ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 28 February 2005
Page Count: 12

Rotrode Filter Spectroscopy: A Recently Improved Method to Detect and Analyze Large Wear and Contaminant Particles in Fluids

Lukas, M
Chief Technology Advisor, Spectro Inc., Littleton, MA

Yurko, RJ
V.P. R&D and Engineering, Spectro Inc., Littleton, MA

Anderson, DP
V.P. Sales and Marketing, Spectro Inc., Littleton, MA

(Received 6 October 2004; accepted 28 November 2004)

Abstract

Routine spectrochemical analysis of used oil samples with rotating disc electrode (RDE) or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometers has become standard practice in machine condition monitoring programs to determine elemental content. Unfortunately, both of these techniques become less responsive to particles as they increase in size. To overcome this limitation, several complementary methods and analytical techniques to detect large particles in used oil have been applied, including acid digestion, ferrography, and X-ray analysis. Unfortunately, these techniques are not practical or economical to implement in a high sample throughput machine condition-monitoring program. One technique that has demonstrated success as a complementary method for detecting large particles is rotrode filter spectroscopy (RFS). RFS extends the capability of rotating disc electrode (RDE) spectrometers to detect particles greater than 10 μm in size.

Keywords:
Rotrode Filter Spectroscopy (RFS), rotating disc electrode spectrometer, RDE, used oil analysis

Paper ID: JAI12970
DOI: 10.1520/JAI12970
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