Oil Analysis Made SimpleRapid Sample Automation

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A Growing IndustryWear metals analysis of used oil has been employed to monitor and protect the condition of capital equipment since the 1960’s. Since then the industry has experienced continuous annual growth. In 2013, an estimated 160 million samples were tested.

Changing economic conditions have spurred additional motivation for wear metals testing to protect customers’ investments, driving annual tested sample numbers higher.

With such steady growth, labs are always looking for ways to increase throughput and capacity without large capital expenditures.

Complete Oil Sample Handling

Collecting and analyzing wear oils to monitor the condition of critical equipment can transform maintenance from a reactive to a predictive process. This practice has become vital to the productivity of several industries.

Regular sampling, testing and analysis of fuel oil, lubricant oil and hydraulic oil enables engineers to accurately measure, monitor and assess the condition and efficacy of machinery over time and make necessary adjustments to maximize operational performance.

Increasing Productivity and ProfitAlong with the need to meet rising demand, laboratories must also increase productivity to remain competitive. Labor and overhead costs are continually on the rise, tying the need for enhanced efficiency to the pursuit of greater throughput.

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Better Tools and Methods

Teledyne CETAC Technologies provides a range of solutions for the analysis of oil samples addressing the particular challenges they present: dilutions and preparations, settling particulate matter and sample analysis times.

Wear oil analysis typically calls for oil samples that are collected in the field to be diluted before they can be analyzed. Typically these dilutions are performed with either hand pipetting or manually controlled diluters. Both methods are very labor intensive, time consuming and prone to errors.

The APS-1650 Automated Prep Station was developed to automate the dilution process. This automation cuts down on labor wastages and removes the human element from the sample preparation. This nearly doubles throughput over hand dilution methods.

Keeping oil in solution is difficult. Traditionally it is overcome by manually shaking the samples prior to analysis. This runs the risk of spilling the samples or having the last samples in the rack falling out of solution.

The ASX-1400/1600 mixing autosampler eliminates the need to manually shake samples. These autosamplers have the capability to stir samples just prior to analysis reducing the number of samples that will have to be reanalyzed.

The ASXPRESS® PLUS Rapid Sample Introduction System increases sample throughput by reducing sample loading, signal stabilization and washout times. Optimizing the sample introduction process enhances production by 40-70 percent.

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Preparation

FastAverage time for sample dilution with this system is as low as 35 seconds.

Accurate Automatic probe depth control into the sample, reduces the necessary solvent and preparation time. Dual independent drip cups beneath the sample probe and stirring paddle eliminate cross contamination.

FlexibleAdjustable stirring paddle control to optimze speed and depth ensuring proper mixing of samples and more precise analytical results.

SimpleUser-friendly software provides a platform for quick and easy laboratory configuration with multiple sample, diluent, rinse and rack optional settings.

Pre-analysis preparation of oil samples is achieved via a relatively simple dilution process; however these dilutions are time consuming and carry the potential for human error.

The APS-1650 Automated Preparation Station addresses the need for an automated process solution for the preparation of diluted oil samples. The system is designed to ensure fast, accurate sample dilutions in a small footprint which saves time and bench space.

Technical SpecificationsAutosampler Dimensions:

Height: 70 cm (27.5¨)Width: 110 cm (43.3¨)Depth: 70 cm (27.5¨)Weight: 30 kg (66 lbs)

Syringe Module Dimensions:Height: 26.7 cm (10.5¨)Width: 14 cm (5.5¨)Depth: 20.3 cm (8¨)Weight: 4.5 kg (10 lbs)

Computer/Hardware Interfaces: RS-232, USB

Power Requirements: AC 100V-240V, 3.2A

Sample Rack Options: 45 position 2 oz and 4 oz bottles; 80 and 90 position 2 mL cups

Collection Rack Options: 80 position 15 mL (17 mm x 100 mm); 90 position 8 mL (13 mm x 100 mm)

Warranty: 2 year limited

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AdaptableFlexible rack options: Gilson, Bel-Art, CETAC/Bohdan. Customized racks available.

Technical SpecificationsASX-1400 Dimensions:

Height: 53 cm (21¨)Width: 60 cm (23.5¨)Depth: 51 cm (20¨)Weight: 20.5 kg (45.25 lbs)Capacity: 4 racks, up to 360 samples

ASX-1600 Dimensions:Height: 53 cm (21¨)Width: 84 cm (33¨)Depth: 51 cm (20¨)Weight: 30 kg (66 lbs)Capacity: 6 racks, up to 540 samples

Hardware Interfaces: RS-232, USB

Power: 100-240 VAC, 3.2A

Warranty: 2 year limited

RapidAccelerated movement dramatically increases efficiency. Average sample handling time with this system is as low as six seconds.

CleanA unique drip cup moves under the sample probe and stirrer, eliminating cross contamination from messy drips. Independent, continuous-flow rinse of the sample probe and mixing paddle minimizes sample contamination and carryover.

Time

Settlin

g

Handling

Used oil samples analyzed for wear metals contain particulate matter which settles prior to analysis, leading to unrepeatable results. The solution is to mix each sample prior to analysis.

The ASX-1400 and ASX-1600 Mixing Autosamplers incorporate a simple stirring paddle to homogenize each sample automatically prior to analysis. Variable-speed control ensures proper mixing of the samples and more precise results.

