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Oils Analysis

As one of the highly rated independent test laboratory in Qatar, Accurac Labs offer standardized and custom-designed lubrication testing methods to assess lubricant quality and performance. Accurac Labs perform a wide range of analytical and simulated bench tests on such products as;

  • HTF
  • Hydraulic oil
  • Tube oil
  • Lubricant oil - all types
  • Diesel

Oil analysis is the analysis of a lubricant's properties, composition, and contaminants. It is a routine activity used to determine the health of oil and the machinery in which it is used. Oil analysis provides a detailed view of what is happening within machine components during operation.

All these are achieved using a network of state-of-the art modern equipment/facilities. Accurac Labs offer one of the broadest lubrication testing slates in the industry with numerous test methods and techniques. We look forward to offering our experience to meet your lubricant testing needs with Accurac's quality services.

Importance Oils Testing

Oil analysis is a preventive maintenance tool that uncovers fixable problems before they become catastrophic failures. An effective lubrication program with oil analysis can provide longer equipment life, detect early signs of contamination and degradation, reduce equipment downtime and ultimately save you money.

Oil contamination is one of the greatest factors that can reduce the effectiveness of your oil. In addition, having contaminated oil in your equipment can significantly increase the rate at which the fluid deteriorates. Contaminated or poor-quality lubricants can ultimately increase wear, which will eventually lead to equipment failure, unplanned downtime or lost production. Oil analysis can detect increased levels of contamination before it can lead to a problem.

  • Extend Oil drain intervals
  • Extend equipment life
  • Identify problems before equipment failure
  • Boost production level
  • Save money in spare and replacement cost

Setting up an oil analysis program is just one of the many services Accurac Laboratory can provide your company. Contact us today for all of your lubrication inquiries and needs.

Increase Efficiency of Your Equipment by Oil Testing

Quality control of fuel oil is an essential risk management activity for producers, traders and distributors. Having oil analysis done on a regular basis establishes a baseline of normal wear and can help indicate when abnormal wear or contamination is occurring. A detailed analysis of an oil sample is a valuable preventive maintenance tool. In many cases, it enables identification of potential problems before a major repair is necessary and has the potential to reduce the frequencies of oil changes. At Accurac laboratory, we carry out full specification testing to a wide variety of standards such as ASTM, ISO, IEC, USEPA, NAS, etc.

Engine (Lube) Oil Testing

Lube oil has a limited period of operation after which it must be renewed with a fresh lot. The renewal is decided by the property of the lube oil, type of machinery it is used for and type of conditions it is used in. Apart from renewal after given running hour, the lube oil must be checked and tested for its quality and purity

    Below are the reasons for which lube oil tests are carried out:
  • To monitor the deterioration of oil with time
  • To check for contamination with other oil, water and bacterial attack
  • To avoid damage to the lubricating part of the machinery
  • To determine any leak or source of contamination of oil
  • To understand the performance of the supplied lube oil

Thus, lube oil for important systems like main propulsion plant, auxiliary engines, air compressors, steering gear etc. must be checked as described by the company. It may vary from every 15 days or once in a month.
There are three main categories of oil analysis: fluid properties, contamination and wear debris.

Test the Fluid Properties

This type of oil analysis focuses on identifying the oil’s current physical and chemical state as well as on defining its remaining useful life (RUL). It answers questions such as:

  • Does the sample match the specified oil identification?
  • Is it the correct oil to use?
  • Are the right additives active?
  • Have additives depleted?
  • Has the viscosity shifted from the expected viscosity? If so, why?
  • What is the oil’s RUL?

Test the Contamination

By detecting the presence of destructive contaminants and narrowing down their probable sources (internal or external), oil analysis can help answer questions such as:

  • Is the oil clean?e?
  • What types of contaminants are in the oil?e?
  • Where are contaminants originating?e?
  • Are there signs of other types of lubricants?e?
  • Is there any sign of internal leakage?e?

Determine Wear Debris

This form of oil analysis is about determining the presence and identification of particles produced as a result of mechanical wear, corrosion or other machine surface degradation. It answers questions relating to wear, including:

  • Is the machine degrading abnormally?
  • Is wear debris produced?
  • From which internal component is the wear likely originating?
  • What is the wear mode and cause?
  • How severe is the wear condition?

You need to know if any actions should be taken to keep the machine healthy and to extend the life of the oil. Oil analysis for machines can be compared to blood analysis for the human body. When a doctor pulls a blood sample, he puts it through a line-up of analysis machines, studies the results and reports his conclusions based on his education, research and detailed questions asked to the patient

Testing Standards

Oil Analysis

OIL ANALYSIS CATEGORY TEST
Fluid Properties Viscosity, Acid/Base Number, Elemental Analysis
Contamination Particle Counts, Moisture Analysis, Elemental Analysis
Wear Debris Elemental analysis

Test Descriptions

Kinematic Viscosity Kinematic Viscosity at 40°C and 100°C. Reported in cSt. Many petroleum products, and some non-petroleum materials, are used as lubricants, and the correct operation of the equipment depends upon the appropriate viscosity of the liquid being used. In addition, the viscosity of many petroleum fuels is important for the estimation of optimum storage, handling, and operational conditions. Thus, the accurate determination of viscosity is essential to many product specifications. ASTM D445
Pour Point An index of the lowest temperature at which a petroleum product will still pour. Reported in °C, in increments of 3°C. Flow characteristics, like pour point, can be critical for the correct operation of lubricating oil systems, fuel systems, and pipeline operations. ASTM D97
Copper Strip Corrosion The copper strip corrosion test is designed to assess the relative degree of corrosivity of a petroleum product. Acidic corrosion results in wear, which can lead to component failure. The range is 1A (the best) and 4 (the worst), 1B is typical. ASTM D130
Density Determination of the density or relative density of petroleum and its products is necessary for the conversion of measured volumes to volumes at the standard temperature of 15°C. ASTM D4052
Flash Point
By Small Scale		 Closed Cup Measures the temperature at which flammable fumes above the fluid will flash. Used in assessing the overall flammability hazard of oil. Can indicate the possible presence of more volatile and flammable materials in relatively non-volatile or non-flammable fluids. Reported in °C. Closed cup is meant for lower flammability materials. ASTM D3828
Color The color and clarity of oil can tell engineers a great deal about the oil's age and quality. ASTM D1500
Particle Count This test reports cleanliness levels of Lube oil. High levels of particulates can lead to accelerated machine wear due to abrasive conditions. Maintaining lower levels of particulates can increase the operational life of lubricated equipment. ISO 4406/NAS 1638
Acid Number Acid Number (or Total Acid Number or TAN) is a measure of the amount of acidic substance in the oil. TAN can be used as a measure of lubricant degradation while in service. Reported in mgKOH/g. An acid number that is too high or too low may be the result of oil oxidation, the presence of an incorrect lubricant or additive depletion. ASTM D974
Base Number The base number is a measure of the amount of basic substance in the oil, always under the conditions of the test. A decrease in base number is often used as a measure of lubricant degradation, but any condemning limits must be empirically established. A base number that is too low can indicate high engine blow-by conditions (fuel, soot, etc.), the presence of an incorrect lubricant, internal leakage contamination (glycol) or oil oxidation from extended oil drain intervals and/or extreme heat. ASTM D5984
Water content by Karl Fischer For lubricating oils, the presence of moisture could lead to premature corrosion and wear, an increase in the debris load resulting in diminished lubrication and premature plugging of filters, impedance in the effect of additives, and undesirable support of deleterious bacterial growth. Direct determination of water in the range of 10 to 25,000 mg/kg (ppm) entrained water in petroleum products and hydrocarbons using automated instrumentation. ASTM D6304
Elemental Analysis By ICP-OES The standard method ASTM D5185 is for "Determination of Additive Elements, Wear Metals, and Contaminants in Used Lubricating Oils and Determination of Selected Elements in Base Oils by ICP-OES". A total of 22 elements can be determined by this test method and it is generally used as a rapid screening method to monitor the condition of the equipment using the oil and to define when preventative action is needed. The metallic analytes must be oil soluble for accurate quantification. ASTM D5185

Transformer Oil Testing

Routine testing of transformer oils on a regular schedule is an accepted industry practice. General and physical tests are suggested twice a year, dissolved gas analysis once a year, and Furan testing every 2 years for transformers in operation at least 5 years.

In order to assist our clients to take early remedial action before possibly dangerous and costly unit failure occurs, Accurac labs are able to offer the following transformer oil analysis to:

  • Determine essential electrical properties of transformer oil
  • Identify if a certain oil is suitable for future use
  • Detect whether regeneration or filtration is needed
  • Reduce oil costs and enhance component life
  • Prevent untimely failures and maximize safety

There are three main categories of Transformer oil analysis: electrical properties, chemical properties and physical properties.

