Technical Library

Technical Publications

Robert Kauffman - STLE Technical Paper "Remaining Useful Life Measurements of Diesel Engine Oils, Automotive Engine Oils, Hydraulic Fluids, and Greases Using Cyclic Voltammetric Methods"
- presented at STLE ' 94 Pittsburgh Annual Meeting and published in Lubrication Engineering.

This paper presents the capabilities of the RULER, and also the typical applications where it can be used for.

Amy Clough - The Lubrizol Corporation - "The Relative Strengths of Oxidation Inhibitors Used in Lubricants and the Monitoring of their Consumption" An Electroanalytical Approach"
- From Recent Developments in Oil Chemistry "- 1997

A paper published by Lubrizol presenting the detection capabilities of the cyclic voltammetry (RULER) for a wide range of antioxidants. Also it includes an excellent comparison with existing oil analysis methods (NMR), and her conclusions for lab analysis.

Adrian Jefferies - Castrol International - "RULER and Used Engine Oil Analysis Programs"
- presented at STLE /ASME London September 1997 and published in Lubrication Engineering.

If you are focusing with the RULER on the combustion engine lubricants, this paper is of presents the comparison of the RULER technique vs. IR, Viscosity, DSC, and TAN/TBN will help you to collect the right technical arguments.

Wilma van Leeuwen - Quaker Chemical - "Use of RULER for the Determination of Critical Antioxidant Concentration in Ester Based Hydraulic Fluids"
- presented at the AISE Pittsburgh September 1998 meeting.

This technical paper will present the added value of the RULER for condition monitoring on ester based (fire resistant) hydraulic fluids. Not only by presenting results from laboratory aged oils, but also from typical field information. This paper has been published in the STLE Lubrication Engineering magazine.

Robert Kauffman - STLE Technical Paper - "Rapid, Portable Voltammetric Techniques for Performing Antioxidant, Total Acid Number (TAN), and Total Base Number (TBN) Measurements."
- presented at STLE '97 Kansas City Annual Meeting and published in Lubrication Engineering.

Another very strong technical paper from Bob Kauffman, highlighting the important combination of Ruler Acid Number and Antioxidants. By presenting a few nice practical cases, this paper will be very helpful for those of you who rely very much on the ASTM TAN & TBN analysis.

William R. Herguth and Dr. Sidney Phillips - Herguth Laboratories Inc. Vallejo, USA - "Comparison of Common Analytical Techniques to Voltammetric Analysis of Antioxidants in Industrial Lubricating Oils"
-presented at STLE AM, Orlando 1996

This document presents a correlation study between RULER and common analytical techniques, like RBOT, DSC, viscosity and TAN. The presented information will be helpfull for industrial lubricants cases, where on-site condition monitoring is in evolution.

Robert Kauffman, UDRI - STLE Technical Paper - "On-Line & Off-Line Techniques for Monitoring the Thermal and Oxidative Degradations of Aircraft Turbine Engine Oils -Part 1: Laboratory Evaluations"
- presented at the ASME/STLE '94 Hawaii Meeting Tribology Conference.

This paper is an outsider, if you compare it to the other papers, as the paper highlights the results of laboratory research for on-line oil analysis, covering the possibilities of detecting thermal degradation vs. chemical oxidation.

Jo Ameye, Steve Lee, JOAP 1999 Proceedings - "Experiences with RULER Oil Analysis Instrument for Quick Determination of Remaining Useful Life on Jet and Diesel Engine Lubricants"
Jo Ameye, Steve Lee - DERA Pyestock, Fuels & Lubricants Centre - Farnborough, Hants - UK

Jo Ameye, Fluitec International - POA 2000 Oil Analysis Conference - "Rapid and Cost-effective Determination of the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) of Industrial Lubricants by Voltammetric Techniques"
- presented at the POA 2002 Conference, Tulsa, OK.

How are professionals in lubrication management finding the right balance between routine off-site oil analysis techniques, and on-site, quick, RUL assessing techniques? What is the relationship between oxidation, known as a failure root cause, and proactive RUL information? How does voltammetry work, and why does it enable cost-effective, routine RUL assessment for a wide variety of industrial lubricants?

Birgit Myle - SAE 2000, International Spring Fuels and Lubricants, Paris, France - "The Use of Cyclic Voltammetric Antioxidant Analysis for Proactive Engine Oil Condition Monitoring Program"
- SAE 2000 paper ref 2000-01-1810

Previous research has shown that voltammetry is well suited for determining the antioxidant concentrations of a wide variety of lubricating oils and greases. In particular, the antioxidants present in automotive and diesel engine oils are used to increase the thermal-oxidative stability of the various type lubricants.

