Kittiwake Developments Limited

Measuring - Monitoring - Managing

Introducing Ferrography

What is Ferrography?
Types of Ferrography
The Analex RPD
How it works
Particle Examination

What is Ferrography?

The study of particulate

matter in used oil and
grease samples
Particles are separated
out from the sample for
subsequent analysis
under a microscope

Types of Ferrography
Analytical Ferrograph (AF)
Separates wear debris by
magnetic methods producing a
glass slide for subsequent
analysis by microscope
Requires specially prepared
glass slides
High operator expertise is
required
High instrument cost

Types of Ferrography
Direct Reading Ferrograph
(DRF)
Separates debris into small (DS)
and large (DL) particles and
gives a quantitative
measurement by a photometric
method
DS <5 micron
DL >5 micron
Analysis time per sample
typically 20 minutes

Types of Ferrography
Rotary Particle Depositor
(RPD)

Simple to use
Low cost per sample
Uses untreated glass slides
High sample throughput
typically 6 mins
Rapid separation of particles
Strong rare earth magnet
Excellent separation equivalent
to linear 160mm
Wide particle size range
1 to 2000 micron

How the RPD works

Position glass side on seal
Set rotation speed typically 70 rpm
(Speed range 30-200rpm)
Deposit sample onto rotating slide
using sample pipette
Introduce solvent onto slide
When fluid film is clear dry of the
solvent
Release slide and identify

How the RPD works

Position Slide

Deposit Sample

How the RPD works

Extracts wear debris by the

combined magnetic, centrifugal
and gravitational forces

Inner
1-1000

Debris is deposited on
substrate in the form of 3
concentric rings

Middle
1-50

Inner: Full particle size range 11000+ micron

Middle: 1- 50 micron
Outer: 1-10 micron

Outer
1-10

How the RPD works

Remove slide for

ferrographic
analysis

Particle Examination
Optical Microscopy
Gives information on shape,
size, concentration, type of
particles & some information on
composition
Reflected & transmitted light
Filters & polarisers
Magnification up to about x600
Graticuled eye piece

Particle Examination

Scanning Electron
Microscopy
More detailed observation &
compositional analysis
X-Ray energy dispersive
spectrometer
Research oriented
investigations

Particle Examination

Summary
Ferrography
Ferrography an essential part of used oil analysis
Allows microscopic analysis of particles

RPD

Low cost
Simple to use
High sample throughput
Powerful rare earth magnetic influences all metallic debris
ferrous and non ferrous
Excellent particle separation
Wide particle size range

Summary

Analex RPD

RPD Users