Automated Density & Refractometry Accelerates Lubricant Analysis

Shell has provided fuel and lubricants to the Ferrari F1 team since 1950. These products are instrumental for success as the right fuel improves engine performance and the optimal lubricant minimalizes engine wear and improves reliability. Therefore lubricants used for racing have to fulfill very stringent quality requirements. Density and refractive index measurement play a crucial role in lubricant production, in raw material analysis and as important quality control for the finished product.

The METTLER TOLEDO DR45 combined density and refractive index instrument accelerates Shell’s analysis. Anne-Marie Hillmer, assistant lab manager comments: “We are particularly grateful of the heated autosampler. We can measure any sample fully automatically, even if it is black or highly viscous. We simply place the samples on the tray and the instrument does the rest”. Heating the autosampler as well as the tubing is essential for automation. High performance lubricants are often very viscous and can not be easily pumped at room temperature. After performing a measurement the instrument will undergo a cleaning sequence using various solvents and after drying the system move on to the next sample. In Grasbrook they even use the system to analyse samples over night, thereby increasing productivity. The operators are also happy, explains Torsten Jentzen, a lab technician: “The instrument is very unassuming. It just runs and maintenance is very limited”.

Shell has seen improvements compared to old techniques. Thanks to automation, sample throughput and productivity have increased. The system also allows automated measurement of viscous samples and even black lubricants, previously too impractical for refractive index measurements, which can now be reliably analyzed. Better quality control results in better products and the Ferrari team can rely on state-of-the-art technology from Shell lubricants.