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ASTM D-92
"Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open
Cup"
This method is intended for fluids having
a flash point of 79°C (175°F) and above. A fixed volume of
fluid is heated at a uniform rate while open to the atmosphere at its surface.
A small flame is passed over the surface at uniform temperature increments
to determine the point at which vapors ignite (Flash Point). At a
somewhat higher temperature self sustained burning for at least 5 seconds
determines the Fire Point.
ASTM D-93
"Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester"
This method is intended for fluids having
a flash point from 40°C to 360°C. A fixed volume of fluid
is heated at a uniform rate with stirring in an enclosed cup. A small
flame is introduced at uniform temperature increments into the vapors above
the fluid through an opening in the cover which closes automatically upon
withdrawal of the flame. The temperature at which a brief ignition
occurs is the Flash Point.
ASTM D-130 ASTM
D-4048 FTM-5309
"Detection of Copper Corrosion from Petroleum
Products by the Copper Strip Tarnish Test"
A variety of hydrocarbon products including
oils, hydraulic fluids, fuel, solvents, etc., can be tested for corrosivity
to copper by use of this test. It is limited to products with Ried
Vapor pressure no greater than 18 psi (124 kPa). A polished copper
strip is immersed in the fluid and heated for a specified time and temperature
after which the corrosion is rated by visual comparison to the ASTM Copper
Strip Corrosion Standards. The most typical test run is for 24 hours
@ 100°C. However, time and temperature can vary according to
product type and specification. Results are reported as a number
followed by a letter according to the following scheme:
| 1 slight tarnish | a light orange, almost the same as a freshly polished strip |
| b dark orange | |
| 2 moderate tarnish | a claret red |
| b lavender | |
| c multi colored with lavender blue or silver, or both, overlaid on claret red | |
| d silvery | |
| e brassy or gold | |
| 3 dark tarnish | a magenta overcast on brassy strip |
| b multi colored with red and green showing (peacock), but no gray | |
| 4 corrosion | a transparent black, dark gray or brown with peacock green barley showing |
| b graphite or lusterless black | |
| c glossy or jet black |
ASTM D-189
"Conradson Carbon Residue of Petroleum Products"
This method is intended to measure the
coke-forming propensity of oils under extreme temperatures causing cracking
and pyrolysis. The sample is placed in a crucible and heated to evaporate
and reduce the material to a coke-residue or 'carbon residue'. Ash-forming
additives can give an erroneous indication of coke-forming tendencies by
adding to the weight of residue formed. Carbon residue is a useful
guide in the manufacture of base oils and finished lubricants. Results
differ from those obtained by ASTM D-524.
ASTM D-287
"API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Petroleum
Products (Hydrometer Method)"
API Gravity is a special function of relative
density (specific gravity) 60/60°F (15.56/15.56°C) represented
by:
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ASTM D-482
"Ash Content from Petroleum Products"
This method determines ash in the range
0.001 to 0.180 mass %. It is applicable to fuels, oils, waxes and
other petroleum products which do not contain ash-forming additives.
The sample required is according to the following:
Expected Ash, mass%
0.18 0.10 0.05 0.04
0.02 0.01 0.001
Test Specimen mass, grams
9 20
40 50
100 100 100
Products containing ash forming additive
should be tested according to ASTM D-874 (Sulfated Ash).
ASTM D-524
"Ramsbottom Carbon Residue of Petroleum Products"
This test measures the coke-forming propensity
of oils under extreme temperatures causing cracking and pyrolysis.
The sample is placed in a glass bulb and heated in a furnace at 550°C
for 20 minutes to evaporate and reduce the material to a coke residue or
'carbon residue'. Ash forming additives can give erroneous indication
of coke-forming tendencies by adding to the weight of residue formed.
Carbon residue is a useful guide in the manufacture of oils and finished
lubricants. Results differ from those obtained by ASTM D-189.
ASTM D-611
"Aniline Point and Mixed Aniline Point of Petroleum
Products and Hydrocarbon Solvents"
The sample of oil or hydrocarbon is mixed
with aniline and heated until the two phases become miscible. Upon
cooling, the temperature at which the two phases separate is recorded.
In general, the aniline point is most often used as an estimate of aromatic
content.
