Identification and Performance Limits of Lubrication Grease · PDF fileRefineries use rich...

Weighing and Analysis in the Laboratory

15News

PetrochemicalsAnalytical solutions in the laboratory

‘Dropping point’ is the temperature, in degrees Celsius (°C), at which a small amount of grease develops into a long drop under defined test conditions. This thermal value is used to indicate thickener type and the cohesiveness of the oil and thickener of grease. Together with results of other types of analyses, it also determines the suitability of greases for specific applications.

Moving machinery parts have to be lubri-cated in order to protect them from prema-ture wear and tear. If a continuous supply of lube points cannot be achieved, or only achieved with great technical efforts, lu-brication grease is used.

These lubricating greases consist of base oils, most commonly mineral or synthetic oils and additives, both of which are hin-dered from clear out by a sponge like thick-ener. So called ‘metal soaps’ are composed of powdery raw materials, such as lithium, calcium, sodium and aluminum, or com-binations of these, which are used as thickeners.

When using lubrication greases, it is im-portant that the grease does not drop away at elevated temperatures caused by

friction. Due to this, the dropping point is determined for fresh- or used greases and is often carried out following the IP396 standard.

MethodA sample is placed into a cup with a de-fined orifice. This cup is then placed in a thermostatically controlled aluminum block furnace. The temperature is in-creased at a constant rate until a drop of grease falls to the bottom. When this hap-pens, the temperature is recorded as the dropping point.

The fully automated METTLER TOLEDO DP70 Excellence Dropping Point System determines the dropping point and deliv-ers standard compliant results. A camera records the live image to video. The drop-

Identification and Performance Limits of Lubrication Grease

Edition No. 1 / February 2013

2 METTLER TOLEDO Petrochemicals News 15

Publisher Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory Division Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland

Production LAB Division MarketingGlobal MarCom Switzerlandwww.mt.com/lab-segmentnews

Subject to technical changes. © Mettler-Toledo AG 02/13 Printed in Switzerland.

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ping point is detected and evaluated as soon as the drop falls from the cup from the live image. The results can be docu-mented via a connected roll printer, network printer or in a PDF protocol, which can then be directly transferred to a computer. Up to two dropping points can be determined simultaneously.

Consequences for the materialThe maximum allowable usage tempera-ture is often substantially below the deter-mined dropping point, often more than 50°C below. The detection of a lower used

grease dropping point, in comparison to that of fresh grease, can be the result of different factors:• Mixing with grease that contains an-

other thickener has taken place. Mixing different greases always results in a softer consistency. It can become partly lumped or soup-like but never more solid.

• The fat was stressed so much that the soap structure, i.e. the sponge contain-er, was sheared into so many small particles that it is no longer capable of holding the oil.

www.mt.com/one-click-dropping

Only One Click is needed to start a pre-pro-grammed measurement.

Visual camera observation and digital image analysis guarantee that the deter-minations are reliable.

The grease present has to be removed in any case. This can be completed by wash out or increased greasing.

ConclusionUsing a DP70 Excellence Dropping Point System offers a simple and efficient way of determining the temperature limits of lubricating greases, which are result com-pliant to common international regula-tions.

One Click™ shortcuts start entire mea-surement processes with the simple touch of a button.

Text: Dr. Matthias Wagner, Product Manager, Materials Characterization

3METTLER TOLEDO Petrochemicals News 15

Bitumen mainly consists of high molecu-lar hydrocarbons making it highly viscous or solid at an ambient temperature and remaining extremely viscous even after heating. The density or related units, such as API gravity degrees or the specific grav-ity, need to be determined for quality con-trol requirements. METTLER TOLEDO has the solution for greatly simplifying this measurement:

The powerful and reliable SC1H and SC30H heated automation units are de-signed to keep samples at elevated tem-peratures of up to 80 °C and completely automate the measurement of all required parameters.

Convenient health protection and increased efficiency When taking measurements from petro-leum products, hexane and toluene are effective cleaning agents, but prolonged exposure to them can be harmful. The automated measuring systems protect op-erators from direct contact with toxic

Efficient and Trouble Free Determination of Bitumen Density

solvents or vapors. Moreover, there is no need to remove protective gloves as the measurement can be started without touching anything. Moving a hand over the ErgoSens™, an infrared sensor for hands-free operation, is all that’s needed.

After the density determination, the re-quired measurement units are calculated while the entire system is cleaned thor-oughly without any operator interaction. The toxic and smelly waste is collected in a separate container, which can be equipped with the optional LevelSens™ Level Sensor to eliminate the risk of over-filling.

Automatic error detection securely ex-cludes the presence of bubbles, which are impossible to see in such pitch-black sam-ples, therefore ensuring that the results obtained are consistently reliable.

