VISCOSITY COMPARISION CHART

1
Gulf Oil Marine Ltd
th
25 Floor, 3 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
e-mail : technical.engineer@gulf-marine.com
 INTERPRETATION OF ANALYSIS REPORTS

PQ (Particle Quantifier) Index

PQ Index is the measurement of ferrous metals such as Iron (Fe) in the lube oil using Ferrography. This
technique uses a magnetic field to attract the Iron particles carried in the lube oil. Unlike conventional
measurement of elements using Spectography such as ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) which measures
smaller elements in the range of 2 to 10 micron, the Particle Quantifier (PQ) measures particles above
10micron in size. For example, an increase of PQ index and a decrease of Iron ppm can show a presence of
iron particles bigger than 10 microns.

Particle Count (ISO4406) – Hydraulic Oil

Particle Count is the measurement of the cleanliness of the hydraulic oil in accordance to ISO (International
Standard Organisation) Cleanliness Code ISO4406. The particles are measured in 4, 6 and 14 microns.

ISO 4406 CODE

ISO No. of Particles per ml
Code Minimum Maximum
EXAMPLE 28 1,300,000 2,500,000
27 640,000 1,300,000
Particle Count : ISO Code 22/19/17 26 320,000 640,000
25 160,000 320,000
Particle Fluid Tested ISO 24 80,000 160,000
Size (µm) per ml Code 23 40,000 80,000
>4 32,731 22 22 20,000 40,000
>6 3,520 19 21 10,000 20,000
>14 1,072 17 20 5,000 10,000
19 2,500 5,000
18 1,300 2,500
17 640 1,300
16 320 640
15 160 320
23 40,000 80,000 14 80 160
22 20,000 40,000 13 40 80
21 10,000 20,000 12 20 40
20 5,000 10,000 11 10 20
19 2,500 5,000 10 5.0 10
18 1,300 2,500 9 2.5 5.0
17 640 1,300 8 1.3 2.5
16 320 640 7 0.64 1.3
6 0.32 0.64
5 0.16 0.32
4 0.08 0.16
3 0.04 0.08
2 0.02 0.04
1 0.01 0.02

2
Gulf Oil Marine Ltd
th
25 Floor, 3 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
e-mail : technical.engineer@gulf-marine.com
 INTERPRETATION OF ANALYSIS REPORTS
Oil Test Condition Probable Cause
 Soot/Insolubles
 Oxidation
Increase
 Fuel Dilution with HFO
Viscosity  Incorrect lubricant grade

 Dilution with Distillate Fuel

Decrease
 Incorrect lubricant grade

 Leaking oil cooler

 Leaking purifier solenoid valve
 Condensation (High Humidity)
Water Increase
 Exposed header tanks
 Leaking gland (Sterntube)
 Breather inefficiency

 Combustion products – due to

incorrect combustion from faulty fuel
system or badly sealing piston rings
Soot/Insolubles Increase
 Oxidation – high oil temperature
 Wear debris
 Extraneous dirt

 Contamination with cylinder oil

Increase
 Incorrect lubricant grade

Base Number  Normal – due to additive depletion

 Rapid depletion indicates insufficient
Decrease
alkalinity or poor combustion (fuel
leakage)

Acid Number Increase  Oxidation – deterioration of oil

PQ Index Increase  Presence of ferrous debris (iron)

 Inadequate filter control, dirt ingress

ISO Code Increase
through seals and/or header tank

3
Gulf Oil Marine Ltd
th
25 Floor, 3 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
e-mail : technical.engineer@gulf-marine.com
 INTERPRETATION OF ANALYSIS REPORTS
Wear Metals Definitions
Aluminium is often used as a primary material of construction for
cases and engine blocks. Aluminium can also be an alloying metal as
Aluminium (Al) in aluminium bronze. Many sleeve bearing and bushes are bi-metal
components overlayed with aluminium. Aluminium is also found in
some sealing compounds.

Barium is an anti-wear (AW) additive and imparts some extreme-

Barium (Ba) pressure (EP) properties, but is found in only a few specialty
lubricants. When found, it is usually below 300 ppm in new lubricants.

Boron is most often found in lubricants as a contaminant generally

from cooling water ingress. However some gear and engine oils use
Boron (B)
boron to provide both anti-wear and detergent properties. When
found as an additive, it is generally found less than 300 ppm.

Chromium is most often used as an alloying metal in high alloy and

stainless steels. Chromium is also used as a plating metal such as
Chromium (Cr) chrome plated piston rings. Trace amounts of chromium with higher
amounts of iron usually indicate shaft wear unless found in in scrape
down analysis as piston ring wear.