ASTM D-892
"Foaming Characteristics of Lubricating Oils"
This method measures the tendency of an
oil to foam by aerating a fixed volume of oil at a fixed flow rate of air
through a gas diffuser submerged in oil. The volume of foam after
5 minutes aeration and the volume of foam after 10 minutes settling are
recorded. Sequence I, II and III are performed at 24°C (75°F),
93.5°C (200°F) and 24°C (75°F) respectively. After
the foam collapses from Sequence II, the same aliquot is tested in Sequence
III. This is done to address concerns associated with agitation,
dispersion of anti-foaming agents, and possible presence of volatiles which
can effect results. Sequence IV is a special procedure for Mercon
Transmission Fluid with increased flow rate and temperature.
Note: Foam is not entrained
air. See ASTM D-3427 Air Release Properties.
ASTM D-972
"Evaporation Loss of Lubricating Grease and Oils"
This method determines loss in mass of
a grease or oil by passing heated air over the weighed sample for a fixed
time (typically 22 hrs.). Because the air is heated by passing through
a fixed length of tubing immersed in the same oil bath as the test
cell, the actual temperature which the sample is subject to is less than
the test temperature. The differential is significant (8, 10, 12°F
or more) depending on test temperature. The highest test temperature
is limited by the use of an oil bath (typically 300°F).
ASTM D-1093
"Acidity of Hydrocarbon Liquids and Their Distillation
Residues"
Acidic or basic components are extracted
with water and a qualitative determination is made by using Methyl Orange
or Phenolphthalein indicator. Methyl Orange changes color at pH 3.2
to 4.4. Phenolphthalein changes color at pH 8.2 to 10.0. The method
is intended to give an indication of the presence or absence or residual
mineral acids or bases left over from the refining or manufacturing process
of oils.
ASTM
D-1159 "Bromine Numbers of Petroleum
Distillates and Commercial Aliphatic Olefins by Electrometric Titration"
The sample is titrated with bromide-bromate
solution until a sudden change in potential due to free bromine signals
the end point. Bromine number is reported as grams of bromine that
will react with 100 grams of sample. It is useful as a measure of
aliphatic unsaturation in petroleum samples and can be used in conjunction
with Annex A2 of the method to calculate an estimate of olefin percentage
in distillates boiling up to 315°C. It is also an aid in establishing
purity and identity of commercial aliphatic mono olefins. The method
is not satisfactory for normal alpha-oleins. ASTM D-2710 gives more
accurate results for petroleum hydrocarbon mixtures with Bromine Number
0.5 to 1.0 for Bromine Numbers less than 0.5 ASTM D-2710 must
be used. Also, where Bromine number is less that 0.5, a comparable
value, Bromine Index, can be obtained by ASTM Methods D-1492 and D-5776
for Aromatic hydrocarbons.
ASTM D-1298 IP160/92
"Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity),
or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer
Method"
This method covers the determination of
each mass - volume relationship using a glass hydrometer. Definitions
for the three different values are as follows:
| Density | (for this method) is the mass (weight in vacuo) of liquid at 15°C. Values are |
| reported as kilograms per litre at 15°C | |
| Relative Density | (specific gravity) for this method is the ratio of the mass of a given volume of liquid |
| at 15°C (60°F) to the mass of an equal volume of water at the same temperature, hence the reporting of values in the following manner - (Specific Gravity) 60/60°F. | |
| API Gravity | a special function of relative density (specific gravity) 60/60°F, represented by: |
| API Gravity, deg = (141.5/sp gr 60/60°F) - 131.5 |
ASTM D-1401
"Water Separability of petroleum Oils and Synthetic
Fluids"
This method measures the ability of oil
and water to separate. 40 ml of oil and 40 ml of water are mixed
at test temperature and separation in ml is observed at 5 minute intervals
until the emulsion reduces to 3 ml or less. Oils with viscosity at
40°C from 28.8 to 90 cSt. are tested at 54°C. Oils with viscosity
at 40°C greater than 90 cSt. are tested at 82°C. A completely
different method ASTM D-2711 is available for medium to high viscosity
oils which employs more vigorous mixing.
ASTM D-1481
"Density and Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
of Viscous Materials by Lipkin Bicapillary Pycnometer"
Basically this is a glass capillary calibrated
for volume which can be used to make determinations at a variety of temperatures
using a suitable oven or liquid bath. See ASTM D-1298 for definitions
of Density and Specific Gravity (Relative Density).
