What Are Sediment and Sludge?
Sludge is a dark, tar-like material formed due to oil oxidation and chemical breakdown. Sediment refers to other insoluble particles such as metal wear debris, dust, and polar compounds that accumulate in the oil over time. Both types of contamination reduce oil quality and restrict flow, cooling, and insulation.
Test Standard
AS 1883 – Method of Test for Sediment and Sludge in Mineral Insulating Oil
Test Procedure Summary
- A defined volume of oil is subjected to solvent extraction
- Insoluble residue is collected, dried, and weighed
- Results are reported as % by weight of sediment/sludge in the oil
- Visual examination also helps assess color and clarity
Key Gases Measured
Insulating Liquids – Measurement of Relative Permittivity, Dissipation Factor (Tan δ) and DC Resistivity.
| Sludge Content (% w/w) | Oil Condition | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| < 0.01% | Clean / New Oil | No action required |
| 0.01 – 0.05% | Mildly Contaminated | Consider filtration or monitoring |
| 0.05 – 0.10% | Moderate Contamination | Plan maintenance soon |
| > 0.10% | Heavily Contaminated | Immediate filtration or oil replacement |
Why Sediment & Sludge Testing Is Important
- Detects oxidation byproducts and aging signs
- Identifies clogging risks in cooling ducts
- Helps maintain proper heat dissipation and flow
- Assesses effectiveness of oil reclamation or filtration
- Prevents unplanned outages and internal overheating
Our Testing Process
- Vacuum sample collection using clean, sealed bottles
- AS 1883-compliant solvent extraction and filtration
- Gravimetric sludge determination using precision balances
- Optional color/clarity analysis and visual documentation
- Results uploaded to Tru-FIL ERP for instant access and trends
Report Includes
- Measured sludge/sediment content (% by weight)
- Cleanliness classification (Clean / Alert / Critical)
- Visual comments on oil appearance (dark/sludgy/cloudy)
- Actionable recommendations (monitor / filter / replace)
- Compatibility with other tests (acid, viscosity, oxidation)
Why Choose Tru-FIL?
- AS 1883-compliant lab testing and reporting
- NABL-grade laboratory infrastructure
- AI-enhanced ERP system for report insights and tracking
- Nationwide sample collection with barcode verification
- 24/7 testing support for critical assets and power equipment