Spectro Scientific, developer and manufacturer of analytical tools and software for fluid and machine condition monitoring, has been awarded two multi-year contracts from the United States Air Force under the Joint Oil Analysis Program (JOAP).

The first is for the continued supply of the Chelmsford, Mass.-based company’s Spectroil MN-W optical emission (OE) spectrometers. The second is for the global service and support of the company’s widely deployed Spectroil OE spectrometers. Both contracts are exclusive to Spectro Scientific, run for approximately five years, and have an estimated total value to the company of $18 to $22 million.

“Spectro Scientific has worked closely with the US military for over thirty years and we value the confidence they have in our technology, people and products,” says Spectro Scientific President and CEO Brian Mitchell in a company news release. “We are even more gratified to be able to support the readiness and efficiency of our nation’s defense efforts.”

The Spectoil MN-W is the military version of the Spectroil M family of oil and fuel analysis spectrometers. It is a rugged, transportable and easy-to-use spectrometer, the company says, that’s designed specifically for the analysis of wear metals, contaminants and additives in lubricants, hydraulic fluids and coolants. The Spectroil MN-W uses the time-tested and reliable rotating disc electrode (RDE) technique to measure quantities of dissolved and suspended fine particles in natural or synthetic petroleum based products and coolants, the company says. It has been accepted and approved to meet strict Department of Defense JOAP requirements and also conforms to ASTM Standard Test Method D6595 requirements.