Text: D. Buchmann, Product Manager Density & Refractometry

www.mt.com/liquiphysics

Density measurement of petroleum products which are solid at room

temperature, such as low boiling bitumen, is cumbersome. METTLER

TOLEDO offers a solution for the trouble-free and secure measurement

of such samples.

Know how

Watch how One Click Density and Refractive Index in the Petrochemical industry works

Demanding process environment and high throughput operation, petrochemical workplaces require tough and reliable instruments. Operators may deal with dan-gerous chemicals and require protection. LiquiPhysics™ takes care of all of these demands and much more besides.

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Determining Fuel Contaminationwith Accurate Filter Weighing

It takes good quality fuels and lubri-

cants to keep the world in motion.

The EN 12662 norm is one of many

oil-refining standards and applies

to contamination determination in

middle distillates, such as kero-

sene, diesel and jet aviation fuel.

The contaminants are collected

via vacuum filtering and METTLER

TOLEDO Balances are ideal for de-

termining the level of particulate

matter on the filters in accordance

with the norm.

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The principle of the EN 12662:2008 stan-dard states that, “A sample portion of 800ml ± 25 ml is weighed and filtered under vacuum through a pre-weighed fil-ter. The filter with the residue is washed, dried and weighed. Contamination is de-termined from the calculated difference in filter mass and expressed relative to the sample mass as mg/kg.” The norm speci-fies two balances: a top load balance, ca-pable of weighing 1,500 g to the nearest 0.1 g, and an analytical balance, capable of weighing to the nearest 0.1 mg.

Precision balance for sample weighingThe first weighing step in the process in-volves weighing an 800 ml fluid sample in a 1 liter beaker on a balance with a read-ability of 0.1 g and a weighing capacity of minimum 1,500 g. METTLER TOLEDO’s NewClassic M32001S/01 Precision Bal-ance is perfectly suited to this task. The balance has a full metal housing with an International Protection Rating of 54 (IP54 In-Use). This offers the highest level of protection against hazardous and

Anti-Static Kit effectively removes electrostatic charge from filters.


toxic samples. This robust and easy-to-use balance offers enough capacity (32 kg) to fulfil the demands of many other tasks in the laboratory.

Analytical balance for filter weighingA glass fibre filter with a 0.7 µm pore size is weighed on an analytical balance be-fore the sample is vacuum filtered. After washing, drying and cooling, the filter is weighed again by placing it directly on the analytical balance. METTLER TOLEDO’s Excellence Plus XP105 DeltaRange Bal-ance offers high accuracy for the best weighing results. The Swiss-made Delta Range Balance offers a fine measure-ment range of 0 - 81 g with a readability of 0.01mg and a maximum capacity of 120g. The filters can be positioned perfectly on the SmartGrid Hanging Weighing Pan. The grid design minimizes air turbulence in the weighing chamber guaranteeing fast results and easy filter handling with tweezers. Passing the filters through an Anti-Static Kit before weighing removes electrostatic charge and eliminates its in-fluence from the weighing result. The glass

draft-shield can be dismantled by hand in seconds and all parts are dishwasher safe for the perfect easy-cleaning solution. The built-in filter weighing application also of-fers a secure error-free process with full traceability.

Contamination is determined from the difference in filter weight before and after filtering and is expressed as a fraction of the original sample in mg/kg. The built-in application on the XP105 Delta Range Balance performs this calculation auto-matically.

Meeting quality demandsThe EN 12662 norm is just one of many standards used in quality control during the oil refining process. Products, includ-ing kerosene, diesel and jet aviation fuel must remain at a consistent quality and free from contaminants, such as soot and sulphur etc.. METTLER TOLEDO has a wide balance portfolio to completely sup-port these demanding quality control pro-cedures.

Text: Daniel W. Fuchs, Head of campaigns & MarCom

www.mt.com/XP-analytical

Know how

Learn the proper way to determine particu-late matter on filters

Our expert on filter weighing solutions explains in detail how to determine particulate matter on filters accurately and reliably using manual or automatic bal-ances. He reveals best practice techniques, e.g. to minimize external influences on the weigh-ing result, and provides valuable background information on how to successfully manage chal-lenging weighing processes.

Sign up and join the webinar:

www.mt.com/ webinar-filterweighing

The vacuum filtering apparatus.Filters cooling in desiccators.

XP105 Delta Range Balance

XP105 Delta Range Balance


Increased Refinery Efficiencywith One Click® Excellence Titration

The Valero Houston Refinery is moderately sized compared to most

refineries. Being small demands excellent efficiency. Optimizing rich

amine loading analysis with a T90 Excellence Titrator greatly improves

efficiency.

