A vital tool for minimizing machinery downtime and extending drain intervals is the analysis of lubricants used to run the machinery. Like a blood test in medical diagnostics, regular testing of in-service lubricating fluids provides useful data that informs actions and decisions. As a key component of predictive maintenance, an effective lubricant analysis program helps machinery owners detect potential failures early to prevent costly mechanical damage. At the same time, routine lubricant condition monitoring can help save money by allowing lubricants to be changed less frequently.

If you are a lubricant manufacturer that blends or formulates lubricants with additives to optimize lubricant performance, the Affirma analysis system helps you shorten your development time with accurate results from your field or in-lab test environments.

Affirma software workflow solutions follow industry-standard methods including: ASTM D2668, D7412, D7414, D7415, D7418, D7624, E2412; JOAP; DIN 51452, DIN 51453. Powered by push-button Thermo Scientific™ OMNIC™ Schema Software, the Affirma system provides ready-to-use solutions for monitoring in-service lubricants with easy setup, automated reporting and connectivity to the Thermo Fisher Cloud or your LIMS.

Affirma In-service lubricant analysis benefits

• Streamlined data collection: with three sampling options the system adapts to your work environment
• Guided methods, minimal training: graphical software interface that steps you through sample analysis to ensure compliance with industry-standard methods for answers you can trust
• Low-cost of ownership: unmatched combination of warranty, service and technical support worldwide ensure years of worry-free system operation

Affirma sampling options

1.) Horizontal transmission sampling configuration offers:

• direct compliance with ASTM E2412 and D7418 in-service lubricant methods
• greater flexibility to easily analyze highly viscous oils and greases
• cost effective change to different methods requiring longer or short pathlengths
• minimize sample and solvent use
• Spectral resolution: 4 cm^-1; Spectral range: 4000 - 550 cm^-1 ; Pathlength: 100 μm; Cell windows: ZnSe wedged

2.) Flow-through Transmission sampling configuration offers:

• direct compliance with ASTM E2412 and D7418 in-service lubricant methods
• longest cell life by avoiding contact of cell windows
• minimal operator exposure by filling and cleaning using a syringe
• a flow cell that can be used manually or connected to a pumping system
• Spectral resolution: 4 cm^-1; Spectral range: 4000 - 550 cm^-1 ; Pathlength: 100 μm; Cell windows: ZnSe wedged

3.) Horizontal Attenuated Total Reflectance (HATR) sampling configuration offers:

• greater flexibility to easily analyze highly viscous oils and greases using ATR
• better linear analysis of high soot-containing samples
• open access for the easiest sample cell filling and cleaning
• minimal sample and solvent use
• Spectral resolution: 4 cm^-1; Spectral range: 4000 - 650 cm^-1 ; Pathlength: 35 μm nominal*; Cell windows: ZnSe trough

* Normalized to 100 um for ASTM E2412 & E7418