| Analytical Systems |
Thermal-Lube has come a long way since first branching out into the field of analytical equipment, yet the origins of each one of our analytical products can be traced back to our roots in the lubrication industry.
The basis of most of our Analysis Systems is Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy, which allows for quick and accurate "fingerprinting" of any sample. Because each chemical compound has a unique spectral fingerprint, we can compare the data from a sample against know spectral data. This allows us to identify contaminants, determine additive depletion, and perform several other analyses.
To make the most of this innovative technology, Thermal-Lube developed the U.M.P.I.R.E. Integrated Software System (Universal Method Platform for Infra Red Evaluation). Though initially created specifically to operate our COAT® System, the software has been adapted and customized for each of our analytical systems. These software systems are equipped with libraries of known spectra against which samples under analysis are compared.
Our first projects involved the monitoring and analysis of lubricants, and that was the advent of our patented COAT® System. Our CFDA® analyser is a further extension of our COAT® technology, designed for use in engine testing situations, as a tool to assit manufacturers in designing more efficient engines. With minor adjustments, we’ve been able to adapt our COAT® technology to perform other kinds of analyses, anything from alcoholic beverages, to chocolate syrup, to kidney stones.
Our line of Emissions Monitoring Systems came about as a result of customers in the transportation industry inquiring about ways to monitor the condition of their vehicles' engines. This product line brings our process full circle in that the use of high quality automotive lubricants such as our own motor oils will show cleaner exhaust.