Quantitative determination of wear metals in engine oils using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: A comparison between liquid jets and static liquids

A comparison of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) sensitivity in laminar liquid jets and at the surface of a static liquid has been performed. Limits of detection (LODs) have been estimated for Na, Mg, Al, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Ni, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ag, Cd, and Ba under similar conditions using both experimental arrangements. LODs in liquid jets are found to be four times lower on average compared to measurements at static surfaces. Data acquisition rates in jet experiments are also generally higher than for static liquids due to reduced problems with splashing effects. The use of LIBS in jets has also been investigated for quantitative analysis of used lubricants. A number of contaminants have been measured in a set of used engine oils and the results compared to analysis via ICP-AES, where a good correlation is obtained