ASTM D-1500
"ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color
Scale)"
Color is often used as a control on product
quality. This method determines color by visual comparison to glass
standards ranging in value from 0.5 to 8.0. When an exact match is
not found, the higher number is reported. Saybolt Color by ASTM D-156
is appropriate for oils lighter than ASTM Color 0.5.
ASTM D-1748 FTM-5329
"Rust Protection by Metal Preservatives
in the Humidity Cabinet"
This method provides a means for measuring
the relative performance of an oil to prevent rusting of steel under conditions
of high humidity. Various specifications typically call for multiples
of either sandblasted or polished (240 grit aluminum oxide) test panels.
After surface preparation and cleaning the panels are dipped in the oil
sample, then drained for 2 hours before placing them in the test chamber
maintained at 120°F for the specified exposure time. Pass/fail criteria
for the significant area of the test panels (which excludes a portion of
the edges) are as follows:
| Pass: | A test surface shall pass if it contains no more than three dots of rust, no one of which is |
| larger than 1 mm in diameter. | |
| Fail: | A test surface shall fail if it contains one or more dots of rust larger than 1 mm in diameter or |
| if it contains four or more dots of any size. |
ASTM D-2070
"Thermal Stability of Hydraulic Oils"
Cincinnati Milacron Thermal Stability
- Procedure A
This test is intended to measure the thermal
stability of hydraulic oils. Copper and steel rods are placed together
in the oil which is heated to 135°C for one week. The condition
of the metal specimens is reported according to the Cincinnati Milacron
color chart, total sludge in mg/100 ml oil, and viscosity change can also
be reported.
ASTM D-2273
"Trace Sediment in Lubricating Oils"
The amount of naphtha-insoluble sediment
in a lubricating oil that can be separated by centrifuging is determined.
A 50/50 mix of naphtha and oil is centrifuged a an RCF 600-700 and the
volume percent of sediment is reported to the nearest 0.001.
Oil soluble material may be present which is insoluble in naphtha and can
cause erroneously high results.
ASTM D-2500
"Cloud Point"
This test method is applicable only to
products which are transparent when viewed through 40 mm of sample.
The sample is cooled in a pour point tube and the temperature at which
cloud formation occurs is noted. The temperature at which wax
formation or crystallization occurs is an indicator of useful low temperature
limits in some cases.
ASTM D-2595
"Evaporation Loss of Lubricating Greases and Oils"
Although not yet written as an oil test
method. This apparatus eliminates the limitations of ASTM D-972 by
employing an aluminum block for heating the test cell and an air preheater
so that the sample is subject to air at the same temperature as the test
temperature.
ASTM D-2619
"Hydrolytic Stability of Hydraulic Fluids (Beverage Bottle Method)"
Fluids which are unstable to water under
conditions of the test form corrosive acidic and insoluble contaminants.
75 g of fluid, 25 g of water, and a polished copper strip are sealed in
a bottle then placed in a 200°F (93°C) oven and rotated end for
end at 5 rpm for 48 hrs. Reported values are Acid Number Change,
Total Acidity of Water, Weight Change and Appearance of Copper Strip, and
can also include Total Sediment Weight.
ASTM D-2670
(A or B) "Measuring
Wear Properties of Fluid Lubricants (Falex Pin & Vee Method)"
Two stationary V-Blocks are held against
a rotating steel pin at a specified load corresponding to 3.3 mm indentation
value from the apparatus calibration data. The tooth position of
the loading ratchet mechanism is noted at the beginning and the end of
the test period. The change in tooth number is reported as the tooth
wear.
ASTM D-2711
"Demulsibility Characteristics of Lubricating Oils"
This test measures the ability of oil
and water to separate. The Procedure A for oils which do not contain
extreme pressure (EP) additives uses 405 ml of oil and 45 ml of water with
a stirrer speed of 4500 rpm. The Procedure B for oils which contain
EP additives uses 360 ml of oil and 90 ml of water with a stirrer speed
of 2500 rpm. In both procedures the oil and water are stirred for
5 minutes at 82°C, followed by 5 hours of settling after which oil
in water, free water, and emulsion are determined and reported in ml.
