IR Analyser

With the newly developed CMT IR Analyser, based on attenuated total reflection, a new chapter of IR spectroscopy is opened in the middle infrared spectral range. Due to the no-moving-parts design, applications even in harsh environmental conditions are made possible. The small size and low power consumption clearly stands out from conventional IR spectrometers available on the market.

Base oil degradation predominantly is driven by oxidation processes caused by oxygen and heat. Typical oil condition parameters are: Oxidation, AN, BN, nitration, sulphation, ...

Commonly used additives are e.g. antifoaming additives, anti-wear additives and antioxidants. During oil aging the concentration of additives decreases and degradation products emerge. This oil aging mechanism is being indicated by the concentration of molecules with central ions of zinc, molybdenum, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, barium or sodium.

Oil contamination is often caused by foreign substances such as water, glycol, diesel, petrol or other oils.

The oil condition sensor of the IR Analyser detects the three major oil degradation mechanisms simultaneously. The standard oil condition parameters, that are commonly obtained by laboratory based analysis, are being calculated from the measured IR spectra.

The sensor is based on a spectral apparatus that is being constructed with no moving parts, which makes it durable and virtually maintenance free. Meaningful oil condition parameters are calculated from the recorded spectra by a previously built oil-specific calibration (chemometric model).