Insolubles / Soot

Insolubles are a build up of combustion related debris and oxidation products. 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.

Insolubles in engine oil consist of:

• Carbon from incomplete combustion of fuel and, to a lesser extent, lubricants.

• Organic polymers from oxidation of lube or fuels

• Sulphates from combustion of fuel sulphur and reaction with TBN additives

• Asphaltenes (mainly from engines using residual fuel oil) - a very dirty crank case is known as ‘Black Paint’ and associated with asphaltenes in the oil

High insoluble levels will cause:

• Increased oil viscosity

• Wear of bearings and running surfaces

• Blockage of oil ways and filters

• Fouling around the piston ring pack and piston top land

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Kittiwake Insolubles Testing Products

• Insolubles Electronic Test - available as a stand-alone kit or as part of a comprehensive suite of electronic equipment, the Insolubles Cell works in conjunction with a highly accurate electronic console and optional software allowing the data to be downloaded from the console to a PC.

• Insolubles Test Meter - a self-contained test kit containing the latest test-meter technology to provide excellent repeatability and rapid results in the field.

• Insolubles Test Papers - providing a qualitative result when compared to a chart.