Easiest analysis of additives in lubricating oils

Guaranteed ASTM D6481 compliant performance

The Analytical X-ray Company

Epsilon 1

Total solution

Easy, economical method

Quantification of lubricating oil additives in compliance with ASTM D6481

Epsilon 1

Epsilon 1 is the ideal analytical solution. The system is pre-calibrated in the factory and is an out-of-the-box solution with guaranteed performance in compliance with ASTM D6481. This method describes the testing for phosphorus, sulfur, calcium and zinc in unused lubricating oil by XRF.

PANalytical has a strong reputation for high-end X-ray instrumentation.

Looking for an easy and economical method for compliant analysis of additives in lubricating oils?

The total solution consists of an Epsilon 1 instrument with user software, factory pre-calibration for ASTM D6481, a validation sample and a starting kit for preparing the first 100 liquid cups for analysis.

Ca20

40.08

Zn30

65.39

P15

30.974

S16

32.066

Epsilon 1 is built using PANalytical’s market-leading technology with superior quality, worldwide service and application support.

Epsilon 1 produces fast, cost-effective, precise and accurate data with minimal operator dependence and sample preparation. The total running cost is therefore relatively low at only ¤1 per analysis.

This is far less than techniques such as AAS, ICP and wet chemical methods that are costly and also require a dedicated skilled operator.

Results in just 4 steps

Easy sample preparation

Easy analysis

Compliant results

2. Fill the cup for two-thirds.

4. Enter sample name and push ’measure’ button.

1. Use the handy tool for preparing the liquid cup.

3. Place your sample for measurement.

Measure in your own language

Ten most common languages are available for the operator:

测量

Measure測定

MesurerMessungMesure

ZmierzyćMedidaИзмерить

Médir

Results in just 4 steps

Epsilon 1

The Epsilon 1 is a fully integrated energy dispersive XRF analyzer consisting of a spectrometer, built-in computer and analysis software. Powered by the latest advances in excitation and detection technology the Epsilon 1 is a star performer in the low-cost benchtop instrument class. A well designed optical path, a wide range of excitation capabilities ranging from 10 to 50 kV for light and heavier elements and a highly sensitive SDD detector system contribute to the Epsilon 1 uniqueness.

Self contained systemBuilt-in computer running Microsoft Windows 7 with powerful CPU and 120 GB hard drive ensures flexibility to store and handle thousands of results.

Repeatability for yearsGradual deterioration of X-ray tubes occurs over time. A low-drift X-ray tube and a handy drift correction routine give ASTM D6481 compliant results for years without the need for time-consuming re-calibration.

Maximum sensitivityThe thin window Ag anode X-ray tube, designed and manufactured by PANalytical, ensures high quality and sensitivity. The selection of Ag anode material is ideal for the accurate quantification of P, S and Cl without interference of possible line overlaps in the XRF spectrum, leading to more reliable results.The 50 kV X-ray tube and generator is ideal for exciting higher energy elements like zinc, resulting in faster analysis times.

Spillage protectionIn order to shield the delicate heart of the system from spillage, a protection foil is in place. In case of spillage, the foil can be replaced easily by the operator.

Economical footprintCompact design with a built-in computer and touch screen reduces the requirement of valuable lab space to less than 0.15 m2.

Advantages of XRF for lube oil analysis

• Quick quantification method

• Simple, fast and safe sample preparation

• Non-destructive analysis

• Wide analytical concentration range (ppm – %) reducing the necessity for dilution and associated errors

• Accurate and reproducible data compared to other techniques

Built for compliance

Built for compliance

Easy operationHigh-resolution (1024 x 768), 10.4” LCD touch screen for easy walk-up and operation.

Easier communicationUSB and network connections for use of standard computer peripherals for extended use, application development and seated operator.

Best accuracyHighly concentrated samples can cause detector saturation resulting in lower accuracy or longer measuring times. Epsilon 1 uses the latest in silicon drift technology to handle these highly concentrated samples without any loss of accuracy or increased measuring times.

Sample positioningHighly repeatable sample positioning reduces sample to sample variations.

Safety guaranteedEpsilon 1 complies with the latest Machine directive, CSA, IEC, EMC, Vollschutz norms and standards for protection and radiation to guarantee a safe instrument for the operator.

Atmospheric variationsLow-energy X-ray photons, like those of phosphorus and sulfur are sensitive to air-pressure and temperature variations. Built-in temperature and air-pressure sensors compensate for these atmospheric variations, ensuring unaffected results whatever the weather.