  • 1. Electrical properties: Dielectric strength, specific resistance, dielectric dissipation factor.
  • 2. Chemical properties: Water content, acidity, sludge content.
  • 3. Physical properties: Interfacial tension, viscosity, flash point, pour point.

Test Descriptions

Dielectric strength (BDV) The dielectric strength of transformer oil is also known as the breakdown voltage (BDV) of transformer oil. Breakdown voltage is measured by observing at what voltage, sparking strands between two electrodes immersed in the oil, separated by a specific gap. A low value of BDV indicates presence of moisture content and conducting substances in the oil. IEC 60156
Dielectric Dissipation Factor Dielectric dissipation factor is also known as loss factor or tan delta of transformer oil. When a insulating materials is placed between live part and grounded part of an electrical equipment, leakage current will flow. As an insulating material is dielectric in nature the current through the insulation ideally leads the voltage by 90o. Here voltage means the instantaneous voltage between live part and ground of the equipment. But in reality, no insulating materials are perfect dielectric in nature. IEC 60247
Water content by Karl Fischer Moisture or water content in transformer oil is highly undesirable as it affects the dielectric properties of the oil adversely. The water content in oil also affects the paper insulation of the core and winding of a transformer. Paper is highly hygroscopic. Paper absorbs the maximum amount of water from oil which affects paper insulation property as well as reduced its life. But in a loaded transformer, oil becomes hotter, hence the solubility of water in oil increases. ASTM 6304
Acid Number Acidic transformer oil is a harmful property. If oil becomes acidic, the water content in the oil becomes more soluble in the oil. The acidity of oil deteriorates the insulation property of paper insulation of winding. Acidity accelerates the oxidation process in the oil. Acid also includes rusting of iron in the presence of moisture. ASTM 974
Interfacial Tension Interfacial tension between the water and oil interface is the way to measure the attractive molecular force between water and oil. Interfacial tension is exactly useful for determining the presence of polar contaminants and oil decay products. Good new oil generally exhibits high interfacial tension. Oil oxidation contaminants lower the IFT. Reported in milli-Newton/meter(mN/m) ASTM D971
Flash Point closed cup Flash point of transformer oil is the temperature at which oil gives enough vapors to produce a flammable mixture with air. This mixture gives momentary flash on the application of flame under standard condition. Flashpoint is important because it specifies the chances of fire hazard in the transformer. So it is desirable to have a very high flash point of transformer oil. In general it is more than 140°C(>10°C). ASTM 3828
Pour Point It is the minimum temperature at which oil starts to flow under standard test condition. Pour point of transformer oil is a valuable property mainly at the places where the climate is icy. If the oil temperature falls below the pour point, transformer oil stops convection flowing and obstruct cooling in a transformer. ASTM D97
Color The color and clarity of transformer oil can tell electrical engineers a great deal about the oil's age and quality. ASTM D1500
DGA Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is the study of dissolved gases in transformer oil. It is also referred to as a DGA test. Whenever a transformer undergoes abnormal thermal and electrical stresses, certain gases are produced due to the decomposition of the transformer oil. When the fault is major, the productions of decomposed gases are significant and they get collected in a Buchholz relay. But when abnormal thermal and electrical stresses are not significantly high the gasses due to decomposition of transformer insulating oil will get enough time to dissolve in the oil. Generally, the gasses found in the oil in service are hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4), Ethane (C2H6), ethylene (C2H4), acetylene (C2H3), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2) and oxygen(O2). Ethylene (C2H4) is an indication of a very high-temperature hot spot inside an electrical transformer. If during DGA test of transformer oil, CO and CO2 are found in large quantity it is predicted that there is decomposition of proper insulation. ASTM D3612/IEC 60567
DBDS Dibenzyl Disulfide (DBDS) is one of several sulfur compounds known to cause copper corrosion in transformers under certain circumstances. The presence of these types of corrosive sulfur has been the direct cause of breakdowns in equipment used for the generation, transmission and distribution of energy for several decades. IEC 62697
PCB PCB is used as coolants and lubricants in the capacitor and other electrical equipment of transformer. PCB stands for polychlorinated biphenyls. It is an organic chlorine compound and included in the askarel group. Analysis of PCB in transformer oil was established after the removal of PCB from transformer oil. A transformer can contain less than or equal to 500 ppm PCBs. It has been banned in the year 1978 due to the bad effect of PCB in the environment or the animal and human. IEC 61619
Furan This is a measure of the cellulose paper's degradation. The mechanical strength of a paper decreases when the the paper ages which reduces the degree of polymerization. The degree of polymerization is directly proportional to the concentration of oil's furan derivatives. ASTM D5837

Gear Oil Testing

Oil analysis is a very useful tool for gear systems. Geared systems are found across both mobile and industrial equipment. Though they are designed to be very reliable, they cause a lot of disruption and costs when they wear or break due to poor operation or contamination. Oil analysis is a great tool to detect when failure conditions are developing, and as such most gear manufacturers suggest condition monitoring, including oil analysis.

