Determination of some wear elements in used car engine oil and oil filter paper using Neutron Activation Analysis

Abstract

In the present investigation, wear elements in used car engine oil and in oil filter paper were determined using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The objective was to identify an effective and scientific method of monitoring car engine health. Results obtained from analysing blank and used samples of engine oil and of filter paper showed the presence of Al, Mn, Sb, V, and Zn, in both samples .The relatively higher concentration of some wear elements in the oil filter paper as compared to that of the used engine oil seem to suggest that used oil filter paper analysis using INAA is more effective in following wear trends than used engine oil analysis and could be adopted as scientific technique in monitoring car engine health in Ghana. However, this method does not present a drawback to the used engine oil analysis as in the case of aircraft engines. Used engine oil analysis using INAA still remains an effective, simple and scientific technique for determining wear in car engines.

JOURNAL OF THE GHANA SCIENCE ASSOCIATION Volume 2 No. 1 (2000) pp. 53-58