FTIR

The abbreviation for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. A versatile oil analysis tool used to detect common contaminants, lube degradation byproducts, and additives within lubricating oils. When exposed to infrared radiation, molecules absorb radiation at very specific wavelengths. Therefore, if infrared radiation that has passed through an oil sample is analyzed with a sensitive detector, then molecules in the sample can be readily identified. No two molecules produce the same analysis pattern or wavelength. Qualitative oil analysis becomes easy due to this fact. A software algorithm can be used to plot the resulting spectrum to provide a visual representation of the results of oil contaminants.