Without stirring, settling of some samples is observed in as quick as a few minutes.

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ASXPRESS Valve/Pump Module

VACUUM PUMP

IN OUT

SAMPLELOOP

VALVE

RINSE UPTAKE FROMAUTO SAMPLER WASTE

INSTRUMENTPERISTALTIC

PUMP

NEBULIZER

INJECT/RINSE

CARRIERAIR

SOLUTION

ASXPRESS Valve/Pump Module

VACUUM PUMP

IN OUT

SAMPLELOOP

VALVE

SAMPLE UPTAKE FROMAUTO SAMPLER WASTE

LOAD SAMPLE

INSTRUMENTPERISTALTIC

CARRIERAIR

PUMP

SOLUTION

NEBULIZER

ASXPRESS Valve/Pump Module

VACUUM PUMP

IN OUT

SAMPLELOOP

VALVE

RINSE UPTAKE FROMAUTO SAMPLER WASTE

INSTRUMENTPERISTALTIC

PUMP

NEBULIZER

INJECT/RINSE

CARRIERAIR

SOLUTION

ASXPRESS Valve/Pump Module

VACUUM PUMP

IN OUT

SAMPLELOOP

VALVE

SAMPLE UPTAKE FROMAUTO SAMPLER WASTE

LOAD SAMPLE

INSTRUMENTPERISTALTIC

CARRIERAIR

PUMP

SOLUTION

NEBULIZER

Throughput

Most wear metals analysis is performed on ICP instruments using a single peristaltic pump to deliver samples to the nebulizer and rinse the flow path between deliveries; though typical, this setup is not as efficient as it could be.

The ASXPPreSS® PluS Rapid Sample Introduction System more than doubles throughput by minimizing times for sample loading, stabilization and washout. A high-speed vacuum pump rapidly loads samples while the nebulizer is cleared. Then an injection valve sends the sample to the nebulizer while the uptake line is rinsed. The result is additional time dedicated to sample analysis, more effective flow path rinse, and reduced time between samples.

The ASXPPreSS® PluS adds an inert high-speed vacuum pump in addition to the ICP/ICP-MS peristaltic pump, while a metal-free 6-port valve allows the use of both pumps simultaneously.

In inject position, the loaded sample is pushed by the carrier solution to the nebulizer (red/green), while the autosampler probe moves to the rinse position and the vacuum pump flushes the uptake path (blue) with a segmented stream of rinse solution.

In load position, the vacuum pump rapidly fills the sample loop (green), while the peristaltic pump transports carrier solution, keeping the plasma stable (red). The segmented stream cleans liquid flow paths more effectively and in less time.

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FastRuns more samples in less time by optimizing sample introduction. Removes the need for “fast pumping,” improving plasma stability.

EfficientExtends the service life of ICP-AES/ICP-MS components such as nebulizers, spray chambers, and sample cones by reducing their exposure to the sample matrix.

Cost EffectiveMinimizes sample consumption and reduces laboratory costs associated with argon, power consumption, pump tubing, and maintenance.

SimpleEasy set-up with minimal modification to analysis method. No complex additional software required; all system parameters are stored on-board the system processor.

High QualityICP data before and after ASXPPreSS® PluS. The only difference between the runs is that half the time was saved using the ASXPPreSS® PluS. Typical carryover has been measured at less than 0.1%.

time (min)1.5 4.5

pre�ush

PLUS

typicalICP setup

analysis(integration)

washoutphase

analysiscomplete

analysiscomplete

ASXPRESS™

The ASXPPreSS® PluS increases ICP-AES/ICP-MS analysis throughput by reducing sample delivery/rinse times without affecting measurement time. Multiple sample introduction steps occur simultaneously, resulting in virtual elimination of stabilization and rinse times.

0

1500

3000

0 1500 3000

With

out ASX

PRESS

With ASXPRESS

Ca

0

450

900

0 450 900

Wit

hout

ASX

PRESS

With ASXPRESS

Mg

0

700

1400

0 700 1400

Wit

hout

ASX

PRESS

With ASXPRESS

Zn

0

40

80

0 40 80

With

out ASX

PRESS

With ASXPRESS

Fe

Data generated from oil sample analysis.

Technical SpecificationsValve/Pump Module Dimensions:

Height: 12.8 cm (5.0”)Width: 5.8 cm (2.3”)Depth: 21.7 cm (8.5”)Weight: 1.30 kg (2.8 lb)

Electronics Module Dimensions:Height: 25.4 cm (10.0”)Width: 8.3 cm (3.3”)Depth: 20.0 cm (7.9”)

Hardware Interfaces: RS-232 to autosampler RS-232 and/or USB to host PC External pump connectorPower: 100-240 VAC ~ 47-63 Hz 1.9A

Warranty: 2 year limited

Minimum Computer Requirements

Configuration tool requires Microsoft® Windows® Vista or later release. No software is required for system operation.

ASXPRESS® PLUS requires any combination of two RS-232 and/or USB communication ports.

Teledyne CETAC Technologies, 14306 Industrial Road, Omaha, NE 68144 USA+1 402.733.2829 | +1 800.369.2822 | cetacsales@teledyne.com | www.cetac.com©2007–2015 TELEDYNE TECHNOLOGIES Specifications are subject to change without notice. Other products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks.