Lubricating oils can be formulated with additives, which can act as detergents, anti-oxidants, anti-wear agents, and so forth. Some additives can contain one or more of calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, and zinc. This test method can be used to determine if the oils, additives, and additive packages meet specification with respect to content of these elements.

This test method can also be used to determine if lubricating oils, additives, and additive packages meet specification with respect to chlorine concentration. In this context, specification can refer to contamination.

This test method is not intended for use on samples that contain some component that significantly interferes with the analysis of the elements specified in the scope.

This test method can complement other test methods for lube oils and additives, including Test Methods D 4628, D 4927, D 4951, and D 5185.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of calcium, chlorine, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, and zinc in unused lubricating oils, additives, and additive packages by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Matrix effects are handled with mathematical corrections.

1.2 For each element, the upper limit of the concentration range covered by this test method is defined by the highest concentration listed in . Samples containing higher concentrations can be analyzed following dilution.

1.3 For each element, the lower limit of the concentration range covered by this test method can be estimated by the limit of detection (LOD) (see also 40 CFR 136 Appendix B) or limit of quantification (LOQ), both of which can be estimated from Sr, the repeatability standard deviation. LOD and LOQ values, determined from results obtained in the interlaboratory study on precision, are listed in .

1.3.1 LOD and LOQ are not intrinsic constants of this test method. LOD and LOQ depend upon the precision attainable by a laboratory when using this test method.

1.4 This test method uses regression software to determine calibration parameters, which can include influence coefficients (that is, interelement effect coefficients) (Guide E 1361), herein referenced as alphas. Alphas can also be determined from theory using relevant software.

1.5 Setup of this test method is intended for persons trained in the practice of X-ray spectrometry. Following setup, this test method can be used routinely.

1.6 The values stated in either SI units or angstrom units are to be regarded separately as standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.