Marine Lubricants Quality Testing

Lubricants Quality Scanning (LQS) Programs for the Maritime Industry

LQS is a lubricants quality monitoring program focused on supporting the global maritime shipping industry. Lubricant Quality Scanning is specifically designed to assess lubricating oil problems and to report any issues to the client. Ship-owners using LQS reduces potential unplanned downtime from unknowingly operating machinery at risk for operational failure.

Performed by fully qualified chemists, LQS engine oil analysis includes important marine lubricant quality tests including:

• Viscosity
• Base Number
• Flash Point
• Insolubles
• Spectrometric analysis for wear and metallic particles

Test results from a spectrometric inspection is reviewed by an experienced interpreter, as a diagnostic aid to indicate oil and machinery health. Machines work to high pressure, temperature and stresses which all have an impact on the lubricant. With other factors such as contamination from water, raw fuel and air ingested particles extra demands are made on the lubricant.

A valuable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of machinery conditions is oil analysis. It has been recognised that analysis from system lubricating oil samples gives a direct indication of the health of the associated machinery and components. (According to the IMO nearly 25% of maritime accidents are caused by machinery failings). Results of such analysis has lead to equipment being decommissioned or overhauled based almost entirely on the lubricating oil analysis. By analysing lubricating oil, wear and contaminants are discovered before failure.

Contact Intertek for more information.