This method is intended for testing medium to high velocity oils.
ASTM D-1401 is a completely different method to measure 'water separatibility'.
Mixing is less vigorous and oils of various viscosities and types can be
tested.
ASTM D-2783
"Measurement of Extreme Pressure Properties
of Lubricating Fluids (Four Ball Method)"
Three 1/2 inch 52100 steel balls are locked
into a pot containing the fluid which is forced against a fourth rotating
ball (1800 rpm) at increasing loads and run for 10 seconds. The wear
scars on the stationary balls are measured and the load is increased until
lubrication breaks down completely causing the balls to weld together (Weld
Load). By mathematical treatment of the scar sizes at the increasing
loads an indexing value which characterizes the load carrying capacity
of the fluid is obtained and reported as the Load Wear Index (LWI) along
with the Weld Load. Most fluids exhibit a load at which metal to
metal contact is minimal and the amount of wear produced on the basis of
scar diameter is no more than 5% greater than the impression diameter (the
plastic deformation of the balls under point contact load without turning
the machine on). This is termed as the 'Last Non-Siezure Load'.
Greater loads which are termed 'Seizure load' typically produce much larger
scars with scoring due to heavy metal to metal contact. The Last
Non-Siezure Load is sometimes of interest for comparative purposes as well
as an indicator of the upper limits of transition from elastohydrodynamic
to boundary modes of lubrication in terms of the test conditions.
If desired, the Last Non Seizure Load and scar size can be reported as
well as the Last Seizure Load and scar (Load just prior to the Weld Load).
ASTM D-2878
"Estimating Apparent Vapor Pressures and Molecular
Weights of Lubricating Oils"
The method utilizes evaporation loss data
obtained from ASTM D-972 and calculations based upon a standard pure substance
(m-terphenyl) to obtain apparent molecular weight and vapor pressure.
Test time and temperature are selected to give an evaporation of 5.0% ±
1%. This procedure minimizes the effect of low concentrations of
low molecular weight material or volatile impurities. The molecular
weight is required for the calculations and can be obtained with an evaporation
run at 400°F, but only if 5% can be evaporated in a reasonable length
of time. Alternately, molecular weight obtained from ASTM D-2503
or equivalent can be used and may be preferable if oxidation at 400°F
is of concern.
ASTM D-2896
"Base Number of Petroleum Products by Potentiometric Perchloric Acid Titration"
This test quantitatively determines the
basic constituents, both organic and inorganic, expressed as mg KOH/g.
Results are obtained graphically by inflection point. Reserve alkalinity
is sometimes used as a measure of additive depletion.
ASTM D-2983
"Low Temperature Viscosity of Automotive
Fluid Lubricants Measured by Brookfield Viscometer"
Although this particular ASTM method details
use of the Brookfield Viscometer at temperatures from -5°C to -40°C
for a particular range of products, there are many specifications and other
methods which require its use to obtain viscosity data under other conditions
and also at increased sample temperatures. Values obtained are expressed
in centipoise (cP) or millipascal seconds (mPa·s). Shear rates
are relatively low but non-Newtonian behavior of many samples, especially
at low temperatures, makes selection of spindle and speed (shear rate)
critical when comparing data. Non-Newtonian behavior makes cooling
rates and soak times important factors as well. In the case of D-2983
cooling rate is specified with a 16 hour soak time and values obtained
range from 1,000 to 1,000,000 cP.
ASTM D-3233
"Measurement of Extreme Pressure Properties of
Fluid Lubricants
(Falex Pin and Vee Block Methods)"
This test measures the load carrying ability
of an oil. The tribological aspects are low speed, line contact,
steel on steel (this can be altered), sliding motion. A 1/4 inch
(6.35 mm) diameter test journal or pin is rotated at 290 rpm between two
Vee Blocks immersed in the oil preheated to 120°F (51.7°C).
Procedure A employs a constant increase in load applied by an automatic
ratchet until failure as indicated by seizure of the test coupon or rapid
loss of load caused by excessive wear. Procedure B employs load increments
of 250 lbs with running for 1 minute at each increment until failure.
The standard test pin is AISI 3135 Steel, HRB 87 and the standard Vee Blocks
are AISI C-1137 Steel, HRC 20 to 24. Test coupons of different metals
and alloys are available at additional expense.
