Improved productivity for the determination of metals in oil samples using the Agilent 5110 Radial View (RV) ICP-OES with Advanced Valve System

Significance of the Topic

Analysing metals in oil samples is vital for monitoring machinery wear, ensuring additive blending quality and confirming base oil purity in petrochemical and industrial applications.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluated the performance of the Agilent 5110 Radial View ICP-OES with an Advanced Valve System AVS 6 and SPS 4 sample preparation for rapid, accurate quantification of 22 elements in lubricating oils following ASTM D5185-13. It aimed to improve throughput, reduce argon usage and maintain analytical integrity.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• The 5110 RV ICP-OES features a plug-and-play radial view torch, a 27 MHz solid state RF generator and thermostatted optics for stable emission signals.
• The AVS 6 switching valve and SPS 4 autosampler enable rapid uptake, controlled bubble injection and efficient washout.
• A semi-volatile organics kit comprising a glass concentric nebulizer, 1.4 mm id torch and double-pass cyclonic spray chamber was used with solvent resistant tubing.
• Samples and standards were matrix-matched with base oil at 10 % (w/w) oil concentration and analyzed with 2 s read time, 2 replicates and fitted background correction.

Main Results and Discussion

• Calibration for all elements achieved r²>0.999, demonstrating linear dynamic range up to 250 ppm and potential for extended ranges.
• Method detection limits were in the low mg/kg range, for example Mn 0.0035 mg/kg and Al 0.13 mg/kg.
• Spike recoveries for all 22 elements in used engine oil were within 90-110 %, confirming accuracy in oil matrices.
• Analysis cycle time per sample was reduced from 52 s (without AVS 6) to 22 s (with AVS 6), halving argon consumption from roughly 16 L to 7 L per sample.
• Long-term precision over 6 h (>1000 injections) was <3 % RSD, highlighting robust stability.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Increased throughput for high-volume oil analysis laboratories.
• Lower operating costs due to reduced argon consumption and faster sample turnover.
• Enhanced robustness and reproducibility across operators and instruments thanks to automated torch alignment and integrated valve control.
• Streamlined method development with fitted background correction and intuitive software interface.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Anticipated advances include integration with advanced data analytics for predictive maintenance, further optimization of sample introduction systems for ultra-high throughput and expanded application to emerging bio-based lubricants and complex industrial matrices.

Conclusion

The Agilent 5110 RV ICP-OES with AVS 6 provides a powerful solution for multielement oil analysis, delivering rapid cycle times, low MDLs, excellent precision and significant cost savings, meeting the stringent requirements of ASTM D5185-13 and modern laboratories.

References

• ASTM D5185-13 Standard Test Method for Multielement Determination of Used and Unused Lubricating Oils and Base Oils by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry
• Agilent publication no 5991-6863EN. Reduce costs and boost productivity with the AVS 6 or 7 port switching valve system