Jo Ameye, Fluitec International- JOAP 2000 Proceedings, "The Results of a Program for Quick Determination of Antioxidants on 0-160 Helicopter Turbine Lubricants by Using the RULER Oil Analysis Instrument"
-presented at the JOAP 2000 conference, Mobile, AL

In the paper, the RUL was monitored (by mean of the RULER) on field oil samples obtained from the Royal Netherlands Navy Site Den Helder, where approximately 20 GKN Westland Lynx helicopters are in operation. During a 2-year research program the quality of the 0-160 lubricants, was monitored with the RULER for the remaining antioxidants concentration, and the Naval site could conclude that the RULER instrument allowed them to understand the degradation mechanism of the lubricant

Robert E. Kauffman, Jo Ameye - ASTM STP publication - "Antioxidant Analysis for Monitoring Remaining Useful Life of Turbine Fluids",br /> - Presented at June 2001 ASTM Symposium "Turbine Lubrication in the 21st Century". Published in ASTM STP 1407.

In this study the remaining useful life of a wide range of turbine lubricants was measured by detecting directly the remaining activity and performance of phenolic and amine antioxidants, known as primary antioxidants. This will allow end-users to enhance fluid management on-site, to detect abnormal equipment/usage and consequently to improve the planning of maintenance actions resulting in a more efficient oil management.

Rich Wurzbach, Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, Delta PA, USA - POA 2001 Proceedings - "Oxidative Stability and Strategies for Extending Lubricant Life"

Extending lubricant and machine life is a key goal of applying oil analysis techniques as part of a facility maintenance program. Oxidation of the oil is a major concern for potential problems. Oxidation is a function of heat, load, contaminants and the age of the lubricants. This can lead to the varnishing and sludging of the oil, changing to its viscosity, and ultimately, lubricant failure. An effective oil monitoring utilizes a strategy of testing that monitors both oil oxidation and depletion of the antioxidant additives. By understanding the chemical and mechanical principles used in these tests, one can better determine the proper analysis regimen to ensure to optimum lubricant performance and utilization.

Robert Kauffman, UDRI - STLE 2001 Condition Monitoring Conference - "Combining On-site and On-Line Voltammetric Analysis to Better Understand the Difference Degradation Mechanism of Industrial Lubricants and Equipment -Part I: Joint Strike Fighter Engine"
- presented at the STLE 2001 Annual Meeting

In this paper, on-line sensors capable of monitoring lubricant condition in different engine locations were developed for the JSF engine to improve the engine's capability to diagnose lubricant related problems prior to component failure and engine damage.

Albert van de Kommer - SKF ERC, Jo Ameye - ELGI 2001,"Prediction of Remaining Grease Life - A New Approach and Method by Linear Sweep Voltammetry"
- presented at the ELGI 2001 meeting, Bern, Switzerland, May 2001.

This paper presents the results of research program to evaluate and predict the remaining grease life of greases used in deep groove ball bearings. The results showed that the antioxidant capacity depleted with time, but that the rate of depletion varied depending on operating conditions. The voltammetric results were correlated to measurements results from other analytical techniques, i.e. High Performance Liquid Chromatography and Fourier Transfer Infra Red Spectroscopy.

Cliff Mansfield - Texaco R&D US - "The RULER for Practicing Oil Analysis"
- published in Practicing Oil Analysis Magazine of July/August '98

Technical paper & Endorsement by Texaco.

Robert Kauffman, UDRI, Jo Ameye, Fluitec International- JOAP 2002 Conference - "Development and Seeded Fault Engine Test Evaluation of On-Line Oil Condition Monitoring Sensors for the Joint Strike Fighter"
- presented at the JOAP 2002 Conference, Mobile, AL

This paper presents research to develop, optimize and evaluate on-line oil condition monitoring (OCM) sensors for the lubrication system of the Joint Strike Fighter engine

Robert Kauffman, UDRI, Steve C. Moyer, US Army TACOM-TARDEC- JOAP 2002 Conference - "Development and Laboratory Evaluation of On-Board Oil Condition Monitoring Sensors for HMMWV Diesel Engines"

This paper describes a project to investigate the feasibility of developing a prototype sensor system for on-board monitoring of diesel engine oils.

