MARINE

Routine fluid analysis is critical to managing asset reliability in any marine application. High performance expectations and harsh environmental operating conditions present constant obstacles. Continual exposure to water creates unique problems. Water-cooled engines are susceptible to condensation and rust. Diesel engines typically operate at very high temperatures, promoting oxidation and acid formation. Gear systems and hydraulics are vulnerable to contamination and wear. Fluid changes can be difficult and are not always convenient. Routine testing and analysis can extend drain intervals and identify small problems before they become costly failures.

Below are the recommended tests for equipment and components in the Marine industry. Other test-packages or variations of these are available; but these recommended options are designed as best-fit for improved equipment and lubrication reliability.

To request a quote or if you’re looking for custom options, contact us.

Diesel Engine

Monitor wear, contamination and fuel dilution in engine oil to prevent damage and extend operating life.

Base Number (BN)
mod. ASTM D4739
Elemental Metals Analysis by ICP
mod. ASTM D5185
Fuel Dilution %
ASTM D7593
Oxidation & Nitration
ASTM E2412
Soot %
ASTM E2412
Viscosity at 100°C
ASTM D2270
Water by Crackle
Internal Method

Hydraulic

Identify particle contamination, wear and water intrusion that can quickly impact hydraulic performance.

Acid Number (AN)
mod. ASTM D664
Elemental Metals Analysis by ICP
mod. ASTM D5185
Particle Count
ASTM D7647 ISO 4406
Viscosity at 40^oC
mod. ASTM D445
Water by Crackle
Internal Method
Water by Karl Fischer
mod. ASTM D6304C

Close-up of a Powerful Blue and Black Marine Engine

Gear Systems

Detect wear, overheating and fluid breakdown to protect gears, clutches and shifting performance.

Acid Number (AN)
mod. ASTM D664
Elemental Metals Analysis by ICP
mod. ASTM D5185
Ferrous Debris (FerroQ)
ASTM D8120
Viscosity at 40^oC
mod. ASTM D445
Water by Crackle %
Internal Method

Mechanic hand was opening the radiator cap to check the coolant level

Cooling Systems

Checks corrosion protection, contamination and inhibitor health to prevent overheating and system damage.

Boil Point
Carboxylic Acid Pass/Fail
(Shell, Chevron or Cat ELC only)
Contaminants (Chloride and Sulfate)
Corrosion, Contaminant and Inhibitor metals (Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Lead, Tin, Zinc, Silver, Calcium, Magnesium, Silicon, Phosphate, Boron, Molybdenum, Sodium, Potassium)
Degradation Acids (Glycolate, Formate, Acetate and Oxalate)
ELC Basic Coolant analysis additive (Benzoate, 2-Ethylhexanoic acid, Sebacic acid, Octanoic acid, p-Toluic, MBT, TT Z, BZT)
Freeze Point
Glycol
Inhibitors (Nitrite and Nitrate)
Nitrite
pH
SCA#
Specific Conductance
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total Hardness
Visual (color, oil and/or fuel contamination, foam magnetic/non-magnetic precipitation and odor)

LEARN MORE ABOUT COOLANT TESTING ➔

Diesel Fuel

Detect contamination, water and fuel degradation that can reduce combustion efficiency, damage injection systems and lead to poor engine performance.

API Gravity
ASTM D7777
Bacteria, Fungi and Mold
Manufacturer
Cetane Index
ASTM D976
Cloud Point
ASTM D7689
Elemental Metals Analysis by ICP
mod. ASTM D5185
Flash Point
ASTM D3828
Micro-Distillation
Predicted D86 results by ASTM D7689
Pour Point
ASTM D7346
Sulfur
ASTM D7220
Thermal Stability
mod. ASTM D6468
Viscosity
ASTM D445
Water & Sediment
ASTM D2709

Industry Sample Trends and Intervals

Component Type	Recommended Sampling Interval
Diesel Engine	500 hrs
Gear Box / Gear System	1,000 hrs
Hydraulic	1,000 hrs
Coolant	1,500 hrs

All critical equipment should be sampled at least once every 30 days to ensure proper functionality, maintain compliance with operational standards, and identify potential issues before they affect performance.
Equipment requiring compliance with ISO 4406 recommendations should be sampled at least once every 30 days to properly monitor fluid cleanliness levels and maintain adherence to the standard.
OEM recommendations should be followed to maintain warranty coverage and ensure equipment operates within the manufacturer’s specified performance standards.
Company policies and applicable EPA requirements should be reviewed when complying with the EPA’s National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) Subpart ZZZZ (Quad Z) to ensure all operational, reporting, and maintenance obligations are met.