ALS fluid analysis tests

ALS analysis programs cover specific scopes and tests for key equipment compartments, such as:

• Hydraulic systems

• Transmissions

• Engines

• Reductions

• Diesel systems

• Cooling systems

In all scopes, we try to assess three essential pillars: component wear, fluid condition and external contamination.

Wear Assessment 

Analyses focused on identifying and quantifying metallic particles generated by internal component wear. 

This enables early diagnosis of friction, corrosion, or fatigue processes, supporting corrective actions before critical damage occurs. Based on: 

• Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (ICP – 22 elements) 

Provides a detailed reading of 22 elements such as iron, cadmium, copper, and aluminium, covering wear from friction and corrosion, additives, and contaminants with high sensitivity and precision. 

• PQi (Particle Quantifier Index) 

Quantifies larger ferrous metal particles, useful for identifying more serious faults in early stages.  

• Analytical Ferrography 

Analyses the shape and type of metallic particles to determine the origin, type, and severity of wear. 

Lubricant Fluid Condition 

We assess the physicochemical state of the fluid, verifying its capacity to lubricate and protect systems. 

Monitoring viscosity, thermal degradation, and the presence of contaminants is essential to ensure asset performance and avoid premature efficiency losses. Measurements may include: 

• Kinematic Viscosity 

Checks whether the oil maintains its fundamental property: the ability to form a lubricating film. Changes may indicate degradation or contamination. 

• Oil Density Analysis 

Out-of-range density can indicate the presence of water, fuel, or oxidation. This test also impacts viscosity calculations and hydraulic performance. 

• Infrared Analysis (FTIR) 

Identifies compounds resulting from thermal degradation or combustion, such as oxidation, soot, nitration, and sulphation products. 

• TAN (Total Acid Number) 

Measures the accumulated acid concentration in the oil, indicating oxidation and thermal degradation processes. 

• TBN (Total Base Number) 

Assesses the oil’s alkaline reserve, essential for neutralising acids generated during engine operation. 

• Visual Analysis (Appearance) 

An inspection to detect phase separation, sludge formation, emulsions, or colour changes, which may indicate contamination or accelerated degradation. 

External Contamination 

Monitoring for the presence of contaminants such as water, solid particles, or fuel that can compromise system performance. 

Identifying such contamination enables prompt action to mitigate accelerated wear, operational failures, and unplanned downtime. Tests include: 

• Water Content 

Water contamination can form emulsions, accelerate oxidation, and compromise additives. Monitoring is essential in humid or condensation-prone environments. 

• Particle Count (ISO 4406)  

Measures fluid cleanliness. Crucial for hydraulic systems where particles can jam valves and damage pumps. 

• Fuel Dilution by Gas Chromatography 

Replaces the old flash point test. This quantitative method measures the actual diesel concentration in oil (0–10%) and helps identify injection system faults or excessive fuel in the cylinder. 

Cooling System Analysis 

Comprehensive evaluation of the coolant fluid, including parameters such as pH, conductivity, nitrite content, and glycol content. These properties ensure thermal protection of the engine and auxiliary systems, preventing corrosion, cavitation, and failures due to overheating or freezing. 

• pH and Conductivity 

Indicate chemical balance and the presence of contaminants or internal reactions. A pH outside the ideal range promotes corrosion. 

• Nitrite Content 

Protects metallic surfaces against cavitation and corrosion. Its absence may be formulation-related, but sudden changes indicate intervention is needed. 

• Glycol Content 

Essential for maintaining correct freezing and boiling points, and for corrosion protection. 

Electrical Insulation Analysis (Check the availability of the test in your region.)

Laboratory evaluations to monitor the performance and integrity of insulating oils used in transformers and other electrical equipment. 

These analyses are critical for detecting internal faults, fluid degradation, and the presence of toxic substances, ensuring operational safety and environmental compliance. 

• PCB Content (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) 
  Detects the presence of this toxic substance, which is restricted by environmental regulations. 

• Physicochemical Analysis 
  Evaluation of acidity, dielectric strength, dissipation factor, and water content in insulating oils. 

• Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) 
  Identifies internal transformer faults by analysing gases dissolved in oil. Essential for predictive maintenance of electrical systems. 

Why Are These Fluid Analyses Essential? 

By performing these analyses, maintenance professionals can anticipate failures, strategically plan shutdowns, avoid unnecessary fluid changes, and monitor asset health using reliable data. 

More than just detecting problems, ALS provides clear, actionable recommendations, transforming technical reports into practical steps to safeguard operational performance. Key differentiators include: 

• Comprehensive scope by compartment and application 

• Reports with interpretations and technical guidance 

• Global presence, with in-house laboratories 

• Cutting-edge technology and standardised methodologies   

Thus, ALS fluid analysis is an essential component in the operational reliability strategy. With an integrated approach, advanced technology, and technical expertise, we help companies turn laboratory data into more efficient, economical, and safer decisions.