Copper is almost always found in the form of an alloy, usually brass

(copper and zinc) or bronze (copper and tin). These high copper
alloys are referred to as ‘Yellow Metals’. Some AW and EP additives
Copper (Cu)
can leach and/or corrode copper from these metals. Copper is also
used in some cooler exchangers and can leach into the lubricant. A
few, mostly gear lubricants, contain copper as an anti-wear additive.

Iron is the most commonly use material of construction and the most
commonly found wear metal in used lubricants. Elemental iron is
usually found in the form of cast iron. Most roller bearing rolling
elements and races are manufactured from carbonized steel. Most
Iron (Fe)
gears are also manufactured from carbonized steel. Most machinery
shafts, cams, and valves are manufactured from high alloy or
stainless steels. These high alloy steels contain trace amounts of
nickel, chromium, and sometimes titanium.

4
Gulf Oil Marine Ltd
th
25 Floor, 3 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
e-mail : technical.engineer@gulf-marine.com
 INTERPRETATION OF ANALYSIS REPORTS
Wear Metals Definitions
Lead is also an alloying metal used in Babbitt sleeve bearing
overlays. Most Babbitts are Tin based, however, in electric motors
and engines, most Babbitts are lead based, i.e, lead will be the major
Lead (Pb)
alloy component. Other sources of lead include leaching from solder
joints, corrosion resistant paints used on the inside of cases (older
equipment), and sealing compounds.

Molybdenum, or ‘moly’, is anti-wear and extreme pressure additive. It

is generally found in gear oils and some engine oils. It can also be
Molybdenum (Mo) found as molybdenum di-sulfide, a solid lubricant additive. It can be
found as high as 5000 ppm in some specialty gear oils, but is usually
in the 100 ppm range.

Nickel is an alloying metal in high alloy and stainless steels. Trace

Nickel (Ni) amounts of nickel with higher amounts of iron usually indicate shaft
wear, valve stems & guides. Nickel is also from heavy fuel residual.

Silicon is most often found as silica (sand) form as a contaminant.

Abundant in all areas, Silica is a very hard crystalline material which
Silicon (Si) causes severe abrasion to metal components. However, in lubricants
Silicon can be used as an anti-foam additive. As an additive, it is most
often found below 20 ppm.

Silver (Ag) Silver is only used in some EMD drives as a bearing overlay.

Sodium is usually considered a contaminant, however, sodium is also

found as an incidental additive as a result of the metallic salt
Sodium (Na) additives. In some AW and EP lubricants, sodium may be found as
high as 100 ppm. Also indicates coolant leak into oil or can also be as
a results of road Salt or Sea water contamination, etc.

Tin is a common alloying metal used in Babbitt sleeve bearing

overlays. Most Babbitt alloys used in industry are tin based, i.e, tin will
Tin (Sn)
be the major alloy component. Another source of tin can be leaching
from soldered copper joints.

Vanadium generally comes from fuel contaminant, but can also be

Vanadium (V) alloying element for steel. For alloying elements, it usually comes
from surface coating, turbine impeller blades, valves, etc.

Lithium (Li) Lithium is a common soap or carrier element found in greases.

5
Gulf Oil Marine Ltd
th
25 Floor, 3 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
e-mail : technical.engineer@gulf-marine.com
 INTERPRETATION OF ANALYSIS REPORTS

General Guide to Source of Wear Metals

TURBINES /
RECIPROCATING HYDRAULIC RECIPROCATING ROTARY
METAL TRANSMISSION GEAR SYSTEM CENTRUFIGAL
ENGINE SYSTEM COMPRESSORS COMPRESSORS
COMPRESSORS
Cylinder Liners,
Shafts,
Piston Rings, Gears, Rods,
Gears, Pistons, Gears, Shafts,
Gears, Discs, Cylinders,
Shafts, Crossheads, Shafts, Gears,
Iron (Fe) Crankshaft, Housing, Gears,
Bearings, Packing Glands, Bearings, Bearings,
Camshaft, Bearings, Shafts,
Housing Gears, Housing Valves
Piston Rods, Shafts Pistons
Housing
Valve Train,

Bearings,
Clutch Plates,
Bearings(Lead), Bearings, Brass/Bronze Bearings, Bearings,
Brass/Bronze Bearings,
Brass/Bronze Brass/Bronze Bushings Brass/Bronze Brass/Bronze
Bushings Brass/Bronze
Copper (Cu) Bushings(Tin/Zinc), Bushings, (Tin/Zinc/Lead), Bushings, Bushings,
(Tin/Zinc/Lead), Bushings,
Oil Cooler Core Copper Roller Bearings, Thrust Plates, Thrust Plates,
Oil Cooler Core Copper Tubing
Tubing Tubing Oil Cooler Core Copper Tubing Copper Tubing
Tubing
Tubing
Rods,
Piston Rods Roller Bearings, Roller Bearings,
Cylinders,
(2stroke engines) Needle Needle Shaft, Shafts, Shafts,
Chromium (Cr) Gears,
Piston Rings, Bearings, Bearings, Piston Ring Roller Bearings Bearings
Shafts,
Exhaust Valve Shaft Shaft
Pistons
Pumps, Pumps, Thrust,
Pistons,
Piston, Aluminium Aluminium Aluminium Heat Exchanger
Bearings, Bearings,
Bearings, Castings, Castings, Castings, Core,
Aluminium (Al) Thrust Plates, Dirt
(for some engine Dirt Dirt Impellers, Dirt
Pistons Contamination
makes) Contamination Contamination Screws Contamination
(Silica)
(Silica) (Silica) (Silica)
6
Gulf Oil Marine Ltd
th
25 Floor, 3 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
e-mail : technical.engineer@gulf-marine.com
 INTERPRETATION OF ANALYSIS REPORTS