Kevan Slater, Schematic Approach, Toronto, Ontario, Canada - April 2003 - "The Power of On-Site Lubricant Oxidative Health Control Programs at Power Generation Plants"
- presented at the Noria Lubrication Excellence 2003 Conference April 2003, Houston, TX

Understanding and predicting the lubricant degradation of in-service industrial lubricants is an important and vital part for every lubricant condition-monitoring program. Condition monitoring programs driven by end-users have in many cases ignored the tools/tests to monitor the degradation of the fluid by oxidation by not just the cost of the available tests but in many cases the lack of knowledge in the area of fluid oxidation. this paper will present experiences with antioxidant analysis (by means of the RULER technology) as part of a global on-site oil-screening program performed by maintenance personnel on a wide range of lubricants. End-users will understand how this recently certified ASTM Test Method - ASTM 6810 - will contribute to the value of the oil screening program by allowing for planned or immediate maintenance actions (if required) coupled with reduction in time and costly laboratory oil analysis.

Greg J. Livingstone, Clarus Technologies - Lubrication Excellence 2003 - "Detecting Thermal Failure and Varnish Potential"

Identifying a fluid's potential to produce varnish is challenging. Routine oil analysis does not provide a sufficient warning to alert the lubricant user of varnish potential. This paper highlights a series of six oil analysis tests that, when used in conjunction with each other, can be useful in predicting the formation of varnish due to thermal failure. - presented at the Noria Lubrication Excellence 2003 Conference April 2003, Houston, TX

Bryan Johnson, APS Power, Jo Ameye - ELGI May 2003 - "Condition Monitoring of Anti-oxidant Chemistry of In-Service Bulk Greases"

The failure mechanism for greases in this service may be due to a process other than mechanical working of the grease. The monitoring of chemical changes within the grease is likely an important precursor to the effectiveness of the grease and will be considered in this paper. This paper presents the results of research performed to evaluate the change in anti-oxidant chemistry of the greases.

Jo Ameye - Noria 2004 Lubrication Excellence Conference - "Using Voltammetric (new ASTM) Techniques for Achieving Better Oil Life Economics on 20-400 Gallon Lube Systems"

To meet the high flexibility and efficiency requirements from lubrication systems, a new parameter has been growing in importance, namely the lubricant oxidation stability. As industry recognize the oxidation process as one of the primary lubricant degradation mechanism, the parameter of oxidative stability contributes to the proactive (added) value of CBM programs. Voltammetric techniques (RULERT) have been addressing and introducing this issue, more than merely focusing on the antioxidant behavior but also by their ability to monitor and control antioxidant depletion, from small to very large lubricant reservoirs. Which test can measure directly the antioxidants? As an industrially accepted method, linear voltammetric techniques (RULERT) are a uniquely developed test method for portable and field monitoring of antioxidants, on a wide range of applications, and type of lubricants (including greases). This paper will highlight the economical aspects and benefits of applying these newly approved ASTM technologies, available at the fingertips of any lubricant operator, both for in-service oil monitoring as fresh oil quality control.

Raj Shah, Koehler Instrument Company - NLGI AGM 2004 - "Monitoring Antioxidants in Greases by Voltammetric Techniques"
- an economic approach to life cycle assessment

In modern types of greases antioxidant additives play an important role, in order to meet the performance requirements of industrial greases, especially on medium to high-temperature and long-life applications. Once these greases are put into service, it becomes rather difficult for end-users to perform on-site grease condition monitoring, and predict remaining grease life. Voltammetric techniques (RULER method) have helped ease this challenge, by offering end-users the ability to start monitoring antioxidants in their used greases as a simple and easy-to-use field technique. Several field cases successfully implemented at world-class bearing manufacturers, as well large grease end -users have helped to understand and explain the value of this innovative test method for a wide range of greases. This paper will focus on the use of RULER in the field primarily for grease evaluation, and will present this voltammetric technology at its full amplitude. Data obtained from field sample trails will be discussed along with how the results were used to make proactive decisions in specific industrial applications

Estíbaliz Aranzabe, Arrate Marcaide, Raquel Ferret, Jesús Terradillos Tekniker - Jo Ameye - Fluitec International, Brussels, Belgium - ELGI AGM 2005 - "COMPARING DIFFERENT ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES TO MONITOR LUBRICATING GREASE DEGRADATION"

