Peterson's Fluid Analysis Laboratory in Eugene, Oregon specializes in testing equipment fluids to detect signs of component failure. This service is a health check of your machine to avoid failures and unexpected downtime. Monitoring fluid condition through analysis can prevent issues like overheating and excessive wear, protecting your machinery.

All tests, tools, and supplies are available from the parts counter.

Contact Fluid Lab

Fluid Analysis Resources


Standard SOS Kit

Part No.: SOS-1
Qty 50: SOS-50

Our most popular and versatile fluid test kit. Can be used for oil, coolant level 1 and fuel level 1 analysis.

standard SOS kit

Standard SOS Kit Details

Oil Analysis

  • 20 Elements
  • True Kinematic Viscosity
  • Oil Condition Analysis for Soot, Oxidation, Nitration, and Sulfur
  • Contaminants Water, Fuel, and Glycol
  • Heavy Metal Analysis

Hydraulic and Filtered Transmission Compartments:

  • Particle Count, when required

Level 1 Coolant

Coolant sample turnaround time (TAT) expected seven to ten days from arrival at the lab.

  • pH
  • Glycol
  • Freeze point
  • Boil point
  • Conductivity
  • Color
  • Oil
  • Molybdate
  • SCA (nitrite)
  • Appearance
  • Foam
  • Turbidity
  • Precipitate
  • Ammonia

Level 1 Fuel

  • 20 Elements
  • Particle Count 11171
  • Microscopic Image

SOS with TBN Analysis

Part No.: SOS-TBN

This SOS kit can be used for oil and includes a total base number (TBN) analysis.

SOS wiht TBN Analysis Kit

SOS with TBN Analysis Details

Oil Analysis

  • 20 Elements
  • True Kinematic Viscosity
  • Oil Condition Analysis for Soot, Oxidation, Nitration, and Sulfur
  • Contaminants Water, Fuel, and Glycol
  • Heavy Metal Analysis

Hydraulic and Filtered Transmission Compartments:

  • Particle Count, when required

TBN of a used lubricant is a measurement of its ability to neutralize acid using basic buffers; this is a test for engines. All diesel fuels contain some sulfur, but the amount is determined by the amount of sulfur in the crude oil and/or the refiner’s ability or desire to remove it. One of the functions of lubricating oil is to neutralize sulfur byproducts (sulfurous and sulfuric acids), as well as organic acids formed by oxidation. In this way, the oil helps prevent corrosive damage. Additives in the oil contain alkaline compounds formulated to neutralize these acids. The measure of reserve alkalinity in the oil is known as the TBN. Generally, the higher the TBN value, the more reserve alkalinity capacity the oil contains. This test can benefit users of low-ash oils, where the window between good/bad is very narrow.


SOS with TBN & TAN Analysis

Part No.: SOS-TBNTAN

This SOS kit can be used for oil and includes a total base number (TBN) and Total Acid Number (TAN) analysis.

SOS with TBN Analysis Details

Oil Analysis

  • 20 Elements
  • True Kinematic Viscosity
  • Oil Condition Analysis for Soot, Oxidation, Nitration, and Sulfur
  • Contaminants Water, Fuel, and Glycol
  • Heavy Metal Analysis

Hydraulic and Filtered Transmission Compartments:

  • Particle Count, when required

TBN of a used lubricant is a measurement of its ability to neutralize acid using basic buffers; this is a test for engines. All diesel fuels contain some sulfur, but the amount is determined by the amount of sulfur in the crude oil and/or the refiner’s ability or desire to remove it. One of the functions of lubricating oil is to neutralize sulfur byproducts (sulfurous and sulfuric acids), as well as organic acids formed by oxidation. In this way, the oil helps prevent corrosive damage. Additives in the oil contain alkaline compounds formulated to neutralize these acids. The measure of reserve alkalinity in the oil is known as the TBN. Generally, the higher the TBN value, the more reserve alkalinity capacity the oil contains. This test can benefit users of low-ash oils, where the window between good/bad is very narrow.

