Hi everyone!
Just a question .. I have been running trending for a locomotive company. The diesel engine oil elemental analysis seems to show abnormal results. The normal potassium value increases to >100 mg/kg(normally 4-7), phosphorus seems to fall to <5 mg/kg.(normally few hundreds) and
nickel increased to >1000 mg/kg.(normally <50)

What could have been the cause of this situation ? Pls advice

Just some suggestions. You may need to find out what coolant is being used and the additive package level - which may explain the high K. As for the phos, may need to check they are still using the same oil as before - possibly get a sample of the new oil to compare elementals and add pack levels. As for Ni - check if the engine has been overhauled or what works/repairs have been done - also find out what it's carting - is it a nickel ore of some sort. I hope this helps.

Agree with Rene, would also check fuel using ICP as there appears to be something strange occuring.
Also some rail engine oil is Zinc free(ZDDP free ZN~0 and P~0ppm) so the use of this may be the reason for phosphorus levels reducing.
Ni level puzzling, if Ni ore dust would expect increase in wear metals due to abrasive wear, too high for Fe/Ni alloy wear and no Fe.
Any Ni plating?
Suggest talk with engine builder