Smart Lubricant Testing in Petrochem: The Science Behind the XRF
August 27, 2025
Modern lubricants are the result of precise chemical engineering. Each bottle of motor oil or industrial lubricant contains a tailored mix of base oils and functional additives - such as detergents, dispersants, antioxidants, and anti-wear agents. Being able to analyze these additives quickly and accurately is essential for petrochemical manufacturers to ensure consistent quality and meet regulatory standards.
Why Additives Matter
Elements such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, molybdenum, and sulfur are more than just numbers on a datasheet. Calcium and magnesium, for example, provide detergent action that neutralizes acids. Zinc and phosphorus form protective films to reduce engine wear. Sulfur levels must be tightly controlled to comply with fuel and emissions regulations. Too much or too little of any of these elements can alter lubricant performance, shorten equipment life, or risk non-compliance.
Checking lubricating oil after use can give you information on the condition of the engine. By comparing the used oil analysis with new oil of identical type, you can easily identify new elements within the mix. The type of elements can help identify whether the oil has started to break down, or whether it’s the engine itself that has started to wear.
The X-Supreme8000 and LAB-X5000 from Hitachi
The X-Supreme8000 and LAB-X5000 use energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), is the ideal analysis technique as it is fast, accurate, completely non-destructive, and can be used to test a wide range of elements. Designed for high-throughput petrochemical environments, the analyzer requires no complex sample preparation: fill a cup, load it, and within minutes results are available. Built-in atmospheric compensation reduces the need for helium, cutting operating costs without sacrificing precision. The intuitive touchscreen and SmartCheck™ software provide straightforward Pass/Fail guidance, turning complex chemistry into clear decisions for QC staff.
The instruments align with globally recognized methods – ASTM D6481 and ASTM D7751 – ensuring results are accepted across refineries, blending plants, and regulatory bodies. With calibration traceable to ISO standards, it helps guarantee consistency across laboratories and production sites worldwide.
In the past, additive analysis was often time-consuming and required highly trained operators. The X-Supreme8000 and LAB-X5000 changes this by embedding intelligence into the workflow. Results can be stored locally, exported via USB, or instantly shared using the ExTOPE Connect cloud platform, improving traceability and reporting across an entire supply chain.
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