Why Test Lube Oil?

6 Onboard Testing Types

Equipment onboard ships need lubrication in order to maintain an optimal
performance. Most companies use only the best grades of oils such as Shell
Argina, Shell Alexia S4, and Shell Melina. These are stored in designated
tanks, drums or receptacles.
Lubricants can only function for a limited period of time, after which a new
supply should be used. The renewal can depend upon the type of machinery
and the oils properties. For example, Shell Gadinia has a high resistance to
oxidation. Other than that, lubricants need to be tested time to time for
purity and quality.
Lube Oil Testing
Onboard testing is done to ensure that the lubricant maintains its quality
while in operation. It may vary from every 15 days or once in a month. Aside
from that, samples are also sent to in-shore laboratories every three months,
wherein spectro-analysis is performed.
Specifically, lube oils tests are carried out for a number of reasons. It
monitors the deterioration of oil with time, prevents damage to your
machinery, checks for contamination, determines any leak, and understands
the performance of the supplied oil.
Taking Test Samples
Proper sampling collection is vital for the oil analysis. To carry out these
tests, samples are taken from the sampling point. The sample is drained to
remove any stagnant oil that may cause data disturbance. The procedure
should be thoroughly documented by the team.
One of the goals of sampling is to obtain as much information per milliliter of
oil as possible. The criteria include dryness, cleanliness, depletion of
additives, and the presence of wear particles from the machine. Since
Cylinder testing is very difficult because usually the cylinder oil gets burned;
it is better to choose any other oil like Shell Argina or Shell Gadinia as an
example for oil testing because it remains in the engine system.
Onboard Oil Tests
There are a bevy of test kits available in the market. Be sure that the one
you chose can provides your team with a convenient and immediate testing.
The basic kit may contain materials enough for 50 tests.
1. Viscosity test. An important property of any lubricating oil, viscosity is the
measure of a fluids thickness or resistance to flow. Using a flow stick, the
test is performed by letting the lubricant run into two paths, side by side. The
first path contains fresh oil, and the other used oil.
Both oils pass through reference points. The position of used oil is
documented when fresh oil reaches the finish point. This test can determine
contamination from sludge, or diesel.
2. Water contest test. Using a digital water content meter, 5 ml of sample is
taken and mixed with 15 ml of reagent. The container lid is then closed tight
along with a sealed sachet of calcium hydride. The content meter is shaken
by hand, until the water percentage is shown.
3. The pH test. This is simply done using a pH paper and helps in determining
the samples reserved alkalinity. Once in contact with oil, the paper changes
its color. The result is compared to the pH standard values.

Why Test Lube Oil? 6 Onboard Testing Types

4. Flash point test. The instrument used for this test is called a Pensky Martin
closed-cup apparatus. Its main purpose is to measure the temperature at
which the vapor will flash up once given an external ignitable source.
5. Spot test. This test is performed in order to measure the insoluble
components in the used lubricant. All you need is a blotter paper to put on
the oil, leave it dry for a few hours, and compare the results with the
standard spot.
6. Water crackle test. Just like the digital water content meter, the
instrument used for this test also determines the water presence in the
sample. Drops of used oil are heated in an aluminum container over a flame.
A crackling sound will be heard if water is present.
Whether youre using Shell Melina, Shell Argina, Shell Alexia S4, etc.,
regular testing of your lube oil will ensure a smoothly running operation.