Gas Engine Oil Testing

Similar to conventional engines, performing oil analysis for gas engines provides valuable insights into wear levels, the presence of contaminants, and ongoing monitoring of the oil's chemical composition. This includes verifying factors such as viscosity and adherence to operational standards for the additive package. However, gas engines require additional attention due to the combustion of gas fuel, which can accelerate the formation of acids. This heightened chemical actively places increased stress not only on the oil but also on engine components.


Analysing gas engine oil ensures that it can effectively withstand the demanding operational environment, providing the necessary lubrication and protection. This proactive approach helps maintain optimal performance and longevity in gas engine systems.

Gas Engine Analysis Kit

To analyse you gas engine oils with FA-ST, the process is straightforward. Obtained one of our convenient PRE-PAID sampling & analysis, a comprehensive package equipped with all the necessary tools for sample extraction. If you're using dipstick piping for sampling, you need a vacuum sample pump or a single-use sampling syringe in addition. Send the collected samples to our independent ISO-accredited laboratory.


Once we receive and analyse the samples, anticipate receiving a detailed PDF report in your inbox within 2-3 days. This comprehensive report will provide valuable insights into the wear, contamination, and chemical composition of the oil. Additionally, our laboratory experts will include comments and recommend actions if necessary, ensuring you have the information needed to make informed decisions about the maintenance and performance of your gas engines.

Having your Gas Engine Oils tested can help to detect:

Gas Engine Contamination

We conduct an elemental analysis to identify contaminants that might have infiltrated the engine oil, potentially increasing wear on components like Boron, Silicon, and Sodium. Furthermore, if water or fuel makes it way into the engine, it can adverseky affect the oil's viscosity, diminishing its lubricating properties.


We also inspect for running issues. When fuel in the engine doesn't burn correctly, it can result in the formation of soot deposits, which, in turn, can lead to an unfavourable fuel-to-air ratio within the combustion chamber.

Wear Debris in Gas Engine Oils

Much like standard engines, monitoring wear debris levels in gas engine oil offers valuable insights into the engine's overall condition. Elemental analysis plays a crucial role in identifying component wear and determining which components might be at an increased risk of failure. Additionally, when reviewing trend lines, sudden spikes in wear levels can serve as a red flag, indicating the potential for impending catastrophic failure and the need for immediate action.


In the process, we perform an elemental analysis to evaluate the presence of metal particles in the oil, ranging in size from 10 to 15 microns. Furthermore, the ferrous wear index assess the quality of magnetic debris particle in the oil, regardless of their sizes.

Chemical Makeup of Oils

We perform an elemental analysis to assess the level of additive packages and check for potential depletion from the oil. We also evaluate oil viscosity to ensure it can deliver the necessary lubrication and heat transfer properties for protecting components effectively.


Additionally, we investigate oil oxidation, which can cause an increase in oil viscosity and a decrease in lubricity over the life of the engine oil. We assess oil sulfation to determine if corrosive acids are forming, often indicative of low engine running temperatures. Monitoring oil nitration levels offers insight into increased blow-by occurrence, indicating potential thermal breakdown of the oil, even though issues like top-end wear may manifest before nitration becomes a major convern.


Furthermore, we keep an eye on TAN and TBN. Given the acid buildup from burning gas fuel, these factors are critical to monitor to ensure the oil can maintain the necessary acid-neutralising properties within this operating environment.

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