Asset Reliability Solutions™

Xamine®
Oil Analysis Program
User Guide

Asset Reliability Solutions™ www.LElubricants.com • 800-537-7683

Xamine® Oil Analysis
Program Saves Money with Consistent, Accurate Monitoring

• Safely extends oil drain intervals – Partnering the Lubrication Engineers Oil Analysis Program with
extended service interval technologies maximizes uptime and minimizes maintenance costs.
• Identifies minor problems before they become major failures – State-of-the-art fluid analysis
identifies dirt, wear particles, fuel dilution and coolant – contaminants that can cause catastrophic
failure or significantly shorten equipment life.
• Extends equipment life – Monitoring system cleanliness and filtration efficiency gets more out of the
equipment you have and can significantly reduce equipment replacement costs.
• Maximizes asset reliability – Testing and analysis expands your extended service environment
to ensure that units are up, running and making money.
• Increases resale value – Analysis results provide valuable sampling history documentation that
can easily justify higher equipment resale values.

Why Xamine?
High Quality Testing
With Xamine®, you can be confident you’re testing with a laboratory that knows your equipment better than
anyone. LE’s independent testing laboratories are ISO 17025 A2LA accredited – the highest level of quality
attainable by a testing laboratory, backed by the most stringent accrediting body in the industry. This means
that your fluid analysis program is supported by a documented quality system you can depend on to deliver
superior testing and customer services.

Reliable Reporting & Innovative Data Solutions

Xamine Oil Analysis is fast and accurate. Once your samples have been logged, you can track their progress
through the laboratory at www.eoilreports.com. Your results are available soon after sample processing is
complete. Our online reporting software, Horizon®, available at www.eoilreports.com, will then show you
how to get the most from your data through management reports that allow you to affect change in your daily
maintenance practices by:
• Keeping sampling schedules on track
• Identifying bottlenecks in turnaround time
• Tracking unit and fluid performance
• Influencing purchasing decisions

Reviewed by Experts
A lab consultant, LE’s corporate personnel and your
LE lubrication consultant will all review your reports –
ensuring a level of expert support that is unmatched in
the industry.
Taking Samples
LE’s Xamine Oil Analysis Program will show you how regular sampling and trend analysis – monitoring test data over
an extended period of time – will provide the information you need to continually maximize asset reliability and
increase company profits.
Oil analysis is most effective when samples are representative of the typical environmental conditions under which
they operate. Dirt, system debris, water and light fuels tend to separate from lubricants and coolants when system
temperatures cool. Samples should be taken while the systems are operating under normal conditions or immediately
after shutdown, while they are still at operating temperature.
Samples should also be taken at regularly scheduled intervals and from the same sampling point each time. Although
an equipment manufacturer’s recommendations provide a good starting point for developing preventive maintenance
practices, sampling intervals can easily vary. A major consideration for determining sampling frequency is how
critical a piece of equipment is to production. Environmental factors are also important, such as hot, dirty operating
conditions, short trips with heavy loads, and excessive idle times.
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a first-time sampler, a well-designed, quality oil analysis program puts you
on track for well-managed, cost-effective equipment maintenance programming.

Sampling Intervals & Methods

Sampling Interval Suggested Method & Location

Monthly or at 250 hours By sample extraction pump through dipstick retaining

Diesel Engines
tube or sampling valve installed in filter return

250 – 500 hours By vacuum pump through oil fill port or

Hydraulics
system reservoir at mid-level
Automatic 500 hours / 25,000 miles By vacuum pump through dipstick retaining tube
Transmissions or sampling valve installed in filter return
Manual Transmissions 750 hours / 50,000 miles By vacuum pump through oil level plug or
& Differentials dipstick retaining tube
Xamine® Test Packages
Advanced Engine
Basic Engine
Diesel Natural Gas
Purpose Monitors wear & contamination Optimizes drain intervals

TESTS Engines Engines Engines

Elemental Metals by ICP n n n
Water % by Crackle n n n
Viscosity at 100°C n n n
Fuel Dilution n n
Soot % n n
Base Number n
Acid Number n
FTIR Oxidation/Nitration n

