Linear Sweep Voltammetry - aka Ruler

Hi all,

Just a quick question. We are seeing increased buzz around linear sweep voltammetry (aka Fluitecs Ruler) as a method of measuring the oil condition.

http://www.fluitec.com/ruler-a...idant-monitoring.php (apologies if links are not allowed).

My question: Is Fluitecs specific method the only way of measuring the oil condition, are there no competing products?

I see the ASTM methods are written specifically for Fluitecs method (which seems odd), and also that there are special test fluids supplied only by Fluitec and co. (engine, Hyd, Turbine etc) depending on the application.

Linear Sweep voltameters are common enough, I see there are open source projects to create your own (with some soldering). Anyone know if there is a possibility to buy (or make your own) other voltammeters and use them in the same way as the Ruler?

I don't know about building your own RULER. I can tell you that instrument-specific ASTM methods are not that unusual. The Scanning Brookfield and TEOST tests by Tannas and the FZG and Flender Foam by Strama are other examples. Petroleum testing is a niche business and the critical mass doesn't exist to support multiple suppliers for some very specialized properties.

Before you go too far into the RULER rabbit hole, bear in mind that it is a bench test, with all of the limitations associated with that. I believe that D6810 measures the phenolic antioxidant level and D6971 measures phenolic & amine antioxidant levels. That makes them useful for tracking the depletion of antioxidants, period.

One thing they do not tell you anything about is the inherent antioxidant properties of the complete formulation because it tells you nothing about the base oil or other components that may have either a synergistic or negative effect on antioxidant properties. You can't reliably compare new oil "A" against new oil "B".

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