Joint Oil Analysis Program Spectrometer Standards VHG Labs Inc. Qualification Report for D19-XXX Series Standards

Abstract : The Joint Oil Analysis Program recently revised the specification for their spectrometric oil standards in order to incorporate an ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy) test method and to transition to commercially manufactured spectrometric oil standards. Previously a Rotrode-AES (Atomic Emission Spectrometry) test method was the only elemental test method used to verify the quality of the spectrometric oil standards. The Rotrode-AES test method was a labor and time intensive process that did not exhibit a high level of accuracy and repeatability. The JOAP wanted to incorporate an ICP-AES test method in order to obtain a more accurate determination of the true concentration of the elements in the spectrometric oil standards and to reduce the cost and time needed to conduct quality assurance. Both the Rotrode-AES and ICP-AES test methods are now part of the qualification inspection in order to ensure that commercially manufactured spectrometric oil standards are identical to those that have been produced in-house by the JOAP. As a result this testing effort the VHG Lab Inc. Type D19-XXX series spectrometer standards are qualified to the MIL-DTL-85694A specification. Since this qualification testing effort was the first time the full range of data required by MIL-DTL-85694A has been collected, analysis of the data has lead to the conclusion that several of the requirements of the specification are incorrect and must be revised. Specific recommended changes to the specification will be provided to all interested parties and the NAVAIR test facilities will begin the process to officially revise MIL-DTL-85694A.