Test Descriptions

Viscosity The resistance of a fluid to flow. Viscosity is the most important lubricant physical property for gear drives. Lubricants must have suitable flow characteristics to insure that an adequate supply of oil reaches lubricated parts at various operating temperatures.
If viscosity of the lubricant differs by more than 10% from nominal grade, a change of oil is typically recommended by the lubricant supplier.		 ASTM 445
Water content by Karl Fischer Usually not desirable in oil, water can be detected visually if gross contamination is present (cloudy appearance). Excessive water in a system destroys a lubricant's ability to separate opposing moving parts, allowing severe wear to occur with resulting high frictional heat. Water contamination should not exceed 0.25 % for most gear drives, though some pressurized systems have lower limits. ASTM 6304
TAN TAN is a titration method designed to indicate the relative acidity in a lubricant. The acid number is used as a guide to follow the oxidative degeneration of oil in service. Oil changes are often indicated when the TAN value reaches a predetermined level for a given lubricant and application. An abrupt rise in TAN would be indicative of abnormal operating conditions (e.g. overheating) that require investigation. Most lubricant suppliers give TAN condemnation limits in the bulletins. Usually a rise of 0.5 over the starting value is cause for concern. Always know your starting new oil value - it can be higher than expected for some gear oils due to the additive packages present. ASTM D974
Particle count This is a very helpful test to improve reliability as reducing particulates in the oil will extend the life of the gearbox. ISO4406/NAS1638
Elemental Analysis byICP-OES The standard method ASTM D5185 is for “Determination of Additive Elements, Wear Metals, and Contaminants in Used Lubricating Oils and Determination of Selected Elements in Base Oils by ICP-OES”. A total of 22 elements can be determined by this test method and it is generally used as a rapid screening method to monitor the condition of the equipment using the oil and to define when preventative action is needed. The metallic analytes must be oil soluble for accurate quantification. ASTM D5185
Oxidation by FTIR During a lubricant's service life, oxidation products accumulate, causing the oil to become degraded, and in most instances, slightly acidic. If oxidation becomes severe, the lubricant will corrode the critical gear surfaces. ASTM D7414

Hydraulic Fluid Testing

Accurac lab's hydraulic oil testing program is designed to monitor component wear, contamination and fluid condition of your equipment.

Test Descriptions

Viscosity Kinematic Viscosity at 40°C and 100°C. Reported in cSt. Many petroleum products, and some non-petroleum materials, are used as lubricants, and the correct operation of the equipment depends upon the appropriate viscosity of the liquid being used. In addition, the viscosity of many petroleum fuels is important for the estimation of optimum storage, handling, and operational conditions. Thus, the accurate determination of viscosity is essential to many products. ASTM 445
Water content
by Karl Fischer 		For lubricating oils, the presence of moisture could lead to premature corrosion and wear, an increase in the debris load resulting in diminished lubrication and premature plugging of filters, impedance in the effect of additives, and undesirable support of deleterious bacterial growth. Direct determination of water in the range of 10 to 25,000 mg/kg (ppm) entrained water in petroleum products and hydrocarbons using automated instrumentation. ASTM 6304
TAN TAN is a titration method designed to indicate the relative acidity in a lubricant. The acid number is used as a guide to follow the oxidative degeneration of oil in service. Oil changes are often indicated when the TAN value reaches a predetermined level for a given lubricant and application. An abrupt rise in TAN would be indicative of abnormal operating conditions (e.g. overheating) that require investigation. Most lubricant suppliers give TAN condemnation limits in the bulletins. Usually a rise of 0.5 over the starting value is cause for concern. Always know your starting new oil value - it can be higher than expected for some hydraulic fluids due to the additive packages present. ASTM D974
Particle count This is a very helpful test to improve reliability as reducing particulates in hydraulic fluids will extend the life of the machine. ISO4406/NAS1638
Elemental Analysis by ICP-OES The standard method ASTM D5185 is for "Determination of Additive Elements, Wear Metals, and Contaminants in hydraulic fluid by ICP-OES". A total of 22 elements can be determined by this test method and it is generally used as a rapid screening method to monitor the condition of the equipment using the oil and to define when preventative action is needed. The metallic analytes must be oil soluble for accurate quantification. ASTM D5185
Oxidation by FTIR During a lubricant's service life, oxidation products accumulate, causing the oil to become degraded, and in most instances, slightly acidic. If oxidation becomes severe, the lubricant will corrode the critical gear surfaces. ASTM D7414

