Fluid Analysis
Including in-depth testing and diagnostics, Eaton’s comprehensive fluid analysis service makes sure your hydraulic systems are running as productively as possible. Our sophisticated software and powerful lab diagnostic equipment—from an energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence to a plasma spectrophotometer—give us a crystal-clear picture of any fluid contaminants. Our reports are so exact and easy-to-read, in fact, that our service is completely ISO 12025 certified.
Photomicrography: We scan and photograph a filter patch using an optical microscope to find particle size and type. The scanning process verifies the automatic particle count to identify samples needing special preparation. This provides confirmation of automatic counter results, and helps us see what contaminants are in the fluid.
Viscosity (ASTM D445): We use this test to determine the viscosity of your oil. Without proper hydraulic fluid viscosity, your equipment will suffer. Incorrect viscosity leads to fluid breakdown, inefficient equipment operation, premature system failure and damage to other components.
Water (ASTM E203): We determine the water content in hydraulic fluid, which helps us predict quality and performance characteristics for the fluid and system components. Excess water reduces the viscosity of hydraulic fluid, which increases the likelihood of adverse chemical reactions and degrades equipment performance.
Drawdown Particle Isolation: Using this test, we determine the insoluble contaminates in hydraulic fluids, insoluble particles and gel-like matter, organic and inorganic. Used in conjunction with photomicrography, the drawdown patch helps us identify the source and type of fluid contaminants.
Automatic Particle Count (ISO 11500): We use a high intensity laser light source and a photo sensor to count the number and size of particles in the fluid sample and then define contaminants according to size distribution and quantities. Automatic particle counting is quick, repeatable and accurate. It provides reliable information we can use to check against ISO Standard 4406, which defines the relationship between particle counts and hydraulic fluid cleanliness. This lets us determine exactly what corrective actions, if any, are needed. The lab is also capable of testing to the new ISO 4406(1999) standard (4μ, 6μ, 14μ).
Spectrometric Analysis (ASTM D 5185): This shows us the concentration of oil soluble elements and indicates the additives and trace metal content in the fluids. We use this technique to evaluate the condition of the additives in a fluid rather than its particulate contamination. Used in conjunction with automatic particle counting, it helps us accurately assess the cleanliness level of the fluid.
Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ASTM E 1508): We perform Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis on samples with extremely high concentrations of particulate contamination. By isolating chemical elements, we pinpoint contaminant types so we can establish their origins, and so you can take corrective action.
Viscosity (ASTM D445): We use this test to determine the viscosity of your oil. Without proper hydraulic fluid viscosity, your equipment will suffer. Incorrect viscosity leads to fluid breakdown, inefficient equipment operation, premature system failure and damage to other components.
Water (ASTM E203): We determine the water content in hydraulic fluid, which helps us predict quality and performance characteristics for the fluid and system components. Excess water reduces the viscosity of hydraulic fluid, which increases the likelihood of adverse chemical reactions and degrades equipment performance.
Drawdown Particle Isolation: Using this test, we determine the insoluble contaminates in hydraulic fluids, insoluble particles and gel-like matter, organic and inorganic. Used in conjunction with photomicrography, the drawdown patch helps us identify the source and type of fluid contaminants.
Automatic Particle Count (ISO 11500): We use a high intensity laser light source and a photo sensor to count the number and size of particles in the fluid sample and then define contaminants according to size distribution and quantities. Automatic particle counting is quick, repeatable and accurate. It provides reliable information we can use to check against ISO Standard 4406, which defines the relationship between particle counts and hydraulic fluid cleanliness. This lets us determine exactly what corrective actions, if any, are needed. The lab is also capable of testing to the new ISO 4406(1999) standard (4μ, 6μ, 14μ).
Spectrometric Analysis (ASTM D 5185): This shows us the concentration of oil soluble elements and indicates the additives and trace metal content in the fluids. We use this technique to evaluate the condition of the additives in a fluid rather than its particulate contamination. Used in conjunction with automatic particle counting, it helps us accurately assess the cleanliness level of the fluid.
Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (ASTM E 1508): We perform Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis on samples with extremely high concentrations of particulate contamination. By isolating chemical elements, we pinpoint contaminant types so we can establish their origins, and so you can take corrective action.
