In this month's Practicing Oil Analysis (May-June) on page 3 the article mentions using a laser pointer to identify suspended solids and oil/water emulsions. I pulled out my pointer to try and figure out how it was done. I didn't see anything using a laser pointer different from what I saw with my flashlight. What am I missing?

How do I use a laser pointer as an analysis tool on sight glasses?

Thanks for any input you can give me.

Pete

One of the things you are looking for is reflective light fragments indicating large solid particles suspended in the oil. You can observe this by experimenting with a new turbine oil, or other rather clear oil, in a sample bottle. With the laser passing horizontally through the oil, sprinkle table salt into the open mouth of the bottle. You will see something of a laser light show as the salt falls through the light beam. Without the use of the laser, the salt in the oil is completely invisible to the eye.

Another practice is to observe the laser light beam on a white piece of paper after it passes through the oil. Is the laser spot clear and distinct or is it blurred and diffused? Diffused light may indicate emulsions, oxides, color bodies, other contaminants or oil degradation products.

The laser does not work with dark or opaque oils

I hope this is helpful!

Sabrin