Base Oil Testing — Characterization, Quality and Compliance
Base oil are the primary component of lubricants and greases. AGT Labs provides a comprehensive characterization package across API Groups I–V: color, corrosion tendency, carbon residue, nonvolatile matter, odor evaluation, refractive index, electrical conductivity, hydrocarbon composition and detailed GC-based analysis.
We support producers, blenders, additive houses and QC laboratories by verifying raw material quality, confirming API group classification, detecting contamination or mis-blending, and carrying out compatibility checks with additive concentrates. Our data supports supply acceptance, blend formulation and failure investigations.
Who benefits: base oil producers, lubricant manufacturers, additive formulators, MROs, and quality control laboratories.
Service Highlights
- API Group classification (I–V) and detailed physical property profile (color, corrosion behavior, carbon residue, nonvolatile residue,).
- Contamination screening: water, insolubles, metals (ICP), and trace heteroatoms (S, N, Cl).
- Compatibility checks with additive packages and blend validation; forensic trace-element fingerprinting for supplier disputes.
Industries We Serve
- Base Oil Producers — production QC, hydrotreating verification and product release testing.
- Lubricant & Grease Manufacturers — incoming raw material checks and blend validation.
- Additive Houses — compatibility testing and concentrate evaluation.
- OEMs, MROs & QC Labs — vendor qualification and failure analysis support.
Detailed Test Matrix
Below are commonly requested tests for base oil with reference methods, typical instrumentation, notes/LOD, minimum sample volume and typical turnaround time.
| Test / Parameter | Reference Method(s) | Typical Instrument / Technique | LOD / Notes (expanded) | Typical TAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color (Platinum–Cobalt Scale) | ASTM D1209 | Visual | Color assessment of clear hydrocarbon liquids | 24–48 h |
| Color (Automatic Tristimulus) | ASTM D6045 | Automatic Colorimeter | Precision color measurement for base oil clarity | 24–48 h |
| Copper Strip Corrosion | ASTM D130 / D849 / D1838 | Visual | Detects corrosive sulfur compounds; base oil purity indicator | 24–48 h |
| Ramsbottom Carbon Residue | ASTM D524 | Gravimetric | Determines coke-forming tendencies of petroleum products | 48–72 h |
| Nonvolatile Matter (Halogenated Solvents) | ASTM D2109 | Gravimetric | Residue determination in solvent-contaminated base oils | 48–72 h |
| Nonvolatile Matter (Volatile Solvents) | ASTM D1353 | Gravimetric | Determines residue after evaporation | 48–72 h |
| Odor of Volatile Solvents | ASTM D1296 | Manual Odor Evaluation | Qualitative odor characterization for hydrocarbon purity | 24–48 h |
| Refractive Index | ASTM D1218 | Refractometer | Identifies hydrocarbon type and detects mixing | 24–48 h |
| Electrical Conductivity | ASTM D2624 / ASTM D1125 | Conductivity Meter | ESD-sensitive applications; detects contamination | 24–48 h |
| Hydrocarbon Composition | ASTM D2163 | GC-FID | Detailed light-end hydrocarbon profiling | 48–72 h |
Laboratory Capabilities & Instrumentation
Analytical Systems
GC-FID / GC-MS for hydrocarbon profiling and aromatics; ICP-OES / ICP-MS for trace elements; Automated viscometers, pour/flash point analyzers, Karl Fischer titration, titrators for TAN and potentiometric endpoints, and bench stability rigs for compatibility testing.
Quality Systems
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited testing across many basestock methods (certificate & scope available on request).
- Traceable calibrations, CRMs, method verification and participation in proficiency testing programs.
- Documented measurement uncertainty reported when required.
Sampling, Handling & Chain of Custody
Representative sampling is essential. AGT Labs supplies sampling kits or accepts client-supplied samples accompanied by a completed Chain of Custody (CoC). Follow these guidelines to preserve sample integrity:
Containers & Handling
- Use clean amber glass or metal-lined containers; avoid plastic where migration/adsorption is a concern.
- Minimize headspace for volatile-sensitive tests; seal caps tightly.
- Label samples with sample ID, product name, batch, sampling point, date/time and sampler name.
Transport & Storage
- Transport at ambient unless otherwise requested; avoid prolonged exposure to heat.
- For oxidative-sensitive samples, store cool and test promptly; use inert headspace purge if required.
- Log sample condition on receipt (temperature, appearance, leaks) and note on CoC.
Download the Sample Submission Guide for container types, labeling templates and shipping instructions.
Quality Assurance, Reporting & Interpretation
Each report includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) listing methods used, results, units, measurement uncertainty (where applicable), analyst initials and authorized signatory. For deviations or OOS results, we provide interpretive commentary and recommended next steps.
- COA Contents: Client & sample ID, test methods, results, MU, acceptance criteria if provided, and interpretive comments.
- Data Delivery: PDFs via secure portal; raw data (CSV, chromatograms) on request.
- Technical Support: Consultation for blend optimization, supplier disputes and forensic analysis.
Turnaround Times & Test Packages
| Package | Typical Tests | Typical TAT |
|---|---|---|
| Pt–Co Color Package | Platinum–Cobalt (APHA/Hazen) color determination, clarity check | 2–3 days |
| Tristimulus Color Package | Automated L*, a*, b* color analysis, ΔE comparison | 3–4 days |
| Copper Strip Corrosion Package | Copper strip preparation, exposure, rating per ASTM | 24–48 h |
| Ramsbottom Carbon Residue Package | Carbon residue determination, volatility behavior | 3–5 days |
Standards & Accreditation
Testing follows recognized standards (ASTM D1209, D6045, D130 / D849 / D1838, D524, D2109, D1353, etc.). AGT Labs is accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for many methods — full certificate and scope are available on request.
FAQs — Base Oil
What sample volume do you need for a full characterization?
Can you classify API groups?
Do you test additive compatibility?
Deliverables & Value-Added Services
- COA with methods, units, and measurement uncertainty.
- Interpretive summary and recommended actions for OOS results.
- Raw data and chromatograms available on request.
- On-site sampling, technical consultation, and dispute support (by arrangement).
Summary
AGT Labs’ Base Oil Testing provides industry-grade characterization and forensic analysis to support product release, blend design and supplier qualification — delivered with traceable methods and flexible packages to match your needs.