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The
RULERŪ Instrument
The patented RULERŪ technology is a portable oil analysis instrument that
quickly measures the levels of antioxidants in petroleum- and synthetic-based
oils, greases, and industrial fluids. Designed to provide rapid and accurate
evaluations of lubricant oxidation stability and remaining antioxidant
concentration, the RULERŪ is ideal for field testing, maintenance facilities,
and oil analysis laboratories as part of a proactive oil condition monitoring
program.
The Role of Antioxidants
The antioxidants added to lubricants are vital to fluid integrity and are
specially formulated for each type of application, accounting for the various
exposures to heat, atmospheric oxygen, and water. Under normal machine
operating conditions, radical oxidation would typically degrade any lubricant
without a protective additive package. This could result in sludge and
deposit formation, filter blockages, oil thickening, and an increase in oil
acidity. The antioxidants present in the additive package will significantly
limit oil degradation from occurring but will be depleted in the process.
Therefore, it is imperative to know the status of the antioxidants in oils
being used in service.
Conventional Measurement Techniques
Many conventional laboratory techniques such as kinematic viscosity, total
acid number (TAN), infrared (IR) data, and wear metal analysis are used for
measuring the extent of oil degradation. These techniques only begin to show
significant changes in the physical and chemical properties of the oils when
a majority of the antioxidants have been depleted and the oil has begun to
substantially degrade, approaching the end of its useful life. This is a
point where machine wear and failure may become a severe problem. However, to
ensure that a lubricant is not used past the end of its useful life, periodic
oil changes are inherently conservative which results in discarding lubricant
that is still suitable for use.
The RULERŪ Measurement Technology
The RULERŪ instrument quantitatively determines the remaining utility of the
lubricant by measuring the remaining concentrations of the antioxidants. The
rate of antioxidant depletion over time can be monitored and used to predict
proper oil change intervals as well as detect abnormal equipment operation
prior to machine breakdown. These important assessments can be easily made by
field personnel from the data acquired and analyzed by the RULERŪ instrument.
The results are then presented directly on the touch screen. In addition, the
RULERŪ Data Management Software (R-DMSŪ) system, which is part of the RULERŪ
package, enhances this monitoring process and can be utilized on a desktop or
laptop computer.
The measurement principal of the RULERŪ is based upon linear voltammetry,
where this patented electrochemistry technique can evaluate a wide range of
antioxidants without any interference from water, fuel, soot, dirt, metal,
silt, or other contaminants. The analysis of an oil sample requires the
addition of less than 0.5 mL of oil to an electrolytic test solution and
insertion of the RULERŪ probe into the solution. The instrument applies a
voltage ramp across the three-electrode sensing system in the probe. At
specific voltage values, the antioxidants will become chemically excited and
create an oxidation current that is recorded by the instrument. A plot of
oxidation current versus voltage, known as a voltammagram, is displayed on
the touch screen. The results can then be readily analyzed using the RULERŪ
instrument software and interpreted by the field operator to determine if any
immediate maintenance action is necessary or to plan for the next appropriate
oil change interval.
The RULERŪ Data Management Software (R-DMSŪ)
Utilizing the RULERŪ Data Management Software (R-DMSŪ) on a desktop or laptop
computer, the resulting data for each test site can be easily tracked over
time, enabling the user to identify normal trends for any given piece of
equipment. Variations from these trends can be indicative of changes in
system operating conditions causing the accelerated oxidation of the
lubricant. The R-DMSŪ software package can maintain a large database of test
results, display multiple test results, export data to other formats, and
incorporate trending data from other techniques such as viscosity, acid
number, infrared (IR) data, and wear metal analysis to provide a complete
condition monitoring package. Therefore, with complete information about
lubricant quality, determinations can be easily made regarding oil change
intervals or additive reinforcement to extend the life of the lubricant.
The RULERŪ Test Solutions
The patented test solutions formulated specifically for RULERŪ analysis
optimize the measurement of specific antioxidants in any given class of oils.
These RULERŪ test solutions are provided in 7mL glass vials which attach
easily to the RULERŪ test probe, have been identified by different colored
caps, and are convenient for field and remote testing. Each vial contains 5mL
of a specific test solution and 1g of specially prepared sand. After an oil
sample is added to the test solution and the vial is shaken, the oil and
debris will adhere to the sand and the antioxidants will remain in the
solution for RULERŪ analysis. The shelf life of the RULERŪ solutions is at
least one year from the date of manufacture.
The RULERŪ test solutions are available in four main classes: red, green,
blue, and yellow. The red solutions have been designed for aviation oil
applications, which includes ester-based turbine oils. The green solutions
have been designed for general applications, which include phosphate
ester-based oils, gear, compressor and hydraulic oils, greases, and transformer
oils. The blue solutions have been designed for combustion engine
applications, which include gear oils, gasoline and diesel crankcase oils,
and marine oils. The yellow solutions have been designed for rust and
oxidation applications, which include mineral-based steam and gas turbine
oils, phosphate ester-based oils, gear oils, compressor and hydraulic oils,
gasoline and diesel crankcase oils, marine oils, greases, and transformer
oils.
Specifications
Conforms to ASTM D6810
CE certified
Communication Ports
High-speed 4MBPS IrDA port on RULERŪ instrument
Standard RS-232 port on docking cradle
Operating Temperature Range
–30°C to +50°C
–22°F to +122°F
Power Supply
Rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack
Rechargeable lithium-manganese backup battery pack
Electrical Requirements
120V 50/60Hz
220V 50/60Hz
Included Accessories
Docking Cradle, Cable, and Communication Software
R-DMSŪ Software Package (RULERŪ Data Management Software)
RULERŪ Probe
Carrying Case for RULERŪ instrument and accessories (but does not accommodate
docking cradle)
Micropipettor with disposable tips
Alcohol pads
Tissue Wipes
Instruction Manual
Dimensions lxwxh,in.(cm)
24.8x10.4x6.1 (9.75x4.1x2.4)
Net Weight: 1.9 lbs (0.85kg)
Shipping Information
Shipping Weight: 10 lbs (4.5kg)
Dimensions: 2 Cu. ft.
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