Lubricants Quality Analysis System Development. Volume I. Performance Measurements by Potential Portable Test Kits.

In the field or depot, the equipment user needs an answer, usually within a few minutes or hours, as to the condition of his mechanical components and of the lubricant or fluid in those components. Present petroleum testing operations, while adequate in controlled peacetime environments, are inappropriate for use in a faster, more mobile future battlefield. Personnel from Mobility Technology Center-Belvoir and Belvoir Fuels and Lubricants Research Facility selected the criteria, techniques, equipment devices, and test methodology required to accurately evaluate the condition of in-service lubricant and fluids. A midproject redirection of this work effort to assess the quality of new and unused lubricants and fluids did not change the basic approach. During this evaluation, the techniques, technologies, and kit devices required some modification and refinement decisions. Eighteen test devices were evaluated, some of which were used for more than one test technique. Approximately ten devices, with minor modifications, could be hardened for use with the Lubricant Quality Analysis LQA System. Four of the devices were man-portable and could be used for maximum forward tactical testing, while six were transportable and could be used for operational and control theater testing. jg