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Insolubles


Insolubles are a build up of combustion related debris and oxidation products. High insolubles will cause lacquer formation on hot surfaces, sticking of piston rings and wear of the cylinder liner and bearing surfaces. The detergent property of the oil will decrease, speeding further deterioration.

Contamination comes mainly from combustion products, fuel ash, carbon and partially oxidised fuel plus a small contribution of oil oxidation products and spent lubricant additive. The major contributor is soot from combustion and this is measured in the insolubles test.

Insolubles constituents include carbon from incomplete combustion of fuel and, to a lesser extent, lubricants, organic polymers from oxidisation of the lube oil and fuel. They also contain sulphates from combustion of fuel sulphur and reaction with TBN additives and wear metals. Metallic fuel ash and airborne grit can also be present, as well as asphaltenes (mainly from engines using residual fuel oil).

Increased oil viscosity will cause:

Wear of bearings and running surfaces.


Blockage of oil ways and filters.


Fouling around the piston pack and piston top land.



Insolubles Electronic Cell FG-K25194-KW

The Insolubles Cell works in conjunction with a highly accurate electronic console, which is available with optional software that allows the data to be downloaded from the console to a PC in comma delimited text format. This means that the data stream is separated by commas and is in a standard ASCII format that is readable by standard spreadsheet and data base applications, such as Microsoft Excel and Access.

The Insolubles Test is available as a stand-alone kit, or as part of a comprehensive suite of electronic equipment including cells to test for TBN, Water in Oil and Insolubles.

Easy and quick to use.
Extremely robust - designed for use in harsh environments.
Very easy to clean and store.
Complements the Kittiwake range of sampling equipment.
Joint Oil Analysis Program Approval

NATO Stock No: 6630-99-811-8517

Range: 0 - 3.5% w/w (IP 316) 0 - 1.75% (soot index).

Test Time: 20 secs.

Accuracy: Typically within +/- 0.1w/w.

Power: 110 to 250 VAC.

Correlation: IP316 & Mobil Soot Index.

Application: Diesel, Crankcase Lubes, Aviation Lubes (black oil).

Click here to view the Kittiwake Insolubes Test Cell in action (file size 9mb)


DIGI Insolubles Test Kit FG-K17105-KW

The DIGI Insolubles Test Kit utilises the latest test meter technology to provide excellent repeatibility and rapid results in the field. With its waterproof casing and battery power it is a superb addition to any maintenance regeime. Test meter comes complete in a portable carry case with all reagents and consumables required for instant testing.

Easy and quick to use.
Extremely robust - designed for use in harsh environments.
Very easy to clean and store.

Range: 0 - 2.5%

Test Time: < 2 Minutes.

Accuracy: Typically within +/- 0.1%.

Application: Diesel Engine Lubricants, Compressor Oils, Gas Engine Lubricants.


ECON Insolubles Test Kit FG-K1-006-KW

The ECON Insolubles Test contains all necessary reagents and equipment for a simple qualitative test.

Range: Qualitative, Diesel engine lubes

Test Time: 1 hour unattended

No of Tests: 100

Replacement Reagents:
Also used as replacement reagent pack.

Click here to view Instruction Manual


Want to know more?
Contact Kittiwake here


Download PDF of Insolubles  Yellow Arrow


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