ASTM D-3238
"Calculation of Carbon Distribution and Structural
Group Analysis of Petroleum Oils by the n-d-M Method"
Carbon distribution and ring content data
are used in characterization of oils in the refining-manufacturing process
and can also correlate to critical performance properties. Refractive
Index, Density and Molecular Weight (n-d-M) are used to calculate the following
values:
| % CA | Percentage of Aromatic Carbon |
| % CN | Percentage of Naphthenic Carbon |
| % Cp | Percentage of paraffinic Carbon |
| RA | Average Number of aromatic rings per Molecule |
| RN | Average Number of naphthene rings per Molecule |
| RT | Average Number of rings per Molecule |
| Refractive Index (n) | ASTM D-1218 |
| Density at 20°C (d) | ASTM D-1480 or D-1481 |
| Average Molecular Weight (M) | ASTM D-2502 or D-2503 |
| Sulfur Content (mass %) | ASTM D-1552 or D-2622 |
ASTM D-3427
"Air Release Properties of Petroleum Oils"
This method measures the ability of an
oil to separate entrained gas. Oils with viscosity at 40°C of
less than 9.0 cSt. are tested at 25°C. Oils with viscosity at
40°C between 9.0 and 90.0 cSt. are tested at 50°C. Oils with
viscosity at 40°C greater than 90.0 cSt. are tested at 75°C.
Subsequent to aeration under test conditions, the time in minutes for entrained
gas to reduce to 0.2% by volume is measured and reported. The method
is closely related to DIN 51381 with a slight difference in procedure and
reporting format.
ASTM D-3524
"Diesel Fuel Diluent in Used Diesel Engine
Oils by Gas Chromatography"
Excessive fuel dilution is an obvious
concern. Best accuracy is obtained by submitting a sample of new
oil for use as a baseline.
ASTM D-3525
"Gasoline Diluent in Used Engine Oils by
Gas Chromatography"
Some fuel dilution is normal but excessive
fuel dilution is an obvious concern.
ASTM
D-3829 "Predicting
the Borderline Pumping Temperature of Engine Oil"
The Borderline Pumping Temperature (BPT)
is a measure of the lowest temperature at which an engine oil can be continuously
and adequately supplied to the inlet of the engine's oil pump. A
Mini-Rotary Viscometer (MRV) is employed using a non linear cooling curve
during a 16 hour period. Apparent viscosity in centipoise and yield-stress
are both determined in terms of the test. The higher temperature
of two failure modes is reported as BPT. The failure mode based on
yield stress is termed 'air binding'. The failure mode based on apparent
viscosity is termed 'Flow-Limiting'.
ASTM D-4627
"Iron Chip Corrosion for Water - Dilutable Metalworking
Fluids"
Cast iron chips are placed on a filter
paper in a petri dish containing a fluid and allowed to stand for 20 to
24 hours at room temperature. Dilutions by weight % as follows are
tested (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10%) The weakest concentration
which results is no rust stain on the filter paper is defined as the 'breakpoint'.
ASTM D-4636 FTM-5307 FTM-5308
"Corrosiveness and Oxidation Stability of Hydraulic
Oils, Aircraft Turbine Engine Lubricants, and Other Highly Refined Oils"
This ASTM Method describes Federal Test
Methods 5307 and 5308. The configuration of the test cell, metal
specimens, and arrangement is different for each method. FTM-5307
uses small washer shaped metal specimens arranged vertically between glass
pacers. FTM-5308 uses 1"x1" square metal specimens tied together
in a specific arrangement placed in the bottom of the glass test cell or
tube. Metal test specimens may or may not be included and the number
and type of metal specimens can also vary according to specifications.
Briefly, the oil sample is placed in the test cell with the polished metal
samples and heated in an oil bath or aluminum block for a specified time
and temperature with dried or moist air (usually dried) bubbled through
at a given flow rate. Acid number is sometimes monitored by periodic
sampling. Values reported at test end include sample mass loss, viscosity
change, acid number change, mass loss of metal specimens, appearance of
oil and test cell, and volume percent sludge. Oxidized oil and sludge
samples are sometimes analyzed for metals content.
