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Month: September 2026

What is OCM and Why It is Required for Lubricants

Posted by: Chemist Posted on: September 14, 2026

Why OCM Analysis is Necessary to Avoid Engine Failures

  • Early Failure Detection: Spectrometric wear metal analysis spots microscopic component degradation long before physical symptoms (such as overheating, noise, or pressure drops) manifest.
  • Prevention of Corrosion: Monitoring TBN/TAN ensures the oil retains sufficient reserve alkalinity to prevent acidic combustion byproducts from etching bearings, cylinder walls, and liners.
  • Contamination Control: Fast identification of coolant leaks (water content), blown fuel injectors (fuel dilution affecting flash point and viscosity), or failed air filters (silicon) allows corrective action before severe mechanical failure occurs.
  • Lubrication Maintenance: Verifying kinematic viscosity ensures moving parts maintain adequate film thickness, preventing direct metal-to-metal contact, scuffing, and thermal seizure.
  • Condition-Based Maintenance: OCM moves operations away from fixed calendar-based oil changes to condition-driven drain intervals, extending component lifespan while avoiding catastrophic secondary engine damage.
Lube Oil Testing OCM Analysis

1. Wear Metals & Contaminants (ASTM D 5185)

  • Method: Analyzed using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy).
  • Parameters Tested: Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), Silicon (Si), Aluminium (Al), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), and Tin (Sn) measured in parts per million (ppm).
  • Function: Identifies microscopic metal particles and external abrasives in the oil. Elevated concentrations point to specific wearing engine components (e.g., Fe/Cr from cylinder liners and rings; Pb/Cu/Sn from bearings; Si from external dirt ingress).

2. Viscosity @ 40°C / Viscosity @ 100°C (ASTM D 445)

  • Method: Measured using glass capillary viscometers in a temperature-controlled bath.
  • Function: Viscosity determines the oil’s ability to maintain a protective lubrication film. High viscosity indicates oxidation, soot accumulation, or sludge build-up; low viscosity flags fuel dilution or additive shear degradation.

3. Total Acid Number (TAN) & Base Number (TBN) (ASTM D 974 / ASTM D 2896)

  • Method: Measured via potentiometric or color-indicator titrations using automated titrators.
  • Function: TBN tracks the remaining alkaline reserve meant to neutralize corrosive combustion acids. TAN measures total acidic accumulation. A dropping TBN paired with a rising TAN signals oil degradation and risk of internal chemical corrosion.

4. Water Content (ASTM D 6304)

  • Method: Determined via Karl Fischer Coulometric Titration.
  • Function: Detects free, emulsified, or dissolved water (in ppm). Moisture degrades oil additives, causes rust, promotes cavitation, and disrupts oil film strength.

5. Flash Point (ASTM D 92)

  • Method: Tested using a Cleveland Open Cup apparatus by heating the sample until vapors ignite.
  • Function: A significant drop in flash point indicates volatile fuel contamination (fuel dilution), which lowers lubrication capability and poses a combustion risk.

6. Pentane Insolubles (ASTM D 893)

  • Method: Evaluated through solvent mixing, centrifugation, and membrane filtration.
  • Function: Measures insoluble solid contaminants like soot, resin, oxidized organic matter, and external dirt, identifying filtration issues or combustion blow-by.

Want to learn more about extended tests including FTIR, Oxidation, Nitration, Sulfation, Soot? you may visit our dedicated page Lube Oil Testing

Should you have any enquiries and looking for a competitive quote, feel free to contact us 24/7:

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LPG Cylinder Calibration and Testing in Muscat, Oman

Posted by: Chemist Posted on: September 13, 2026

Enquiry:

Please provide your best quotation for conducting inspection and testing of our 22kg LPG cylinder in accordance with ISO 22991:2004 requirements.

The required tests are as follows:

  • Visual Examination
  • Hydrostatic Test
  • Pneumatic Test
  • Burst Test
  • Mechanical Test
  • Bend Test
  • Radiography Examination

Please let us know if you require any additional information or supporting documents.

One of our highly proficient and ISO certified laboratory would be taking over this job.

Should you have any similar requisites, do drop us email and we shall revert instantly -> [email protected].

Quantity Inspection of Bitumen 60-70, C170 Mersin, Turkey

Posted by: Chemist Posted on: September 10, 2026

Enquiry:

We would like to inquire about the pricing for testing and quantity inspection services for bitumen. Please note that the cargo is currently located in Mersin, Turkey.

Kindly review the attached documents; there are two separate lists, and we request a price quote for each.

Bitumen quantity: 200 to 500 metric tons.

Packed in drums.

One of our highly proficient and ISO certified laboratory would be taking over this job.

Should you have any similar requisites, do drop us email and we shall revert instantly -> [email protected].

Testing of Pressure Treated Eucalyptus Poles in Dubai, UAE

Posted by: Chemist Posted on: September 10, 2026

Enquiry:

Preservative Penetration and Retention Testing

We have already pressure-treated eucalyptus poles and require laboratory verification for our client.

Please advise if you can conduct preservative penetration and retention tests and issue an official test report/certificate confirming the treatment.

Kindly share the testing cost, required sample, applicable standard, and turnaround time.

One of our highly proficient and ISO certified laboratory would be taking over this job.

Should you have any similar requisites, do drop us email and we shall revert instantly -> [email protected].

Ballast Water Sampling and Testing at Damietta Port, Egypt

Posted by: Chemist Posted on: September 10, 2026

Enquiry:

Please provide us with the following information:

Available ballast water analysis tests.

Applicable standards/methodology.

Required sample volume and sampling requirements.

