Referring to the significance of iron in lube oil, especially with regard to cylinder drain oil, Martechnic has developed an easy-to-handle iron test.

The method is based on a chemical reaction of two reagents with the iron present in its special state: corrosive and/or abrasive. Two samples are required. Due to the chemical and non-magnetic characteristics of this test, it is possible to detect iron at an amount of 50mg/l upwards.

As different states of oxidised iron require different chemical treatments, the method is divided into two parts: the determination of total iron as a result of mechanical friction and corrosion, and the determination of corroded iron caused by acid attack alone. An easy and quick determination of total iron by the chemical reaction of a sample can be completed with a colour chart and takes around 30 minutes.

The method does not include hazardous goods and is pending patent under application 14 002 749.1.