DIN 51453 Testing of Lubricants - Determination of Oxidation and Nitration of Used Engine Oils

EUROLAB, together with its state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, provides precise and fast testing services within the scope of DIN 51453 testing. This standard covers an infrared spectrometric method for the determination of oxidation and nitration of used motor oils.

DIN 51453 is another German Industrial Standard that deals with the testing of lubricants, with a particular focus on the determination of oxidation and nitration in used engine oils using the infrared spectrometric method. This standard provides guidelines and procedures for assessing the extent of oxidation and nitration, two major degradation processes that occur in motor oils during their service life.

Oxidation is the reaction of engine oil with oxygen and leads to the formation of various oxidation products such as acids, sludge and varnish. On the other hand, nitration results in the formation of nitration by-products, where nitrogen oxides react with the oil. Both oxidation and nitration can adversely affect the performance and protective properties of engine oil.

The test method described in DIN 51453 typically includes the following steps:

• Sample Preparation: A representative sample of used engine oil is taken and prepared for analysis. The sample should be handled with care to avoid any contamination.
• Infrared Spectrometer: The prepared sample is subjected to infrared spectrometry, similar to the method used to determine the soot content in used Diesel engine oils (DIN 51452). In this case, infrared light is used to analyze the molecular changes in the oil caused by oxidation and nitration.
• Calibration: To obtain accurate results, calibration is performed using standards with known concentrations of oxidation and nitration products. This calibration step allows the generation of calibration curves that correlate infrared absorption with oxidation and nitration levels in the sample.
• Data Analysis: Data from the infrared spectrometer is processed using calibration curves to determine the degree of oxidation and nitration in used engine oil.
• Reporting: The results of the analysis are reported in terms of oxidation and nitration levels, typically expressed in appropriate units of measurement.

DIN 51453 assesses the extent of oxidation and nitration in used engine oils, helping to assess the condition of the oil and its suitability for further use in engines. Regular monitoring of these degradation processes is important in determining optimum oil change intervals and ensuring that the engine oil provides adequate protection to engine components throughout its service life.

EUROLAB assists manufacturers with DIN 51453 test compliance. Our test experts, with their professional working mission and principles, provide you, our manufacturers and suppliers, the best service and controlled testing process in our laboratories. Thanks to these services, businesses receive more effective, high-performance and quality testing services and provide safe, fast and uninterrupted service to their customers.