Turnaround time for issuing the analysis report.

Laboratory accreditation/certification.

Cost of the analysis.

Please also confirm whether the issued report/certificate is suitable for demonstrating compliance with the IMO BWM Convention.

Kindly send us your quotation and any required sampling instructions.

One of our highly proficient and ISO certified laboratory would be taking over this job.

Should you have any similar requisites, do drop us email and we shall revert instantly -> [email protected].

Industrial Gas Meters Calibration in Pakistan

Posted by: Chemist Posted on: September 10, 2026

Enquiry:

Subject: itron gas meters Message Body:
Need quote for calibration of “Itron” industrial gas meters. Following details.
Connection Sizes: 2 inches, in and out
Calibration Points: 1 point
Application: Sui Gas
No. of meters:
G40: 2
G75: 4

One of our highly proficient and ISO certified laboratory would be taking over this job.

Should you have any similar requisites, do drop us email and we shall revert instantly -> [email protected].

DGA Testing Transformer Oil Contract in Qatar

Posted by: Chemist Posted on: September 9, 2026

Enquiry:

We kindly request your budgetary quotation for Dissolve Gas Analysis as per attached Price Schedule

Look forward to receive the Budgetary offer by 14th  September 26.

A brief SOW is provided below for your reference please.

A. Dissolve Gas Analysis

For Dissolve Gas Oil Analysis, below Scope of Services shall be performed by the Contractor based on request.

  1. CONTRACTOR shall carry out oil samplings in accordance with ASTM D3613 standard to avoid contamination and gas loss. Sampling shall be performed using gas-tight syringes or vacuum-type sampling bottles suitable for DGA.

CONTRACTOR shall ensure flushing of sampling valves prior to sample collection.

CONTRACTOR shall perform sampling preferably on energized transformers (online condition) unless otherwise instructed.

CONTRACTOR is required to collect oil samples on ad-hoc basis based on our RO issuance, which should include provision of all necessary tools and bottles for the collection of oil samplings

Each sample shall be properly labeled with the following details:

  • Transformer tag number
  • Location
  • Date and time of sampling
  • Load condition (if available)
  • Oil temperature
  1. CONTRACTOR shall perform Oil quality testing and DGA using Gas Chromatography (GC) method refer to ASTM D3612 standard and shall be conducted in a certified laboratory with calibrated instruments.
  2. A general list of common Oil quality tests that should be performed for reasons mentioned above along with the applicable standards include: –
Oil Quality testing & Standard
Moisture content (corrected 20C / % saturation)IEC 60814 / IEC60422
Total acidity numberIEC 62021-1 / IEC 60422
BDV – 2.5mmIEC 60156 / IEC 60422
Interfacial tensionASTM D 971 /IEC 60422
DDF – 90 CIEC 60247 / IEC 60422
Color and appearanceISO 2049 / IEC 60422
Sediment & sludgeIEC 61125 / IEC 60422
Inhibitor Content DBP / DBPCIEC 60666
Furans in OilIEC 61198 / Chendong
Methanol / EthanolGC method
Corrosive Sulphur -CCDIEC 62535
Traces of DBDSIEC 62697-1
Total Corrosive sulfurIEC 62697
PCB contentIEC 61619
Metal analysisASTM D 7115
ParticlesIEC 60970 / ISO
Stray gassing testCIGRE TF11

This is not an exhausted list as there are many other tests that may be performed on an “as and when” required basis.

  1. CONTRACTOR shall conduct the Dissolved Gas analysis in accordance with the parameters outlined below:
  • Hydrogen (H₂)
  • Methane (CH₄)
  • Ethane (C₂H₆)
  • Ethylene (C₂H₄)
  • Acetylene (C₂H₂)
  • Carbon Monoxide (CO)
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
  • Optional (recommended)
  • Oxygen (O₂)
  • Nitrogen (N₂)
  1. CONTRACTOR shall perform detailed diagnostic analysis using IEC 60599 methods.
  2. CONTRACTOR is required to collect on routine based on our request, which should include provision of all necessary tools and bottles for the collection of oil samplings.
  3. The Report shall be provided no later than two (02) weeks after receiving receipt of samples from us with below requirements.
  • Gas concentration in ppm for each parameter
  • Total Dissolved Combustible Gas (TDCG)
  • Diagnostic interpretation
  • Identification of fault type and severity
  • Trend comparison (if previous data is available)
  • Clear recommendations for action
  • Raw GC data (if requested)
  • Diagnostic plots (Duval Triangle, trends, ratios)

One of our highly proficient and ISO certified laboratory would be taking over this job.

Should you have any similar requisites, do drop us email and we shall revert instantly -> [email protected].

Commodity of Rice Testing in Karachi, Pakistan

Posted by: Chemist Posted on: September 9, 2026

Enquiry:
We request you to please advise us
the charges for the following Lab Test for the requirement of Government of Pakistan Ministry of
National Food Security & Research Department of Plant Protection for Export of Pakistani Rice.,

Required Test Detail:
– MRL,
– Mycotoxin,
– Heavy Metal,

And also advise us how many days you have to issue a Lab Report after receiving the sample, and you
share the Lab Test Report Via Email or WhatsApp and also inform us your representative will collect
the sample from our office at S.I.T.E, Karachi or we will send you the sample.

Also inform us that your firm is approved by the Department of Plant Protection Government of Pakistan Karachi and

your test report acceptable for issuance of Phytosanitary Certificate for Export of RICE..

One of our highly proficient and ISO certified laboratory would be taking over this job.

Should you have any similar requisites, do drop us email and we shall revert instantly -> [email protected].