Oil Lab
The hydraulic oil used is one of the most important design elements in hydraulic systems. To optimize the function of hydraulic systems, it is necessary to have knowledge of the physical properties of the fluids used. To determine these properties, ifas has an oil laboratory with modern equipment.
Fluid analytics
The laboratory was completely refurbished in the years following the fire in the test field and fits the current state of modern laboratories. In addition to modern measuring equipment for comprehensive fluid analytics, a safe and extensive infrastructure is available for experimental preparation and implementation.
The extensive equipment of the oil-laboratory allows the determination of various, technically relevant fluid properties. In addition to conventional hydraulic oils, fuels and water-based fluids are also examined. The analysis of hydraulic fluids includes, among other things, the determination of the following measured variables:
- Kinematic viscosity
- Dynamic viscosity
- Acid number
- Pourpoint
- Cloudpoint
- Material compatibility
- Density
- Surface tension
- Particle content
Research activities
The establishment of the oil-laboratory is used in the context of several research activities. In the context of the Fuel Science Center (FSC), ifas investigates the suitability of novel biofuels. In addition to rheological investigations such as density and kinematic viscosity as a function of fluid temperature and pressure, the fluids are primarily investigated in terms of their lubricity and their compatibility with sealing materials, metals and engine oils. To determine fuel lubricity, fluid can be tested in the oil-laboratory using the standardized model tests High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) and the Scuffing Ball on Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator (SL BOCLE).
A particularly important focus is the material compatibility between the bio-hybrid fuels and sealing materials as well as other automotive components. For this purpose, insertion tests are carried out at different temperatures. The climatic chamber belonging to the oil laboratory is used for this purpose. It can be used to run through a temperature range of -40° to 180 °C and a humidity range of 10 % to 98 %.
Services
The ifas offers various services in the field of fluid analysis. Please contact us if you are interested in one of the measurement methods we offer