PhosLube – Mineral Oils Untraviolet Absorption
Ultraviolet absorption (UV absorption) is used to detect polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in mineral oil. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons are carcinogens and detecting them is imperative. The test itself is the measurement of absorbance over a specific wavelength range. Polynuclear hydrocarbons in mineral oils are extremely concentrated. Ultraviolet absorbance also serves as a good measuring point when it comes to oil resistance to discoloration under artificial or natural lighting. Oils with a lower absorbance ratio tend to have good color stability to light colored rubber elements. Mineral oils ultraviolet absorption is particularly important because most white oils are intended for pharmaceutical and medicinal purposes. The regulations and specifications for anything food and drug related tend to be a little more stringent, which is why this analysis is so important for mineral oils.