Infrared Analysis of Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Oils

Analysis of oils from diesel engines historically has been limited to measurements of wear metals and changes in physical properties. This paper discusses the application of computer-assisted infrared spectroscopy in studying the chemical and physical changes of used diesel oils.

A detailed study of various oils by this method reveals a variety of important information, including the fate of various additive chemistries and the decomposition products of the oil. Correlation of this technique with laboratory dynamometer tests and actual field service is discussed.