Epsilon 1

CalibrationSixteen commercially available oil standards from VHG Labs Inc (US) were used to pre-calibrate Epsilon 1 for P, S, Ca and Zn according to ASTM D6481. The measurement time is 5 minutes per oil sample.

The calibration root mean square (RMS) values presented in the table and the calibration graph demonstrate a high degree of accuracy for the method.

AccuracyThe accuracy of the method is demonstrated by measuring two validation standards as unknown samples and comparing the measured concentrations against the certified concentration. The data in the table demonstrates excellent accuracy .

Element Concentration range (wt%)

RMS (wt%)

Correlation

P 0 - 0.30 0.005 0.99908S 0 - 1.60 0.028 0.99870Ca 0 - 1.00 0.009 0.99976Zn 0 - 0.30 0.005 0.99906

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0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0

Standard 7 Standard 9

Element Certified concentration

(wt%)

Measured concentration

(wt%)

Certified concentration

(wt%)

Measured concentration

(wt%)

P 0.150 0.145 0.125 0.122

S 0.900 0.899 1.746 1.744

Ca 0.500 0.489 0.025 0.024

Zn 0.150 0.145 0.100 0.094

Robust and accurate quantification of lubricating oil additives

The RMS value is a measure of the difference between the calculated concentration and the chemical concentration and is therefore a measure of the accuracy of the method (standard deviation).

Calibration graph of calcium in lubricating oil

Epsilon 1

PrecisionMeasurement precision is an important requirement of ASTM D6481. Epsilon 1 easily meets the requirements set in the norm.

To test the precision of the method, 20 freshly prepared samples of a commercially available unused lubricating oil product were measured consecutively. This precision is illustrated graphically for calcium. The blue lines show the maximum difference allowed by ASTM D6481. The average concentration, maximum achieved difference between successive measurements and the difference allowed by ASTM D6481, are presented for phosphorus, sulfur, calcium and zinc in the table.

Epsilon 1 is a star-performing benchtop XRF instrument and is well suited for the analysis of phosphorus, sulfur, calcium and zinc in unused lubricating oil according to the latest ASTM D6481 test method.

The results of the repeatability test for all four additives are well within the limits set by D6481.

Element Average concentration

(wt%)

Largest difference

(wt%)

Maximum permitted difference by ASTM D6481

(wt%)

P 0.092 0.003 0.006S 0.461 0.005 0.009Ca 0.225 0.002 0.004Zn 0.099 0.001 0.002

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Complying with ASTM D6481

Another petrochemical application option is available:

• Sulfur in fuels in compliance with ASTM D4294-10 and ISO 20847

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Global and near

With the largest service network we are able to offer the most comprehensive support package possible.

Expertise:• On-site training available• XRF training courses• Performance optimization• Customizable expertise programs• Assistance with multi-laboratory standardization

PANassist provides fast, secure and reliable remote support. Wherever you are in the world, we can troubleshoot and monitor the performance of your Epsilon 1.

We offer:• Detailed remote diagnostics data• Real-time spectrum• Remote monitoring• Application support• History logging• Performance analysis• Remote firmware updates• Interface for a worldwide

performance monitoring system

PANalytical PANalytical is one of the world’s leading suppliers of analytical instrumentation and software for X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The materials characterization equipment is used for scientific research and development, for industrial process control applications and for semiconductor metrology.

During the last decade PANalytical has added a variety of other analysis techniques to their product portfolio. Optical emission spectrometry (OBLF GmbH, Germany), pulsed fast thermal neutron activation (Sodern, France) and near-infrared (ASD Inc.) capabilities together with XRD and XRF can provide customers with tailor-made analytical solutions for the characterization of a wide range of products such as cement, metals, nanomaterials, polymers and many more.

PANalytical’s headquarters are in Almelo, the Netherlands. Fully equipped application laboratories are established in Japan, China, the USA, and the Netherlands. PANalytical’s research activities are based in Almelo (NL) and on the campus of the University of Sussex in Brighton (UK). Supply and competence centers are located on two sites in the Netherlands: Almelo (development and production of X-ray instruments) and Eindhoven (development and production of X-ray tubes) and in Boulder, USA (development and production of near-infrared instruments). A sales and service network in more than 60 countries ensures unrivalled levels of customer support. The company is certified in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.

Visit our website at www.panalytical.com for more information about our activities.

PANalytical is part of Spectris plc, the productivity-enhancing instrumentation and controls company.

PANalytical Inc.2555 55th Street, Suite 100Boulder, CO 80301, USAPhone: +1 (303) 444-6522Fax: +1 (303) 444-6825info@panalytical.com

Your local contact:

www.panalytical.com/epsilon1