Unused lubricating oils

The most commonly encountered additive elements in lubricating oils are Ca, Ba, Mg and Zn. They are normally present at relatively high concentrations such that a simple dilution—flame analysis procedure may be used to determine their concentrations. The control of the additive concentrations is important in the control of the physical and chemical properties of the lubricant. Problems associated with metallic particulate matter are not generally encountered with unused lubricating oils. 

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The TBN values obtained for the fresh, unused, lubricating oil additive package components show results from conductometric and IP 177 (potentiometric) methods being 90% to 98 % and 85% to 90%, respectively, of the corresponding IP 276 (potentiometric) values. The TBN values for some selective products such as zinc dialkyl-dithiophosphate (ZDDP) was observed as an inflection point using the IP 276 (potentiometric) back titration method and also the conductometric method. 

D 4628 Analysis of Barium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Zinc in Unused Lubricating Oils by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy... 

Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) is the most prevalent analytical technique for measuring low levels of barium and its compounds (i.e., barium carbonate, barium sulfate, and barium chloride) in air, water, waste water, geological materials (calcium carbonate), unused lubricating oil, and diagnostic meals containing barium sulfate (see Table 6-2). 

Holding ST, Rowson JJ. 1975. The determination of barium in unused lubricating oils by means of atomic-absorption spectrophotometry. Analyst 100 465-470. 

The determination of calcium, barium, magnesium and zinc in unused lubricating oil by dilution and flame analysis... 

The method is applicable to the determination of Ca, Ba, Mg and Zn in unused lubricating oils and may also be of use for the determination of other elements of interest. Limits of detection will normally be in the region of 0.005% w/w. The lubricating oil is diluted with white spirit and aspirated into the nitrous oxide—acetylene flame. Organometallic standards in white spirit are used for calibration. 

Unused lubricating oil changes under the use conditions of heat and friction and, if appropriate. 

A third technique (ASTM D-4951) is used to determine barium, boron, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, and zinc in unused lubricating oils and additive packages. Elements can generally be determined at concentrations of 0.01-1.0% w/w. The sample is diluted in mixed xylenes or other solvents containing an internal standard. The ICP method (ASTM D-708, ASTM D-5185) is also available. Sensitivity and useable range varies from one element to another, but the method is generally applicable from 1 to 100 ppm for contaminants and up to 1000-9000 ppm for additive elements ... 

Note 2—This test method is not intended for the analysis of unused lubricating oils containing additives for such samples use Test Method D874. Neither is it intended for the analysis of lubricating oils containing lead nor for used engine crankcase oils. 

These test methods cover the determination of barium, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, and zinc in unused lubricating oils at element concentration ranges from 0.03 to... 

Viscosity is one of the most important properties of lubricating oil. The actual viscosity of oil samples is compared to an unused sample to determine the thinning of thickening of the sample during use. Excessively low viscosity will reduce the oil film strength, weakening its ability to prevent metal-to-metal contact. 

Unused and used petroleum products may contain acidic constituents that are present as additives or as degradation products formed during service, such as oxidation products (ASTM D-5770). The relative amount of these materials can be determined by titrating with bases. The acid number is used as a guide in the quality control of lubricating oil formulations. It is also sometimes used as a measure of lubricant degradation in service. Any condemning limits must be empirically established. 

The predaon statements were prepared with data on ten new (unused) mineral oil-based lubricants and axteen assorted fuel oils tested by twelve cooperators. The mineral oil-based lubricants had pour points ranging fiom —48 to... 

Records, especially those used in workshop environments, can become soiled and therefore provisions should be made to protect them against attack by lubricants, dust, oil, and other materials that may render them unusable. Plastic wallets can provide adequate protection while records remain in use. 

Use Oils used as lubricants, hydraulic fluids, heat transfer fluids, buoyants, and for other similar purposes are considered used oil. Unused oil such as bottom clean-out waste from virgin fuel oil storage tanks or virgin fuel oil recovered from a spill does not meet the definition of used oil (because it has never been used ). Used oil does not include products that are used as cleaning agents or solely for their solvent properties, as well as certain petroleum-derived products such as antifreeze and kerosene. 

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