Drop of knowledge #20

Ecol Laboratory – what happened in August?

1. 1. Oil cleanliness testing, classification and methods of measuring contamination →
2. 2. Check it out at ecol.eu →
3. 3. Upcoming conferences we are participating in →
4. 4. Element of the month →

1. Oil cleanliness testing, classification and methods of measuring contamination

Not all oils are the same – and a single method isn’t enough to compare contamination levels.

For gear, hydraulic, or turbine oils, the best method is to determine the cleanliness class according to ISO 4406, for example, using the ASTM D7647-24 method. The result, in the form of a code (e.g., 18/16/13), indicates the number of contaminant particles in three size ranges. This is an effective tool for assessing the condition of the oil, filtration, and the level of environmental contamination or wear.

However, in engine oils, this method is meaningless – the large amount of naturally occurring soot and combustion products will certainly distort the result and produce high values regardless of the sample tested (e.g., 25/23/21). Therefore, in this case, the method for determining the content of solid particles according to PN-C-04178 is preferable. It allows for the determination of the percentage of solid contaminants in a sample, regardless of their optical nature. High values may indicate, among other things, filter element inefficiency, possible incomplete fuel combustion, and the presence of degradation products.

Therefore, this parameter reflects, in a sense, the degree of oil degradation and contamination. It can also indicate improper engine operation. Contaminants can increase the viscosity of the lubricating oil and lead to deposit formation. Furthermore, the heat transfer efficiency of the lubricating oil can deteriorate.

Choosing the appropriate method is not just a matter of technique – it is the foundation of reliable diagnostics and system safety. The full text of the article can be found on our website: click here

check also ecol.eu:

3. The upcoming conferences we’re attending:

• 02-03.09.2025: BMP XXVII Scientific and Technical Symposium ENERGETYKA BEŁCHATÓW, Bełchatów, Poland
• 03.09.2025: Axon – Reliability and Maintenance in Production Plants, Słupsk, Poland
• 10.09.2025: Axon – Reliability and Maintenance in Production Plants, Ostróda, Poland
• 10-11.09.2025: 3rd Nuclear Energy Congress, Warsaw, Poland
• 16-18.09.2025: 38th International Energy Fair ENERGETAB, Bielsko-Biała, Poland
• 16-18.09.2025: Lubricant Expo 2025, Düsseldorf, Germany
• 23-26.09.2025: 16th International Railway Fair TRAKO, Gdańsk, Poland
• 25.09.2025: vgbe Congress 2025, Wiedeń, Austria

4. Element of the month

Potassium (łac. kalium) – potassium is an alkaline element that owes its name to potash – ash from burning charcoal containing potassium compounds, formerly used in soap production. Due to its properties, it can ignite on contact with air, so it should be stored in paraffin oil or kerosene. Potassium is used in the production of fertilizers, glass, ceramics, and in the food and medical industries. Potassium also has very important biological significance and is discussed not only in the context of blood tests but also in the context of oil testing.

👉 In oil diagnostics, potassium does not naturally occur in additives and should not be present in pure lubricants, with a few exceptions. If it appears, it usually indicates contamination – most often from coolant, which may contain potassium.

👉 An increase in its concentration in the oil may also indicate the presence of another fluid or residue from previously used lubricant.

👉 The presence of potassium can also result from the ingress of environmental contaminants or hard water (containing potassium salts) into the oil. It’s worth remembering that potassium itself isn’t dangerous, but its presence can be the first sign of a problem.

👉 Therefore, in oil analysis, even a trace of such an inconspicuous element can be significant – and it’s worth taking a closer look.