Basic Industrial Advanced Industrial

Basic Industrial Advanced Industrial
with PQ with PQ
Monitors fluid cleanliness Monitors fluid cleanliness
Monitors wear Monitors
Purpose & optimizes and excessive ferrous
& contamination fluid cleanliness
drain intervals wear generation
TESTS Non-Engines Non-Engines Non-Engines Non-Engines
Elemental Metals by ICP n n n n
Water % by Crackle n
Water by Karl Fisher, ppm n n n
Viscosity at 40°C or 100°C n n n n
Acid Number n n n n
Particle Count (PC) n n
Particle Quantifier (PQ) n n

Additional testing options are available,

including turbine oil analysis.
For more information, contact your
LE lubrication consultant today.
Xamine® Spectrometer Guide
Wear Metals
Iron Chromium Lead Copper Tin Aluminum Nickel Silver Manganese Titanium Vanadium
(Fe) (Cr) (Pb) (Cu) (Sn) (Al) (Ni) (Ag) (Mn) (Ti) (V)

Cylinders, Rings, Bearing Bushings, Bearings, Pistons, Valves Bearings, Trace Trace Trace
gears, roller/taper overlays, bearings, bushings, bearings, bushings, elements in element element
rings, bearing, additive in thrust- pistons, pumps, platings liners and
crankshafts, rods, gear oil and washers, platings blowers, rings,
liners, platings gasoline friction rotors, additive
bearings, plates, oil thrust- in gasoline
housings, cooler, washers
rust additive
in oil

Contaminants
Silicon (Si) Boron (B) Sodium (Na) Potassium (K)

Element used to determine the level Present in most permanent antifreeze Present in most permanent Present in most permanent antifreeze
of airborne dirt and abrasives in the systems and cooling system inhibitors antifreeze systems and cooling systems and cooling system inhibitors
oil (sometimes used as an anti-foam (sometimes used as an additive). system inhibitors (sometimes used (sometimes used as an additive in
agent). Might be from oil anti-foam as an additive). gear oil).
agent, antifreeze or gasket material.

Physical Data
Viscosity TAN TBN Partical Quantifier Oxidation and Nitration

Decrease in viscosity from Total Acid Number. The Total Base Number. Amount Detects and measures the mass Infrared analysis that looks at
wrong makeup oil, sheardown relative acidity of the oil. of alkaline additive material of ferrous wear debris within frequency peaks indicating
of viscosity index improvers, Increasing TAN indicates (alkaline reserve) available the lubricant sample, regardless oxidation and the area
fuel contamination or oxidation or acid to absorb or control acid. of the size of the wear particles indicating nitration. Used on
non-emulsified water contamination. Usually run Decreasing TBN indicates present. The result is reported dry-fueled engine – testing to
contamination. Increase in on non-engine samples. additive depletion. Primarily as a PQ index. relate nitration levels.
viscosity from oxidation, run on engine oils.
wrong makeup oil or solids
contamination.

Additive Metals
Magnesium (Mg) Calcium (Ca) Barium (Ba) Phosphorus (P) Zinc (Zn) Molybdenum (Mo)

Lightweight housings or Oil additives usually used Could be detergent oil Anti-wear or antioxidant Anti-wear additive Anti-wear additive
casings, or oil additive as for detergents or additive oil additive
a detergent or dispersant dispersants

Non-Metallic Contaminants
Fuel Soot Water

Percent fuel contained in the oil sample. Measures the amount of combustion solids in the Percent water found in the oil sample. Could be
Excessive fuel dilution impairs the oil’s lubricating oil sample. May be mostly carbon from incomplete from cooling system leaks, condensation due
qualities and is indicative of operation or combustion, but can also be oxidized/nitrated fuel. to frequent shutdowns, low-temperature
maintenance defect. operations, poor sump ventilation, or outside
water contamination.
How To Read Your Fluid Analysis Report
Xamine reports produce a wealth of important data and useful recommendations for
identifying and correcting the root cause of abnormal conditions. Use the report descriptions
and explanations below to better understand your results. Your LE lubrication consultant can
assist you in effectively using individual test reports as well as taking advantage of the full
data management capabilities of the program.

