Can the laboratory differentiate between synthetic, semi-synthetic, synthetic-blends, and mineral oils?
The standard testing for used oil samples may show some differences in the infrared analysis by detecting large amounts of ester in the lubricants spectra. However, this is just an indication that there may be a synthetic lubricant present. Different base oil types are used throughout industry. Synthetic oil of the API Group IV type Polyalphaolefins (PAO) are difficult to differentiate from mineral oils or blend. This is because PAO’s are synthesized hydrocarbons and look like mineral oils in all respects at this level of testing. True characterization can be done at some expense using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy (GS/MS).
The standard testing for used oil samples may show some differences in the infrared analysis by detecting large amounts of ester in the lubricants spectra. However, this is just an indication that there may be a synthetic lubricant present. Different base oil types are used throughout industry. Synthetic oil of the API Group IV type Polyalphaolefins (PAO) is difficult to differentiate from mineral oils or blend. This is because PAO’s are synthesized hydrocarbons and look like mineral oils in all respects at this level of testing. True characterization can be done at some expense using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy (GS/MS).
