Titra-Lube TBN test quick the alkalinity reserves of the lubricating oil for a diesel engine. This will help to preserve the life-span of the engine crank shaft and the metals in the crankcase compartment from corrosion by acid solution caused by the dissolution of the Sulfur dioxide into Sulfuric Acid.

Diesel engines which burns fuel oil of high Sulfur content burn the sulfur into the sulfur dioxide, which is blown by into the crankcase through the piston ring. The moisture in the crankcase dissolves this condensed sulfur dioxide into acid and this will corrode the metals of the crankshaft and its bearings and associated parts. To solve this problem, Lube oil makers treat the oil with high Alkaline content, and the high pH lube oil then neutralises the sulphuric acid and turn them into base salt. However, the base number does not stay at the safe condition all the time, as the lube oil ages, the alkalinity reserves diminishes due to the conversion rate driving it to a Total Base Number saturation point, then it is time to change oil for the engine.

The Titra Lube TBN purpose is to determine the level where the TBN reaches its saturation point of salt. The test provides a colorimetric determination of TBN between 0 and 20mg KOH per gram of sample. Oil colour does not interfere with test results because the colorimetric determination is carried out in the aqueous phase of the sample. All premeasured reagents are non-hazardous, sealed in glass ampoules and contain no F series solvents. Each kit contains everything needed to do the analysis. With the ampoules, the tests are done more accurately and without any human error, each time the reagents are dispensed.

Each package consists of 20 kits to a shelf pack, there are 80 kits per case, minimum order is 20 kits. The benefits are:

• All reagents are pre-measured and sealed in glass ampoules.
• Results are consistent and accurate.
• All reagents are safe, no chlorinated solvents or chlorobenzenes.
• Easy disposal in normal laboratory waste
• Results in less than 5 minutes
• Range: 0 - 20 TBN (mgKOH/gram of sample)
• Method Detection Limit (MDL) : 0.6 mg KOH/gram of sample
• Minimum Quantitative Level (MQL) : 1.8 mg KOH/gram of sample
• Test works equally well on new oils and dirty contaminated oils
• More efficient and economical than preparing standard laboratory reagents
  

Titra-Lube TBN vs. ASTM D-2896 and D-4739
 
Sample    OIL Type    D-4739    D-2896    TBN      
A                NEW         1.31       0.90         0.85      
B                NEW          7.05       7.87        7.53      
C                NEW         12.45     14.78       13.62      
D                NEW         11.20     12.44       11.58      
E                USED         3.79      8.79          5.42      
F                USED         9.61     13.55        11.36      
G                USED        4.64       6.37          5.26      
H                USED        13.05     16.76       15.50      
I                  USED         4.21       8.22        6.00      
J                 USED         4.03       8.48        5.70      
K                USED         2.54       6.87        4.90      
L                 USED        2.54        6.89        4.30      
M                USED        5.56        6.89        4.30      
N                USED         7.25      11.12        9.50      
O                USED        6.89      10.70        8.50     

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