Manufacturer and Model

can identify OEM’s standard
maintenance guidelines and
possible wear patterns to
expect, as well as the
metallurgies involved.

Application identifies in
what type of environment
the equipment operates
and is useful in determining
exposure to possible
contaminants.

Accurate, thorough and complete information allows for more in-depth

analysis and can eliminate confusion when interpreting results.
 Equipment and Sample Information
In order to make effective recommendations, LE’s data analysts must have complete and accurate equipment and sample information.

Component Type should Severity Status Levels:

give as much detail as 0 - Results are normal.
possible. What kind of 1 - At least one or more
compressor, gearbox, items have violated initial
engine, etc., influences flagging points but are still
flagging parameters and considered minor.
Component ID and Secondary ID depth of analysis. Different 2 - A trend is developing.
allow each customer metallurgies require 3 - Simple maintenance
to uniquely identify different lubrication and and/or diagnostics are
equipment being tested have great impact on how recommended.
and its location. results are interpreted. 4 - Failure is eminent if
maintenance is not
performed.

The Lab # is assigned to

the sample upon entry for
processing and should be the
reference number used when
contacting LE with questions,
concerns or feedback.
Data Analyst’s Initials

Make note of the difference

between the Date Sampled and
the Date Received by the lab.
Turnaround issues may point to
storing samples too long before
shipping or to shipping service
Sump Capacity identifies problems. Also noted is testing
the total volume of oil Product Manufacturer, Name Date Completed.
Filter Type and Micron in which wear metals and Viscosity Grade identify
Rating can be important are suspended and a lube’s properties and its
details for the analyst to is critical when trending viscosity and is critical in
assess fluid cleanliness and wear metal concentrations. determining if the right lube
wear levels. is being used.
Recommendations
A data analyst’s job is to explain and, if necessary, recommend actions for rectifying significant changes in the lubricant
or the unit’s condition. Reviewing comments before looking at the actual test results will provide a road map to the
report’s most important information. Any actions that need to be taken are listed first in order of severity. Justifications
for recommending those actions immediately follow.

Laboratory might request

additional unit and lube
information if incomplete
on sample label.

Elemental Analysis
Elemental analysis, or spectroscopy, identifies the type and amount of wear particles, contamination and oil additives.
Determining metal content can alert you to the type and severity of wear occurring in the unit. Measurements are
expressed in parts per million (ppm).
Combinations of these Wear Metals can Knowledge of the environmental Multi-Source Metals and Additive Metals could
identify components within the machine conditions in which a unit turn up in test results for a variety of reasons.
that are wearing. Knowing what metal a operates can explain varying levels Molybdenum, antimony and boron are
unit is made of can greatly influence of Contaminant Metals. Excessive additives in some oils. Magnesium, calcium and
an analyst’s recommendations and levels of dust and dirt can be barium are often used in detergent/dispersant
determine the value of elemental analysis. abrasive and can accelerate wear. additives. Phosphorous is used as an extreme
pressure additive in gear oils. Phosphorous and
zinc are used in the anti-wear additive ZDDP
(zinc dialkyl-dithio-phosphate).
 Test Data
Test results are listed according to age of the sample – oldest to most recent, top to bottom – so that trends are
apparent. Significant changes are in the yellow­areas of the report.

Samples are listed by Date Sampled in the Viscosity measures a lubricant’s resistance
lab – oldest first. They are also assigned a to flow at temperature and is considered
Sample Number for easy internal tracking. its most important physical property.
Important to note is whether or not the Unit Time is the age of the Depending on lube grade, it is tested at
Lube has been Changed since the last equipment. Lube Time is how 40 and/or 100 degrees Centigrade and
sample was taken. long the oil has been used. reported in Centistokes.