TAN of a used lubricant is one measure of its degree of degradation by oxidation; this test is primarily for sour gas applications and other non-engine compartments, like landfill, methane, natural gas, hydraulic, or pump applications. TAN is an analytical test we use to determine the deterioration of lubricants: the more acidic a lubricant is, the further its degradation has preceded. As oils or hydraulic fluids break down, they generally form acidic byproducts that can be corrosive to metal components, accelerate wear, form deposits, and increase viscosity. As a fluid degrades, the levels of corrosive acids increase along with the danger of component failure. Oxidation, as measured by infrared spectroscopy, correlates well with TAN.


Level II Coolant Test Kit

Part No.: COOLANT-2

This coolant test kit includes all the critical tests of a single SOS kit and advanced testing of chemical composition to provide an in-depth view of coolant condition.

Level II Coolant Test Kit Details

Coolant sample turnaround time (TAT) expected seven to ten days from arrival at the lab.

Level II Coolant Includes

  • pH
  • Glycol
  • Freeze point
  • Boil point
  • Conductivity
  • Color
  • Oil
  • Molybdate
  • SCA (nitrite)
  • Appearance
  • Foam
  • Turbidity
  • Precipitate
  • Ammonia

Inhibitors

  • Nitrite
  • Nitrate
  • Silicate
  • Molybdate
  • Phosphate
  • Borate
  • Sebacate
  • Sodium
  • Potassium

Contaminants

  • Glycolate
  • Formate
  • Carbonate
  • Chloride
  • Sulfate
  • Total Hardness
  • Calcium Hardness
  • Magnesium Hardness
  • Ammonia

Corrosion Products

  • Iron
  • Copper
  • Aluminum
  • Lead
  • Tin
  • Zinc

Level II Diesel Fuel Test Kit

Part No.: FUEL-2

This fuel test kit includes all the tests of a single SOS kit and an analysis of microbial growth and may include usage of the plate count system.

Level II Diesel Fuel Test Kit

Level II Diesel Fuel Test Kit Details

Level II Fuel Includes

  • 20 Elements
  • Particle Count ISO Code 11171
  • Microbial Growth in Fuel, Test Determines the Type and Degree of Infestation
  • Usually Measured by the more Expensive Plate Count System

Do I need a Level II Test?

  • Are your filters plugging?
  • Are there black-pepper-like floaters in your fuel?
  • Is there a slimy substance in your fuel?
  • Is there water in your fuel?

If you answer yes to any of the above, this test could help you!


Urea in Diesel Analysis

Part No.: SOS-UREA

This test detects the presence of urea/diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in diesel as determined by gas chromatograph analysis. Urea crystalizes when exposed to atmosphere and becomes highly corrosive.


Gasoline in Diesel Analysis

Part No.: SOS-GID

This test detects the presence of gasoline in diesel as determined by gas chromatograph analysis. Gasoline is a lighter molecule with different attributes than diesel fuel. Mixing the two in your diesel engine can damage it.


Additional Tests

DescriptionPart No.Details
Level I Fuel TestSOS-L1PDF Flyer
Level II Fuel TestSOS-L2PDF Flyer
Level III Fuel TestSOS-L3PDF Flier
Level IV Fuel TestSOS-L4PDF Flier
Electric Agency TestSOS-PGEPDF Flier
BioBlend TestSOS-BIOPDF Flier
CSA Fuel TestSOS-CSAPDF Flier

Tools and Supplies

DescriptionPart No.
3/16" Tubing, 100' Roll1U8757
Blank Live Valve Dust Cover6V0852
Brake Oil Anti-chatter, 1 qt.6223149
Coolant Conditioner Test Kit4C9301
Engine Live Valve Dust Cover8C3445
Filter Cutter1757546
HYD Live Valve Dust Cover8C3451
Hydraulic Oil Anti-chatter, 1 qt.1U9891
Live Valve, Size 1/4X 18 NPTF7X3387
Live Valve, Size 7/16X208C3446
Live Valve, Size M10X18C3345
Oil Dye, Blue4861536
Oil Dye, Red4861535
Sample Gun5907889
Sample ProbeSOS-PROBE
Test Strips Refill Kit4C9297
Trans Live Valve Dust Cover8C3447
Tubing Cutter1U7648
Ultraviolet Dye, 1 oz.1U5572
Ultraviolet Dye, 1 pt.1U5573