With this paper the validity and correlation of different analytical techniques will be considered, in order to select the technique(s) most suitable for monitoring the chemical changes within the grease as an important precursor to the effectiveness of the grease. On laboratory aged, lithium soap thickened, grease samples, the following analytical techniques were compared in this program: Acid Number (AN), LSV (linear sweep voltammetry - RULER) and FTIR on the grease and its corresponding oil, viscosity, ICP and DSC. Beside the maximum information that the selected analytical techniques should give on the grease condition, the program also evaluated the minimum quantity of sample, minimum time and the lowest cost. Three analytical techniques have shown suitable results for determining early chemical changes and degradation of greases, e.g. : RULER on the grease and its corresponding oil, FTIR on the corresponding oil and ICP. These analytical techniques have shown their ability to detect the additives consumption during the grease life. Once the grease degradation process has started AN and Viscosity techniques have been shown their ability to better detect grease oxidation.

Jo Ameye, Fluitec International - INDUTEC Brussels 2005 - "Monitoring de la vie résiduelle utile d'un lubrifiant en service sur site"
- une valeur rajoutée à la maintenance proactive, au delà du préventif

Comprendre et prévoir la dégradation par oxydation des lubrifiants industriels en service, devient un paramètre essentielle de chaque programme de maintenance qui est basé sur le contrôle et surveillance d'état de lubrifiant (Condition Based Maintenance). Cet article présentera différentes applications où l'analyse des antioxydants (à base de la technologie RULER©) en tant qu'élément d'un programme global d'huile (diagnostique) est de valeur supplémentaire rajoutée. Les utilisateurs et les laboratoires de huile en service comprendront comment cette méthode d'essai certifiée par ASTM - ASTM D-6971 - contribuera à la valeur du programme de maintenance proactif pour lubrifiants et graisse. Cela en tenant compte des actions immédiates d'entretien (s'il y a lieu) couplées à la réduction à temps et à l'objectif d'éviter la dégradation de l'huile de base.

Robert E. Kauffman - UDRI & Jo Ameye - FLUITEC - SAE COMVEC Detroit, November 2005 - "Hydraulic Lubricant Health Monitoring Programs"
- A Proactive Approach to Increase Equipment Availability

With the increase of operating temperatures and equipment availability, the need is emerging for hydraulic and lubricating equipment manufacturing companies to include new proactive parameters in their maintenance specifications. Not only will these parameters result in a better balance between equipment and oil health monitoring, but also increase the availability of the equipment. The first part of this paper will present principles of working for this innovative technique, (off-line as well on-line oil analysis information) to monitor the antioxidant concentration or oxidative health of the oil, as a complementary parameter to contamination analysis.

Rüdiger Krethe - WEARCHECK GmbH, - ESSLINGEN SYMPOSIUM JAN 2006 - "Determination of Remaining Useful Lifetime of Lubricating Oils Using RULER® Technology"

Routine Oil Analysis determines the level of oxidation by measuring the products that are generated by the oxidation process. In practice the increase of viscosity, the formation of acids and acidic oxidation products will be detected. A clear diagnosis of Remaining Useful Lifetime cannot be taken using these techniques only. The RULER® test uses the principle of Linear Sweep Voltammetry to detect the amount of unused antioxidant additives in the oil. Through the knowledge of the remaining active antioxidants the Remaining Useful Lifetime can be predicted in an early stage. This is important especially for large lubricant circulation systems like turbines, turbo compressors or paper mills. Presented examples show how the RULER® works combined with traditional oil analysis in applications like turbines, compressors and paper mills. It will be shown that the RULER® test can deliver additional and clear information about additive depletion in an earlier stage and more accurate than parameters like TAN or viscosity.

J. Terradillos, M. Bilbao, J. I. Ciria, A. Malaga, J. Ameye - ELGI 2006, Prague - "OIL ANALYSIS AS AN IMPROVEMENT TOOL FOR THE BEHAVIOR OF WINDMILL GEARS. MAIN PROBLEMS DETECTED THROUGH THE LUBRICANT CONDITION"

It is generally accepted that the role and behaviour of the gearbox is very important, in order to meet the operational objectives of a wind turbine. These gearboxes have planetary gears and bearings that require some special attention due to its extreme operating conditions (temperatures, load, etc). In these conditions, the lubricant and wear particles analysis is considered as the most efficient predictive/proactive tool to obtain an optimum performance of the machine. In this paper we will discuss the main related problems with the maintenance of these components through the oil analysis and diagnostics, based on the vast experiences achieved by the International Wearcheck© Group. The main lubricants issues are micropitting, foam and air inside the oil as well the Remaining Useful Life of the in-service lubricant