Physical Analysis
DEP
Visual Deposits
Units: None
Visual Deposits Advice
Each oil sample being processed at our laboratory receives a visual inspection to allow some recording of physical characteristics that may be deemed abnormal.
There are four characteristics that are reported: -
- Amount
- Metallic Debris
- Contamination
- Opacity
Amount codes: -
Negligible
(N)
Less material than Figure 1
Low
(L)
Contamination between Figure 1 and Figure 2
Medium
(M)
Contamination between Figure 2 and Figure 3
High
(H)
More material than Figure 3
Metallic Debris codes: -
None
(-)
No metallic material detected by eye
Magnetic
(M)
Material that can be attracted to a magnet
Non-Magnetic
(N)
Metal not attracted by a magnet
Combination
(C)
Both magnetic and non-magnetic metal present
Contamination codes: -
None
(-)
No abnormal contamination detected (excludes metallic debris)
Water
(W)
Water identified by eye
Foreign Material
(F)
Material other than metal or water detected
Opacity codes: -
Normal
(-)
Normal for oil type, may be coloured in relation to oil type
Black
(B)
Typical of used diesel engine oil
Dark
(D)
Dark brown appearance may be from contamination, oxidation, thermal stressing, varnish or micro-dieseling
Examples
LNF-
Low amount of non-magnetic debris detected, including foreign material. Oil Opacity is normal.
LCF-
Low amount of magnetic and non-magnetic debris detected, including foreign material. Oil Opacity is normal.
HM--
High amount of magnetic debris detected. Oil Opacity is normal.
LNFB
Low amount of non-magnetic debris detected, including foreign material. Oil opacity is black.