Wear Metal Analysis

Spectrometric wear metal analysis identifies the elemental composition of metal particles suspended in lubricating oil. Each element traces back to a specific machine component, enabling engineers to pinpoint which part is wearing before symptoms become visible. ORDNEX coordinates wear metal analysis through qualified UAE-based laboratory partners.

PURPOSE & ENGINEERING VALUE

Why Wear Metal Analysis Matters

ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) spectrometry detects wear metals in concentrations as low as 1 part per million. This sensitivity makes it possible to identify a developing bearing problem weeks or months before it would cause a measurable change in operating parameters.

Trend analysis is the most powerful application. A single elevated result may be noise; a consistent upward trend across three or more samples at fixed intervals indicates a real and developing condition.

Note on ICP Particle Size Limitation

ICP spectrometry is most effective for particles below 5–8 microns. Larger particles from advanced wear stages may require analytical ferrography for accurate characterisation. Both methods are complementary.

Typical Report Turnaround

24 to 48 hours for standard ICP wear metal panel.

ORDNEX coordinates testing through qualified laboratory partners. Turnaround times are subject to laboratory capacity and sample condition.

WEAR ELEMENTS

Element Sources & Engineering Significance

Iron (Fe)Cylinder liners, crankshaft journals, camshaft lobes, gear teeth, bearing races

The most common wear indicator. Rising iron trend suggests abnormal liner or bearing wear requiring investigation.

Copper (Cu)Thrust bearings, connecting rod bearings, bronze bushings, cooler tubes

Elevated copper from bearings may precede a bearing failure event. Copper from cooler tubes suggests cooling circuit contamination.

Aluminium (Al)Piston crowns, connecting rod small end bushings, pump impellers

Rising aluminium in two-stroke engine oils may indicate piston crown erosion or scuffing.

Lead (Pb)Tri-metal bearing overlays in connecting rod bearings and main bearings

Lead is the softest overlay material and wears first. Its presence signals bearing distress before the harder underlays are affected.

Tin (Sn)Bearing overlays, bronze bushings, white metal bearings

Tin loss from white metal bearings indicates overheating or overloading of the bearing surface.

Chromium (Cr)Piston rings (chrome-plated), roller bearing components, valve stems

Chromium indicates ring wear. Elevated chromium alongside iron confirms liner and ring interaction.

Silicon (Si)Dirt and dust ingress (external contamination), wear debris from ceramic coatings

Silicon above 20 ppm typically signals air filtration failure or external contamination rather than internal wear.

Sodium (Na)Seawater or coolant ingress

Sodium in engine oil indicates a coolant or seawater leak path into the crankcase — a potentially serious condition requiring urgent investigation.

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Equipment Categories

·Main engine wear monitoring

·Auxiliary engine condition trending

·Gearbox bearing assessment

·Stern tube and shaft bearing analysis

·Turbocharger bearing oil

·Compressor crankcase monitoring

·Industrial rotating machinery

·Wind turbine gearbox oil

INDUSTRIES SERVED

Operational Sectors

·Commercial Shipping

·Ship Management Companies

·Naval & Coast Guard

·Offshore Support Vessels

·Power Generation

·Industrial Manufacturing

·Marine Service Companies

·Shipyards

Related Services

Lubricating Oil Analysis →Particle Count Analysis →Hydraulic Oil Analysis →

LABORATORY INTAKE

Submit a Wear Metal Analysis Request

Provide machine type, oil grade, running hours on oil, and previous results if available. Trend data significantly increases the diagnostic value of the analysis.