Image Credits: Spectro Scientific
Spectro Scientific has introduced an upgrade to its FieldLab 58 consisting of a more powerful X-ray fluorescence (XRF) module and newly designed filter that significantly improve the limits of detection for wear metal elements in oil.
The FieldLab 58 has also earned a U.S. patent for its innovative and convenient combination of a variety of analytical technologies. In addition, the system’s coupling of X-ray fluorescence and filter particle quantifier testing meets the new ASTM International Standard D8127 “Standard Test Method for Coupled Particulate and Elemental Analysis using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) for In-Service Lubricants”.
FieldLab 58 is a battery-powered, integrated oil analysis system that provides quick and comprehensive oil analysis in the field. Packaged within a small, portable case, the analyzer integrates four analytical technologies: X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for elemental analysis; a filter particle qualifier (FPQ) pore blockage particle counter; an infrared (IR) spectrometer; and a kinematic viscometer (40˚C).
The upgrade to the FieldLab 58 includes a new XRF engine that is four times more powerful than the previous generation. Coupled with a newly designed filter, the analyzer provides improved sensitivity of wear metal particles in oil (on average over four times more sensitive) for all the 13 elements it can detect.
The FieldLab 58 earned U.S. Patent 9,791,386 B2, for an “Integrated, Portable Sample Analysis System and Method”. The patent describes the physical configuration and operational details of the analyzer and notes that before this invention no portable device had replicated the analysis capability of a tribology laboratory.
With its quartet of analytical technologies, FieldLab 58 provides immediate, comprehensive in-service analysis of lubricating fluids. The unit’s portability and convenience eliminate any need to send samples to an off-site laboratory. Results from the FieldLab 58 are invaluable in determining signs of contamination, abnormal wear, or lubricant conditions that can result in downtime or cause failure of high-value machinery assets.
In addition to particle count and elemental analysis met by ASTM Standard D8127, the FieldLab 58 also measures fluid chemistry and contamination per ASTM Standard D7889 and viscosity per ASTM D8092. Using only 3 ml of oil, the four tests generate more than 20 fluid analysis parameters in five to seven minutes.
The enhanced analytical capability for elemental analysis, the new patent and the new ASTM Standard illustrate the significance of the combination of analytical technologies provided by the FieldLab 58 system, and will give our customers more confidence utilizing FieldLab as a tool to protect their valuable assets. This analyzer is another example of Spectro Scientific's leadership and knowledge in providing fluid analysis solutions to our customers.
Dr. Patrick Henning. Chief Technology Officer, Spectro Scientific