Titra

tion

Refineries use rich amine loading as an indicator of their scrubber’s ability to ef-fectively remove H2S (hydrogen sulfide) and reduce unit corrosion in order to en-sure quality and meet regulations. This analysis typically involves testing for H2S content, amine strength and acidity on three different samples. This leaves room for operator errors, as well as transcrip-tion and calculation errors, in the com-plex formula integrating results. When the mixture indicates that the rich amine load is high, additional steam must be used to regenerate these amines to effec-tively remove the H2S and CO2 from prod-ucts. Ultimately, a small error can result

in a tremendous amount of unnecessary energy spent on steam generation.

T90 Excellence pays offConsulting their local METTLER TOLEDO Titration Sales Representative was a smart investment for Valero. Utiliz-ing the T90’s flexible and powerful meth-ods, the three determinations to comprise the CO2 loading can be analyzed using just one sample, as opposed to three, with an accurately calculated final result. Using the T90’s One Click interface to combine all these tests has resulted in an initial investment return of less than 6 months on labor costs alone. With the

increased throughput of analysis and ac-curacy, the frequency and amount of steam used for regeneration can be more tightly controlled resulting in major an-nual energy savings.

By making a commitment to optimize their rich amine loading analysis with a T90 Excellence Titrator, the Valero Houston Refinery has increased its refin-ery efficiency saving time, energy and money.

Text: Matthew Eby, Product manager, Titration

www.mt.com/one-click-titration

Tips & Tricks

Simple Daily Laboratory Work with One Click

See what One Click can do for your laboratory. Potentiometric and Karl Fischer titrators, den-sity and refractive index meters as well as dropping point and melting point instruments all designed with operator safety and ease of use in mind from METTLER TOLEDO.

Watch the video:

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T90 and T70 titrators at Valero Houston Refinery used for multiparameter testing of CO2 load-ing as well as mercaptan and TAN analysis of their finished products.


Ensuring Asphalt and Pitch Qualitywith Softening Point Analysis

The softening point temperature of as-phalt and pitch is usually measured ac-cording to ASTM D3104 and ASTM D3461 standards. These standards control the conditions of the temperature induced softening of brittle or pasty asphalt and pitch samples into less viscous liquids. These standards are recognized as the best methods for quality control.

Automatic dropping point instrumentThe DP70 Excellence Dropping Point sys-tem fully automizes the determination based on standardized sample cups and well-approved test methods. The mea-surement methods are clearly structured to an exact replication of standard proce-

dure. The unique video based detection algorithm yields operator independent endpoint detection with unsurpassed ac-curacy and repeatability. The analytical process can be recorded and stored for post visual inspection and documenta-tion.

Simple, fast and cost-efficientThe DP70 features METTLER TOLEDO's One Click® operation philosophy, mean-ing that all tasks can be started with one touch of the users’ touch-screen making instrument operation very simple and ef-ficient. Samples are quickly and reliably prepared with the smart tools provided in the sample preparation box and mounted in the innovative sample holder. Two

measurements can then be performed simultaneously to improve efficiency and result quality. Cumbersome cleaning with dangerous solvents and oven contamina-tion are a thing of the past thanks to dis-posable aluminum sample cups and glass sample collectors. Results and video cap-tions can be printed as PDF files or stored on a connected network drive. The DP70 reliably assists in the selection of binder mixtures for high quality asphalt and pitch products.

Text: Hans-Joachim Muhr, Marketing Manager, Excellence Thermal Values

www.mt.com/one-click-dropping

Asphalt and pitch are frequently used in demanding environmental conditions.

The suitable material characteristics are determined by the softening point of

fine-tuned binder mixtures that require careful quality control. The DP70 Excellence

Dropping Point System offers a time- and cost saving way of determining the softening

point temperature of asphalt and pitch. DP70 Excellence Dropping Point System


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GWP® – Good Weighing Practice™

Guaranteed better weighing results

GWP® helps ensuring consistent product quality and avoiding out-of-spec results or bad production batches. With GWP® you comply with all regulations relevant to your industry for a minimal time and financial investment.

GWP® provides documentation to verify the accuracy of your balances and recommends optimal testing procedures.

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GTP® – Good Titration Practice™

Reliable results and dependable titration in practice

GTP® forms the basis of depend-able and risk-free titration. The appropriate titration system is selected based on user require-ments, and professionally commis-sioned and installed.

GTP® helps protecting your invest-ment far into the future, support-ing you with tailored training and equipment qualification. It also pro-poses schedules for regular inspec-tion and preventive maintenance.

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GPP™ – Good Pipetting Practice™

Optimize workflows for more reliable and repeatable results

Improve your data quality with GPP™ – our comprehensive, sys-tematic approach to maximizing pipetting accuracy and repeat-ability.