The ISO Code is an index The Particle Count is Fuel and Soot are reported Water in oil decreases lubricity, prevents
number that represents a a cumulative range in % of volume. High fuel additives from working and furthers
range of particles within a between 4 and 100 dilution decreases unit load oxidation. Its presence can be determined
specific micron range, i.e., 4, microns. This test is capacity. Excessive soot is a by crackle or FTIR and is reported in % of
6, 14. Each class designates a valuable in determining sign of reduced combustion volume. Water by Karl Fischer ASTM D6304
range of measured particles large particle wear in efficiency. (only tested on determines the amount of water present.
per one ml of sample. filtered systems. engine oil samples) These results appear in the Additional Testing
section of your report.
Sample Information / Sample Labels
Component Registration Form Two barcode labels are provided with every Sample
A Sample Information / Component Registration Form Information / Component Registration Form. Every
is included with every sample kit. Fill it out only when sample submitted to the laboratory must have a barcode
sampling a new component for the first time or to attached to the bottle. Make sure the Component ID is
notify the laboratory of a change in component or fluid listed on both the barcode label and the paperwork. If
information already registered with the laboratory. your sample is submitted online, you will still need to
Complete, up-to-date information ensures that you attach a barcode label – with the Component ID written
receive the proper testing and an accurate analysis of on it – to the sample bottle.
the results.
Step 2
Step 1 • Attach one barcode sticker label to sample jar
• Fill out the Sample Information / Component and retain the second barcode sticker label for
Registration Form completely and accurately. your records.

• Use this form only for first-time samples, changes

in unit or fluid information previously submitted,
requests for additional testing, and requests that a
sample be expedited (rush requests).
• Include it in the mailing envelope with the
sample jar.

NOTE: When you provide the most accurate and

complete unit and fluid information, your laboratory
can deliver the most accurate and complete results
and recommendations.
Salt Lake City
Indianapolis

Test Reports and Data Management

LE’s free online reporting option – Horizon® – is fast,
bringing you Xamine test results almost immediately
Houston
after processing is complete. Horizon® management
reports allow you to make positive changes in your daily
maintenance practices by keeping sampling on track,
Sampling and Shipping identifying bottlenecks in turnaround time that are
costing you money and summarizing unit problems that
Write the address for the laboratory location nearest you could influence future purchasing decisions. Control
on the mailing envelope. (See address choices on the over an extensive host of personal application settings
Sample Information / Component Registration Form.) and preferences gives you the power to access the
Apply the appropriate postage and ship. It is highly information you need most.
recommended that a trackable delivery service be used
for shipping samples to the laboratory. Log on to Step 4
www.eoilreports.com and enter the tracking number just
below the barcode to track your sample’s progress once it • Get test results almost immediately –
arrives at the laboratory. FREE at www.eoilreports.com.
• Make positive changes in your daily
Step 3 maintenance practices.
• Take representative samples. • Keep sampling schedules on track.
• Write the address for the lab location nearest you on • Identify bottlenecks in sample turnaround time.
the mailing envelope.
• Influence future purchasing decisions.
• Include sample jar and component registration form,
if applicable, in mailing envelope. • Be the first to get the information you need most.

• Ship by trackable delivery service such as

FedEx or UPS.
• Track sample progress through laboratory at
www.eoilreports.com.
 Labaratory Locations

Indianapolis

Salt Lake City

Houston

Indianapolis
7451 Winton Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46268

Houston
10910 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. Suite 700
Houston, TX 77064-6314

Salt Lake City

3060 W. California Avenue, Suite B
Salt Lake City, UT 84104

Xamine® is a registered trademark and Asset Reliability Solutions™ is a trademark of Lubrication Engineers.
Horizon® is a registered trademark of Polaris Laboratories.
LEX_OAUG_119 6-12, rev. 2-21

1919 E. Tulsa • Wichita, KS 67218 • Fax: 800-228-1142 www.LElubricants.com • 800-537-7683

LE operates under an ISO 9001 Certified Quality System.