Trace Moisture Meter for Lubricants & Petroleum Products
A Trace Moisture Meter measures the ultra-low moisture content in lubricants, fuels, and industrial oils. Even small amounts of water contamination can cause oxidation, corrosion, viscosity changes, and equipment failure in sensitive applications.
Test Standards for Moisture Content in Lubricants
✅ ASTM D6304 – Water Content in Petroleum Products (Karl Fischer Method)
✅ ISO 12937 – Water Content in Light Oils & Fuels (Coulometric Karl Fischer)
✅ ASTM E203 – Water Content in Lubricants by Volumetric Karl Fischer Titration
✅ IEC 60814 – Water Content in Insulating Oils for Transformers
✅ ASTM D1533 – Water Determination in Electrical Insulating Oils
Best Trace Moisture Meters for Lubricants & Petroleum Products
1. Metrohm 899 Coulometric Karl Fischer Moisture Analyzer
🔹 Test Standards: ASTM D6304, ISO 12937
🔹 Key Features:
✅ Ultra-low detection limit (0.001% or 10 ppm)
✅ Coulometric Karl Fischer titration for accuracy
✅ Ideal for transformer oils, turbine oils, and hydraulic fluids
🔹 Best For:
✔ Power plants & transformer oil analysis
✔ Hydraulic & turbine oil moisture detection
✔ Research & development in lubricant quality control
2. Mettler Toledo V30 Volumetric Karl Fischer Titrator
🔹 Test Standards: ASTM E203, ASTM D6304
🔹 Key Features:
✅ Wide range (10 ppm – 100% water detection)
✅ Volumetric Karl Fischer titration for lubricants with high water content
✅ Automated sample handling for high-throughput labs
🔹 Best For:
✔ Routine lubricant QC in manufacturing
✔ Detection of free, emulsified, and dissolved water
✔ Suitable for engine oils, gear oils, and industrial lubricants
3. Mitsubishi CA-310 Moisture Meter
🔹 Test Standards: ASTM D6304, IEC 60814
🔹 Key Features:
✅ Compact, fast, and accurate Karl Fischer moisture analysis
✅ Measures water content from 1 ppm to 5%
✅ Pre-programmed methods for petroleum and lubricants
🔹 Best For:
✔ Transformer oil and insulating fluid testing
✔ Moisture-sensitive industrial applications
✔ On-site or lab-based water analysis in lubricants
Why Moisture Testing is Critical for Lubricants & Petroleum Products
💧 Prevents Corrosion – Water in lubricants accelerates rust & component wear.
💧 Ensures Equipment Reliability – Reduces bearing & pump failures.
💧 Detects Contamination Early – Helps identify leaks, condensation, or process issues.
💧 Regulatory Compliance – Required for power plants, aviation, automotive, and industrial applications.
Moisture Limits for Different Lubricants
| Lubricant Type | Acceptable Moisture Content | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Transformer Oil | < 35 ppm | IEC 60814, ASTM D1533 |
| Hydraulic Oil | < 100 ppm | ASTM D6304, ISO 12937 |
| Turbine Oil | < 150 ppm | ASTM D6304, ISO 12937 |
| Engine & Gear Oil | < 500 ppm | ASTM E203, ASTM D6304 |
| Biodegradable Lubricants | < 200 ppm | ASTM D6304, ISO 12937 |
Moisture Sensitivity in Different Lubricant Types
Water contamination in lubricants can lead to corrosion, viscosity breakdown, oxidation, sludge formation, and equipment failure. The acceptable moisture levels vary based on the lubricant type, application, and industry standards.
Moisture Limits & Sensitivity for Common Lubricants
| Lubricant Type | Moisture Sensitivity | Acceptable Water Content | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil (SAE 5W-30, 10W-40, etc.) | Moderate | < 500 ppm | ASTM D6304, ASTM E203 |
| Hydraulic Oil (ISO VG 32, 46, 68, etc.) | High | < 100 ppm | ASTM D6304, ISO 12937 |
| Gear Oil (SAE 75W-90, 80W-140, etc.) | Moderate | < 300 ppm | ASTM D6304, ISO 4406 |
| Turbine Oil (ISO VG 32, 46, 68, etc.) | Very High | < 150 ppm | ASTM D6304, ISO 12937 |
| Compressor Oil (PAO, PAG, Mineral-based) | High | < 200 ppm | ASTM D6304, ISO 4406 |
| Transformer Oil (Mineral, Silicone, Ester-based) | Extremely High | < 35 ppm | IEC 60814, ASTM D1533 |
| Biodegradable Lubricants (Ester, PAG-based oils) | High | < 200 ppm | ASTM D6304, ISO 12937 |
Effects of Water Contamination in Lubricants
💧 Engine Oils – Causes sludge formation, oxidation, and corrosion in internal combustion engines.
💧 Hydraulic Oils – Reduces pump efficiency, causes cavitation, and accelerates wear in hydraulic systems.
💧 Gear Oils – Leads to pitting, foaming, and reduced load-carrying capacity in gearboxes.
💧 Turbine Oils – Promotes varnish formation and dielectric breakdown, affecting power plant operations.
💧 Compressor Oils – Affects lubrication in high-speed air compressors, leading to seal damage.
💧 Transformer Oils – Reduces insulating properties, increasing the risk of short circuits.
💧 Biodegradable Lubricants – Water accelerates hydrolysis, breaking down the lubricant faster.
Best Trace Moisture Meters for Different Lubricants
1. Metrohm 899 Coulometric Karl Fischer Analyzer
✔ Best for ultra-low moisture detection in Transformer, Turbine & Hydraulic Oils
✔ Measures from 1 ppm to 5% moisture
✔ ASTM D6304 & IEC 60814 compliant
2. Mettler Toledo V30 Volumetric Karl Fischer Titrator
✔ Ideal for Engine, Gear, and Compressor Oils
✔ Measures free, emulsified & dissolved water (10 ppm – 100% range)
✔ Automated sample preparation for high-throughput labs
3. Mitsubishi CA-310 Moisture Meter
✔ Best for Transformer Oil & Electrical Insulating Fluids
✔ Pre-programmed methods for lubricants & petroleum products
✔ IEC 60814 & ASTM D1533 compliance