that checks for cell cleanliness before allowing the next measurement to proceed.
The cell design also eliminates the fringing effects experienced with conventional short path-length cells.
Sample spectra can be compared with a library of spectra from a database of commonly used lubricants, and a 'traffic-light' pass/warning/fail system provides an indication of sample condition without the need for spectrum interpretation.
When quantitative results are needed, chemometric techniques automatically correct for interferences.
Results are displayed on an integral colour screen and a built-in lithium battery provides six to eight hours of use dependent upon conditions.
The Fluidscan features a comprehensive built-in database so individual asset results are stored and can be downloaded to PC for reporting/trending purposes.
The device is manufactured by Spectro and distributed in the UK by Analysco.
