ALS’s analysis programmes cover specific scopes and tests for key equipment compartments, such as:
– Hydraulic systems
– Transmissions
– Engines
– Final drives
– Diesel systems
– Cooling systems
Across all scopes, we aim to assess three essential pillars: component wear, fluid condition, and external contamination.
Key fluid analysis tests
Wear assessment
Analyses focused on identifying and quantifying metallic particles generated by wear of internal equipment components.
This enables early diagnosis of friction, corrosion, or fatigue processes, supporting corrective interventions before critical damage occurs, based on:
ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) emission spectrometry – 22 elements
As the name suggests, it provides a detailed reading of 22 elements such as iron, cadmium, copper and aluminium, covering wear (friction and corrosion), additives and contamination, with a high degree of sensitivity and accuracy.
PQi (Particle Quantifier Index)
Quantifies larger ferrous metallic particles, useful for identifying more severe failures at an early stage.
Analytical ferrography
Analyses the shape and type of metallic particles to determine the source, type and severity of wear.
Lubricating fluid condition
Here we assess the fluid’s physico-chemical state, verifying its ability to lubricate and protect the systems.
Monitoring viscosity, thermal degradation and the presence of contaminants is essential to ensure asset performance and prevent premature loss of efficiency. Measurement can be based on:
Kinematic viscosity
Checks whether the oil maintains its fundamental property: the ability to form a lubricating film. Changes indicate degradation or contamination.
Oil density analysis
When outside standard ranges, density may indicate the presence of water, fuel or oxidation. This analysis also affects viscosity calculations and hydraulic performance.
Infrared analysis (FTIR)
Identifies compounds resulting from thermal degradation or combustion, such as oxidation, soot, and nitration and sulphation products.
TAN (Total Acid Number)
TAN measures the concentration of accumulated acidity in the oil, indicating oxidation and thermal degradation processes.
TBN (Total Base Number)
TBN assesses the oil’s alkaline reserve, which is essential to neutralise acids formed during engine operation.
External contamination
This is the monitoring of contaminating agents such as water, solid particles or fuel, which can compromise system operation.
Detecting these contaminations allows quick action to mitigate the risks of accelerated wear, operational failures and unplanned downtime. For this, we use:
Water content
Water contamination can create emulsions, accelerate oxidation and deplete additives. Monitoring this parameter is essential in humid environments or those prone to condensation.
Particle count (ISO 4406)
Measures the fluid’s cleanliness level. It is essential in hydraulic systems, where particles can stick valves and damage pumps.
Fuel dilution by gas chromatography
Replacing the old flash point test, this quantitative method measures the actual diesel concentration in the oil (0 to 10%) and helps identify injection system faults or excess fuel in the cylinder.
Cooling system analysis
A complete evaluation of the coolant, 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. pH outside the ideal range promotes corrosion.
Nitrite content
Protects metal surfaces against cavitation and corrosion. Its absence may be related to the formulation, but a sudden change indicates the need for intervention.
Glycol content
Essential to maintain appropriate freezing and boiling points.
Electrical insulating oil analysis
Here we refer to laboratory evaluations aimed at monitoring the performance and integrity of insulating oils used in transformers and other electrical equipment.
These analyses are critical to detect internal faults, fluid degradation and the presence of toxic substances, ensuring operational safety and environmental compliance.
PCB content (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)
PCB testing detects the presence of this toxic substance, whose use is restricted by environmental regulations.
Physico-chemical tests
Assessment of acidity, dielectric strength, dissipation factor and water content in insulating oils.
Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA)
Identifies internal faults in transformers through analysis of gases dissolved in the oil, and is essential for predictive maintenance in electrical systems.
Why are these fluid analyses indispensable?
By performing these fluid analyses, maintenance managers can anticipate failures and plan shutdowns strategically, avoid unnecessary fluid changes and monitor asset health based on reliable data.
More than identifying problems, ALS provides clear, actionable recommendations—turning technical reports into practical actions to protect operational performance. This is supported by differentiators such as:
– Comprehensive scope by compartment and application
– Reports with technical interpretation and guidance
– Global presence, with own laboratories
– State-of-the-art technology and standardised methodologies
In this way, ALS’s fluid analysis is an essential component of an operational reliability strategy. With an integrated view, technology and technical expertise, we help companies turn laboratory data into more efficient, economical and safer decisions.