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Testing

Transmission oil can be contaminated with metals, solids, and moisture and those contaminants need to be removed before they cause problems. Conversely, a test of your transmission fluid may reveal that it's still in great condition, and you don't need to change it as often as you thought. Contact us today for all of your lubrication inquiries and needs

Test Descriptions

Viscosity Kinematic Viscosity at 40°C and 100°C. Reported in cSt. Many petroleum products, and some non-petroleum materials, are used as lubricants, and the correct operation of the equipment depends upon the appropriate viscosity of the liquid being used. In addition, the viscosity of many petroleum fuels is important for the estimation of optimum storage, handling, and operational conditions. Thus, the accurate determination of viscosity is essential to many products. ASTM 445
Water content by Karl Fischer For lubricating oils, the presence of moisture could lead to premature corrosion and wear, an increase in the debris load resulting in diminished lubrication and premature plugging of filters, impedance in the effect of additives, and undesirable support of deleterious bacterial growth. Direct determination of water in the range of 10 to 25,000 mg/kg (ppm) entrained water in petroleum products and hydrocarbons using automated instrumentation. ASTM 6304
TAN TAN is a titration method designed to indicate the relative acidity in a lubricant. The acid number is used as a guide to follow the oxidative degeneration of oil in service. Oil changes are often indicated when the TAN value reaches a predetermined level for a given lubricant and application. An abrupt rise in TAN would be indicative of abnormal operating conditions (e.g. overheating) that require investigation. Most lubricant suppliers give TAN condemnation limits in the bulletins. Usually a rise of 0.5 over the starting value is cause for concern. Always know your starting new oil value - it can be higher than expected for some hydraulic fluids due to the additive packages present. ASTM D974
Elemental Analysis by ICP-OES The standard method ASTM D5185 is for "Determination of Additive Elements, Wear Metals, and Contaminants in transmission fluid by ICP-OES". A total of 22 elements can be determined by this test method and it is generally used as a rapid screening method to monitor the condition of the equipment using the oil and to define when preventative action is needed. The metallic analytes must be oil soluble for accurate quantification. ASTM D5185
Color The color and clarity of transmission oil can tell electrical engineers a great deal about the oil's age and quality. ASTM D1500
Copper Strip Corrosion The copper strip corrosion test is designed to assess the relative degree of corrosivity of a petroleum product. Acidic corrosion results in wear, which can lead to component failure. The range is 1A (the best) and 4 (the worst), 1B is typical. ASTM D130
Density Determination of the density or relative density of petroleum and its products is necessary for the conversion of measured volumes to volumes at the standard temperature of 15°C. Reported in g/cm3 ASTM D4052
Flash Point By Small ScaleClosed Cup The flashpoint is the temperature at which the vapors from the oil ignite. When the flash is lower than it should be, it shows a contaminant (usually fuel) is present. This test also looks for moisture contamination. Reported in °C ASTM D3828
Particle Count This test reports cleanliness levels of transmission oil. High levels of particulates can lead to accelerated machine wear due to abrasive conditions. Maintaining lower levels of particulates can increase the operational life of lubricated equipment. ISO 4406/NAS 1638
Base Number The base number is a measure of the amount of basic substance in the oil, always under the conditions of the test. A decrease in base number is often used as a measure of lubricant degradation, but any condemning limits must be empirically established. ASTM D5984
API Gravity Gravity is an important quality indicator for automotive, aviation and marine fuels, where it affects storage, handling and combustion. ASTM D287
Foaming Characteristics The tendency of oils to foam can be a serious problem in systems such as high-speed gearing, high-volume pumping, and splash lubrication. Inadequate lubrication, cavitations, and overflow loss of lubricant can lead to mechanical failure. This test method is used in the evaluation of oils for such operating conditions. ASTM 892, D6082
Rust Prevention This test method covers the evaluation of the ability of inhibited transmission oils to aid in preventing the rusting of ferrous parts should water become mixed with the oil. This test method is also used for testing other oils, such as hydraulic oils and circulating oils. ASTM 665

