Degradation of lubricating oil in centrifugal pump bearings evaluated by Raman spectroscopy Raphael L. D. Barros, Irio Nizzoli Filho, Andressa C. M. Bezerra, Danieli O. Silva, Gustavo H. M. Matos, Josuel P. dos Santos Junior, Marcos Tadeu Tavares Pacheco, Landulfo Silveira Jr.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the degradation of lubricating oil in centrifugal pumps using Raman spectroscopy. Samples of lubricating oil from 12 centrifugal pumps were evaluated after 4 and 5 months of use. The results showed a difference in the intensity of the peak at 1660 cm-1 (C=C stretching), in addition to minor changes in peaks in other bands. This change suggests the breaking of the double bond in aromatic molecules in the oil. Raman spectroscopy was shown to be capable of measuring the degradation of lubricating oil and can be used to determine the time for oil change based on degradation.