Chiller Oil Testing

In a chiller system, the characteristics of the oil differ from standard oils used in various systems. Chiller-specific oils must effectively blend with the chiller system's refrigerant.


Analysing this specific type of oil serves multiple purposes, including assessing its compatibility with the refrigerant, detecting potential contamination, and identifying any unusual wear patterns that could potentially harm system components. This careful analysis ensures that the oil remains conductive to the chiller system's efficient operation and helps prevent issues that could compromise the system's performance.

To have your chiller analysed by FA-ST, the process is straightforward. Acquire one of our convenient PRE-PAID hydraulic oil sampling & analysis kits, which includes all the necessary tools for collecting samples. If you're sampling directly from tanks, you'll need a vacuum sample pump or a single-use sampling syringe in addition to the kit. After collecting your samples, send them to our independent ISO-accredited lab.


Once the lab receives your sample, anticipate receiving a detailed PDF report in your inbox within 2-3 days. This comprehensive report will provide insights into oil wear, contamination levels, chemical composition, and valuable comments from our laboratory experts. Additionally, any recommended actions needed for the optimal performance of your chiller system will be included in the report.

Having your Chiller Oil tested can help to detect:

Elemental & Wear Analysis

Every Chiller Oil Sample we analyse undergoes a comprehensive elemental examination. This thorough analysis provides insights into various aspects of your system, including the following:


  • Component Wear Assessment - Our analysis helps identify wear on components, potential points of failure, and early signs of increased wear that could lead to system failures.
  • Contamination Detection - We pinpoint and trace the source of contamination that enters your system, providing a clear understanding of how and where the contamination is infiltrating your system.
  • Additive Package Evaluation - We gauge the levels of additives to ensure your oil is delivering the necessary lubrication. If you have specific requirements for your additive package, our analysis will indicate when it's time to top up or replace the oil in use.
  • Ferrous Wear Index - We conduct a ferrous wear index analysis to offer further insights into potential component wear and its impact on your system.

Chemical makeup of Chiller Oils

The most critical physical attribute to monitor in oil is its viscosity level. To ensure that chiller oil meets performance expectations, it must maintain proper flow characteristics across a range of temperatures. As oil ages in the chiller system, factors like oxidation, contamination, and increased viscosity can hinder its free flow. On the flip side, adding incorrect-grade oils or experiencing water ingress can lower viscosity, leading to lubrication issues that increase component friction, wear, and the risk of critical failures.


Another concern stemming from oil oxidation is the Total Acid Number (TAN). As oils oxidise, they generate acids. While oil additive packages are designed to counteract this acid buildup, once they're depleted, acids can damage components, signalling the need for an oil change. 

Identify Contaminates

Every chiller oil sample submitted to our laboratory undergoes an assessment to determine its ISO 4406 Cleanliness Code. This assessment helps identify elevated levels of particulate contamination, preventing further wear and tear on system components. 


In addition, we perform a K.Fisher water count on every sample to verify that water hasn't infiltrated the system, which can diminish oil lubricity and potentially lead to component corrosion. 

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