Crackle Test: Fast & Simple

The crackle test has always been an accepted test within the oil analysis community. With its roots in engine oil analysis the quick and simple test is considered effective in detecting over 500 ppm of water. But as you migrate away from engine oils into industrial oils the 500 ppm detection limit is no longer valid in all oil types; specific oil types exhibit different crackle detection limits. Understanding the specific detection limit for your oil type is critical to an effective oil analysis program.

Crackle Test
The crackle test is a standard laboratory test to detect the presence of water in lubricating oil. A drop of oil is placed on a hotplate that has been heated to approximately 400° F.  The sample then bubbles, spits, crackles or pops when moisture is present.  At Eurofins TestOil, when the crackle test is positive, indicating the presence of water, a Karl Fischer titration is performed to quantify the water.  If the crackle test is negative it simply means that the level of water present in the sample is below the detection limit; it doesn’t necessarily mean the sample is void of water.

For more information on partnering with Eurofins TestOil on oil analysis programs or training opportunities, fill out the form below; visit https://testoil.com/company/contact-us/; call 216-251-2510; or email sales@testoil.com.

 About Eurofins TestOil

With more than 30 years of experience in the oil analysis industry, Eurofins TestOil focuses exclusively on assisting industrial facilities with reducing maintenance costs and avoiding unexpected downtime through oil and fuel analysis program implementation. As industry experts in diagnosing oil-related issues in equipment such as turbines, hydraulics, gearboxes, pumps, compressors and diesel generators, Eurofins TestOil provides customers with same-day turnaround on routine oil analysis testing.  For more information on partnering with Eurofins TestOil on oil analysis programs or training opportunities visit https://testoil.com. Contact: Al Yates 216-251-2510; sales@testoil.com. 

 About Eurofins – the global leader in bio-analysis

Eurofins is Testing for Life. Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing, and in discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and agroscience Contract Research services. Eurofins is also a market leader in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, and in the support of clinical studies, as well as in BioPharma Contract Development and Manufacturing. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.

With over 61,000 staff across a network of 940 laboratories in 59 countries, Eurofins’ companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods. Eurofins Shares are listed on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange.