DETERMINATION OF WEAR METALS IN USED LUBRICATING OILS BY X-RAY-FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY

Application of an X-ray fluorescence analytical procedure for the dete rmination of wear metals in used lubricating oils is described. Oil sa mples were collected from UH-1H type helicopter engines at regular int ervals and subjected to chemical pretreatment in order to remove the h igh viscosity of the oil and particle size effects. The procedure was used to determine the concentration of copper and iron wear metals in oils. They were found to increase with engine operating time. The resu lts obtained show that the XRFS procedure provides a better indication of impending machine failure than conventional methods.