General Guide to Source of Wear Metals

TURBINES /
RECIPROCATING HYDRAULIC RECIPROCATING ROTARY
METAL TRANSMISSION GEAR SYSTEM CENTRUFIGAL
ENGINE SYSTEM COMPRESSORS COMPRESSORS
COMPRESSORS
Bearings,
Clutch Plates, Bearings, Bearings, Bearings, Bearings,
Brass/Bronze
Bearings Brass/Bronze Bushings - Bushings - Bushings - Bushings -
Lead (Pb) Bushings
(Overlay Metal) Bushings Babbit Babbit Babbit Babbit
(Copper/Tin/Zinc),
(Tin / Zinc) (Tin / Copper) (Tin / Copper) (Tin / Copper) (Tin / Copper)
Roller Bearings
Bearings -
Bearings - Babbit
Brass/Bronze Babbit
(Lead / Copper), Bearings, Bearings, Bearings – Bearings –
Bushings (Lead/Copper),
Tin (Sn) Bronze Bushing Bushing - Babbit Bushing - Babbit Babbit, Babbit,
(Lead / Zinc) Bronze
from some (Lead / Copper) (Lead / Copper) Bushing Bushing
Bushing from
Pistons
some Pistons

Wrist Pin Bushing Needle

Silver (Ag) NIL NIL NIL NIL NIL
for EMD engines Bearings

Alloy Metals,
Vanadium (V) Contaminants NIL Alloy Metal NIL Alloy Metal Alloy Metal Alloy Metal
from Heavy Fuel

Alloy Metals,
Nickel (Ni) Contaminants Alloy Metal Alloy Metal Alloy Metal Alloy Metal Alloy Metal Alloy Metal
from Heavy Fuel

7
Gulf Oil Marine Ltd
th
25 Floor, 3 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
e-mail : technical.engineer@gulf-marine.com
 INTERPRETATION OF ANALYSIS REPORTS

General Guide to Source of Other Contaminants

TURBINES /
RECIPROCATING HYDRAULIC RECIPROCATING ROTARY
METAL TRANSMISSION GEAR SYSTEM CENTRUFIGAL
ENGINE SYSTEM COMPRESSORS COMPRESSORS
COMPRESSORS
Dirt Dirt Dirt Dirt Dirt Dirt Dirt
Silicon (Si)
Contamination Contamination Contamination Contamination Contamination Contamination Contamination
Residue of
Evaporated Residue of Residue of Residue of Residue of Residue of Residue of
Sodium (Na) Water, Evaporated Evaporated Evaporated Evaporated Evaporated Evaporated
Coolant from Water Water Water Water Water Water
some engines
Grease Grease Grease Grease Grease Grease Grease
Molybdenum (Mo)
Contamination Contamination Contamination Contamination Contamination Contamination Contamination

Grease Grease Grease Grease Grease Grease Grease

Lithium (Li)
Contamination Contamination Contamination Contamination Contamination Contamination Contamination

Additive on Additive on Additive on Additive on Additive on Additive on Additive on

some Engine & some Engine & some Engine & some Engine some Engine & some Engine & some Engine &
Gear Oil, Gear Oil, Gear Oil, & Gear Oil, Gear Oil, Gear Oil, Gear Oil,
Boron (B)
Residue of Residue of Residue of Residue of Residue of Residue of Residue of
Evaporated Evaporated Evaporated Evaporated Evaporated Evaporated Evaporated
Water Water Water Water Water Water Water
Additive on Additive on Additive on Additive on Additive on Additive on Additive on
some some some some some some some
Barium (Ba) Compressor, Compressor, Compressor, Compressor, Compressor, Compressor, Compressor,
Transmission & Transmission & Transmission Transmission Transmission & Transmission & Transmission &
Gear Oil Gear Oil & Gear Oil & Gear Oil Gear Oil Gear Oil Gear Oil

8
Gulf Oil Marine Ltd
th
25 Floor, 3 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
e-mail : technical.engineer@gulf-marine.com