FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) spectroscopy is used to identify and monitor chemical compounds in the oil. It provides a "fingerprint profile" that reveals degradation products, oxidation, nitration, fuel contamination, soot and additive residues.
The oil is analyzed with infrared light, and each molecule absorbs light at characteristic wavelengths. This produces a spectrum that is interpreted to identify the compounds and chemical changes present.
The customer gets a comprehensive picture of how the oil develops chemically over time. FTIR is used both as a single analysis and for trend monitoring.