GPP™ is grounded in 40+ years of expertise working side-by-side with researchers in order to achieve the highest level of accuracy and preci-sion across all applications.

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Good Measuring Practices by METTLER TOLEDO is a global program supporting you in laboratory

and production environments with quality assurance recommendations for weighing, pipetting and

chemical analysis. The five steps of every Good Measuring Practices guideline cover the entire life-

cycle of your instruments. By focusing on your processes and its associated requirements and risks,

we provide you with effective measures to maximize operational security and minimize testing

efforts and process risk.

Good Measuring PracticesReliability Throughout the Lifecycle


Risk CheckAll of the Good Measuring Practices guidelines start with an evaluation of your measurement processes and an assessment of their associated risks. Based on this information, you are provided with straightforward recommendations for selecting, installing, calibrating and operating your devices.

Check your risks in weighing, titration and chemical analysis

For more Information:Good Measuring Practices www.mt.com/gp

Good Measuring PracticesReliability Throughout the Lifecycle

GDRP™ – Good Density and Refractometry Practice™

Minimize risk and improve performance

GDRP™ is based on our expertise in density and refractive index measurement. Understanding the reasons and sources of measure-ment errors helps improving qual-ity while reducing risks and costs.

Professional commissioning, train-ing, qualification and seamless documentation guarantee compli-ance with your process require-ments from the very first step.

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GEP™ – Good Electrochemistry Practice™

Optimized pH results from the beginning

GEP™ assists with professional tools and documentation to get reli-able results for your laboratory pH, conductivity, DO, ion and redox applications.

Use GEP™ to select the correct calibration solutions to comply with regulations, perfectly maintain your sensors to optimize product lifes-pan and reduce costly measure-ment mistakes to a minimum.

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Prod

uct H

ighl

ight Boost Productivity

with Efficient Moisture ControlThe HS153 is the instrument of choice where fast and accurate determination of moisture content is critical

for productivity. The unique graphical user interface and personalized method shortcuts make it fast and

intuitive to use even in fast-paced workplaces. The new design means the instrument can be thoroughly

cleaned in just 30 seconds to save time and provide a further boost to productivity even in challenging

petrochemical environments.

Easy CleaningThe measurement chamber is flat and fully sealed and can be cleaned in a matter of seconds. Furthermore, the weighing cell is fully protected and any spilled samples do not interfere with the weighing result.

www.mt.com/moisture

Clear DecisionsWith process control limits, a green or red results screen indicates the ‘pass/fail' of measurements at a glance. Con-trol charts monitor any trend in results over time and provide increased process control.

Ensure valid moisture resultsSmartCal is a granular test substance to check Moisture Analyzers and reli-ably verifies whether the instrument is working within specifications. Order your free SmartCal sample: www.mt.com/smartcal


Understand and Control Process Chemistry BetterChallenged by space constraints and/or complex installation requirements? ReactIR™ 247 is a unique

process-hardened FTIR spectrometer designed to fit into nearly any space without sacrificing the proven

performance of ReactIR™ technology. The design of the ReactIR™ 247 yields an analyzer with high stability

and sensitivity in a product format that delivers extreme space savings with plug-in and measure operation.

Turn-KeyIntegrating the Sentinel™ probe tech-nology to a flow cell permits easy in-tegration into existing flow stream and immediate analysis of the reaction as it occurs.

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Flexibility Flexible sampling arrangements allow for the use of longer probes to reach the fill level for small volume starting conditions.

From Lab to PlantSpecifically designed for the production environment, iC Process™ enables the transfer of critical control parameters determined in the lab.

www.mt.comFor more information

Mettler-Toledo AGLaboratory DivisionIm LangacherCH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland

Everything in Our Lab Works With Just One Click®

The One Click operation provides unsurpassed user guidance, secure navigation and easily selectable and adaptable methods.

Learn more and see One Click in action: www.mt.com/one-click-titration

Bob, production assistant: "All I have to do to analyze the intermediate product every hour is press a Shortcut."

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Clark, quality assurance: "The individual user rights feature means that I can make sure that users stick to our quality guidelines."

Know one – know allOne Click is a common interface for all your lab instruments. This means, if you can program and run analyses on a balance, you can also do it on a titrator, without extra information required.

See only what is relevant to youUser screen individualization per-mits you to adapt your home screen to your requirements: You only see what you need and avoid confusion by unneeded functionalities.

Play by the rulesAdherence to SOPs is now a func-tionality of your instrument via the pre-programming of methods. Transcription and calculation errors a thing of the past.

Key benefits of One Click operation:

Identification and Performance Limits of Lubrication Grease · PDF fileRefineries use rich...

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