LMS Volume 33 |ssue 4 | Page 40

40  LMS  Issue 4 | 2014 Rapid Testing Portable FTIR Oil Analysis in Seconds E ralytics ERASPEC OIL is the first portable, stand-alone FTIR oil analyser on the market. It is the ideal solution for onsite measurements, as it provides immediate feedback about the status of the oil. It is also optimal for use in remote areas. With its compact (weighing just 8kg) and full metal housing, this analyser brings lab quality results to the field. Its built-in PC and the  colour  touchscreen allow the direct display of the oil spectra as a graphic chart. As several thousands of spectra can be saved in the instrument memory, the samples can be analysed and immediately compared with other spectra. Lubrication is a vital component of machinery. Early detection of lube oil degradation and engine wear is essential for avoiding unnecessary maintenance, while reducing the risk of breakdowns. Infrared (IR) analysis is an inexpensive test that can provide information about the chemical condition of the lubricating oil and also provide inferences about the state of the machine component. IR analysis has become a routine method of oil analysis because of its speed, reliability of results and the large amount of information it generates from the IR spectrum. With its patented FTIR spectrometer ERASPEC OIL offers highly reliable lubricant oil condition monitoring in full compliance with the latest ASTM, DIN and JOAP methods. ⚛ Wirsam Scientific Tel:  011-482‑1060 / 021-386‑9020 / 031-709-0199 / 041-365‑2060 / 016-931‑1731 Email: wirsamjb@wirsam.com The Solution to Investigating Oxidation Stability W hen in contact with atmospheric oxygen, the chemical decomposition of samples containing natural fats or other lipids begins. Oxidation stability characterises the resistance of the sample to oxidation. It is a necessary requirement for shelf-life investigations, quality control and product development. Anton Paar’s RapidOxy oxidation stability tester accelerates the oxidation process by increased temperature and oxygen pressure. RapidOxy represents an alternative test method to determine the oxidation stability of cosmetics, vegetable and animal oils and fats in a minimal test time. It is based on their patented measuring principle of ASTM D7545, which is an accepted method to test the oxidation stability of diesel, biodiesel and blends. RapidOxy works directly on the whole sample, making preliminary sample preparation unnecessary. It requires only small sample volumes (5ml - 10ml). Solid samples and semisolid samples are just put into a PTFE dish and placed inside the stainless steel test cell with excellent chemical resistance. The sample is pressurised with pure oxygen and heated, which initiates a very fast oxidation process that is displayed at the end by a typical pressure drop of 10% or defined by the user application. The RapidOxy also comes with a safety and isolation hood. The instrument is approved by the Federal Institute for Materials (Germany). ⚛ Anton Paar Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd Contact: Andre van Zyl Tel: 011-021-5165/6/7 Email: info.za@anton-paar.com Rapid Micro Release with Celsis P rocess manufacturers have unique cha l lenges when it comes to product quality. Testing for microbial contamination is an important step in assuring a product leaves the facility free of unwanted bacteria, yeast and mould. Celsis rapid detection is a quality solution that provides test results needed