Shell Rapid Lubricants Analysis

Unrivalled experience

We believe Shell RLA is the long established and most thorough lubricants analysis service available in the industry; and, with thousands of customers around the world reliant on the Shell RLA service, we are proud of the depth and breadth of our knowledge and experience. In particular, the regular submission of samples over the years has enabled us to establish historical data trends that enable our experts to readily determine whether particular results are normal.

Rapid response

We have four laboratories worldwide and we use highly automated test methods linked directly to a central data processor. This means all Shell RLA results are supplied quickly, efficiently and reliably. In the event of any abnormal results being detected, we send you emergency advice immediately.

Experience Makes the Difference

All sample reports detected as abnormal are received by our own team of specialist diagnosticians. The team are all experienced marine engineers who understand the shipboard operations and how it can impact machinery operation. This enables them to give well founded advice on the oil and machine condition.

Clear reports through Shell RLA Opica

All our reports have a simple, clear layout so you can quickly and easily understand the results, comments and any necessary advice. Our tool, Shell RLA Opica, stores and manages Shell RLA data so users can analyse trends and problems more thoroughly than ever before. With historical data going back more than 20 years, and the international backup of Shell’s experienced analysts, the answer to any question is never far away.

Shell Marine Products has unique and comprehensive tests that not only tell you immediately the state of your engine oil, but can help you save money by extending the period between oil changes:

Index of contamination

Measures the concentration of insoluble soots in diesel engine oil. Too much, and sludge can form, leading to excessive wear in engine components.

Merit of dispersancy

Measures the ability of the lubricant in a diesel engine to carry combustion contaminants in suspension. Too low, and deposits can accumulate in the bottom of
the crankcase leading to problems with filters and/or purification equipment.

Wear Particle Index (WPI )

WPI helps us to tell you more about your machine, regardless of type. From super clean hyrdrualic power systems to the hardest working diesel engines, WPI can make the difference between timely shut down or costly breakdown.

WPI is derived from a test that measures the amount of paramagnetic material in a sample.The most common paramagnetic material found in oil samples from marine machinery is iron, therefore WPI correlates very closely to the metallic iron content in a sample regardless of particle size.

If the WPI increases at a rate greater than normal compared to Fe by ICP spectroscopy, this indicates increasing quantities of iron particles with sizes
greater than three microns. This should be taken as a warning that abnormal wear may be occuring in the machine.

If the WPI increases at a rate less than normal compared to iron by spectroscopy, this indicates the presence of non-metallic iron. Corrosion salts and most
iron oxides are non-magnetic.

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• Download Shell RLA Brochure (PDF, 638 KB)