Tube Oil Testing

Test Descriptions

Viscosity Kinematic Viscosity at 40°C and 100°C. Reported in cSt. Many petroleum products, and some non-petroleum materials, are used as lubricants, and the correct operation of the equipment depends upon the appropriate viscosity of the liquid being used. In addition, the viscosity of many petroleum fuels is important for the estimation of optimum storage, handling, and operational conditions. Thus, the accurate determination of viscosity is essential to many products. ASTM 445
Water content by Karl Fischer For lubricating oils, the presence of moisture could lead to premature corrosion and wear, an increase in the debris load resulting in diminished lubrication and premature plugging of filters, impedance in the effect of additives, and undesirable support of deleterious bacterial growth. Direct determination of water in the range of 10 to 25,000 mg/kg (ppm) entrained water in petroleum products and hydrocarbons using automated instrumentation. ASTM 6304
TAN TAN is a titration method designed to indicate the relative acidity in a lubricant. The acid number is used as a guide to follow the oxidative degeneration of oil in service. Oil changes are often indicated when the TAN value reaches a predetermined level for a given lubricant and application. An abrupt rise in TAN would be indicative of abnormal operating conditions (e.g. overheating) that require investigation. ASTM D974
Elemental Analysis by ICP-OES The standard method ASTM D5185 is for "Determination of Additive Elements, Wear Metals, and Contaminants in tube oil by ICP-OES". A total of 22 elements can be determined by this test method and it is generally used as a rapid screening method to monitor the condition of the equipment using the oil and to define when preventative action is needed. The metallic analytes must be oil soluble for accurate quantification. ASTM D5185
Particle count This test reports cleanliness levels of transmission oil. High levels of particulates can lead to accelerated machine wear due to abrasive conditions. Maintaining lower levels of particulates can increase the operational life of lubricated equipment. ISO 4406/NAS 1638

Diesel Testing

Dirty fuel leaves the safety and continuity of critical services in a precarious position. Using state of the art equipment and globally recognised methods and standards, Accurac labs will provide you with accurate, reliable fuel quality reports. We can even interpret the results for you and recommend a course of corrective actions if needed.

Test Descriptions

Color Color may serve as an indication of the degree of refinement of diesel. When the color range of a particular product is known, a variation outside the established range may indicate possible contamination with another product. ASTM D1500
Copper Strip Corrosion The copper strip corrosion test is designed to assess the relative degree of corrosivity of a petroleum product. Acidic corrosion results in wear, which can lead to component failure. The range is 1A (the best) and 4 (the worst), 1B is typical. ASTM D130
Density Determination of the density or relative density of petroleum and its products is necessary for the conversion of measured volumes to volumes at the standard temperature of 15°C. Reported in g/cm3 ASTM D4052
Flash Point By Small Scale Closed Cup The flashpoint is the temperature at which the vapors from the oil ignite. When the flash is lower than it should be, it shows a contaminant (usually fuel) is present. This test also looks for moisture contamination. Reported in °C ASTM D3828
Pour Point It is the minimum temperature at which oil starts to flow under standard test condition. Pour point of transformer oil is a valuable property mainly at the places where the climate is icy. If the oil temperature falls below the pour point, transformer oil stops convection flowing and obstruct cooling in a transformer. ASTM D97
Distillation The distillation (volatility) characteristics of hydrocarbons have an important effect on their safety and performance, especially in the case of diesel. The boiling range gives information on the composition, the properties, and the behavior of the fuel during storage and use. Volatility is the major determinant of the tendency of a hydrocarbon mixture to produce potentially explosive vapors. ASTM D86
Water content by Karl Fischer For lubricating oils, the presence of moisture could lead to premature corrosion and wear, an increase in the debris load resulting in diminished lubrication and premature plugging of filters, impedance in the effect of additives, and undesirable support of deleterious bacterial growth. Direct determination of water in the range of 10 to 25,000 mg/kg (ppm) entrained water in petroleum products and hydrocarbons using automated instrumentation. ASTM 6304
Cetane Number The cetane number provides a measure of the ignition characteristics of diesel fuel oil in compression ignition engines. ASTM D613-18a
Cetane index This is used to approximate the cetane number of diesel fuels. ASTM D4737