ASTM D-4739
"Base Number Determination by Potentiometric
Titration"
The titrant in this method is hydrochloric
acid. This test quantitatively determines the basic constituents,
both organic and inorganic, expressed as mg KOH/g. Results
are obtained graphically by inflection point. Reserve alkalinity
is sometimes used as a measure of additive depletion.
ASTM D-6793
"Bulk Modulus"
The compressibility of a fluid is termed
Bulk Modulus and is the unit volume change per unit volume of sample at
the selected pressure. The compressibility of a fluid changes with
pressure and temperature. In the case of Mil-H-83282, measurement
of Bulk Modulus is taken at 40°C between 1,000 and 10,000 psi.
The value is useful for fluid specifications in hydraulic systems.
Specification requirements for Mil-H-83282 have a minimum value of 1.379
x 106 kPa.
ASTM E-659 ASTM
D-2155 "Autoignition
Temperature of Liquid Chemicals"
(ASTM D-2155 is an older method for AIT
which ASTM has discontinued. It utilizes a smaller reaction vessel
and can give slightly different results than ASTM E-659)
Most users require only hot-flame autoignition
temperature or AIT and we've price the test accordingly. Cool-Flame
Autoignition Temperature (CFT) and Reaction Threshold Temperature (RTT)
can also be determined at additional cost. Autoignition is usually
evidenced as Hot-Flame Autoignition (AIT). CFT is evidenced by 'a
faint blue luminescence or flame occurring below the AIT' accompanied by
a temperature rise of 100°C or less. (It does not always occur
and sometimes occurs only very slightly below the AIT.) RTT is the
lowest temperature at which even slight temperature rise is noted.
FTM-350
"Evaporation Loss of Lubricating Greases
and Oils"
This apparatus extends the highest test
temperature limit by employing an aluminum block for the test cell but
maintains the same heated tubing for air with similar temperature differentials
as mentioned in ASTM D-972.
FTM-3009
"Particulate Contamination"
This federal test method is a microscope
procedure for characterizing the particulates in oils according to size
range and count. Characterization of particles visually according
to appearance in terms of conformation, color, reflectivity, fibrous, etc.,
can yield much more information than that obtained from automatic particle
counters. In cases of dispute FTM-3009 is often chosen as the referee
method.
JIT-JAN-98
"Blue Soap Test"
In the manufacturing of some ester types,
there may be some of the acid precursors remaining in the product.
These acid residues are typically neutralized and washed out of the product.
To test if they are adequately removed, a 40 gram sample of ester is dissolved
in acetone and Bromo-P-Blue indicator. If yellow, the ester is residue
free. If blue, the ester contains the 'soap' of the acid precursor.
Titration with HCl will give the weight percent (as NaOH) of soap in the
product.
PLTL-78
FTIR
"Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectrograph"
Basically this is an absorbance or transmittance
spectrum based on wave length in the infrared region of light from about
2.5 to 17 microns or frequency in the range from about 4000cm-1 to
450cm-1. It is a very often used as a 'fingerprint' for
identification and QC purposes and can be also used to identify the presence
and relative concentration of molecules containing specific functional
groups. Software packages have been developed which allow the determination
of used oil parameters (ie; soot, fuel dilution, oxidative product buildup
etc.). In all cases where possible it is best to establish a baseline
with known or unused material.
PLTL-95
"Friction Analysis by Tapered Roller Bearing"
This is a proprietary method developed
by Petro-Lubricant Test Labs. This test uses a tapered roller bearing,
Timken #LM-11949/11910, with the loading and measuring systems of the ASTM
D-2266 Four Ball Wear tester. The lubricated bearing is run under
prescribed load, speed, and temperature conditions. The resulting
torque against the bearing is related to the drag of the lubricant on the
rolling elements. This friction 'coefficient' is a relative measure
of the smoothness to be expected between different lubricants running under
the same conditions. Contact
us directly for more information.
ASTM D-128
"Analysis of Lubricating Grease"
This test will analyze conventional greases
consisting of petroleum oils and soaps for unsaponifiable matter, water,
free alkalinity, free fatty acid, fat, glycerin, and insolubles.
A supplementary test will analyze greases
which are insoluble in conventional solvents, contain non-petroleum fluids,
and/or non-soap type thickeners.
Follow-up analysis of the separated components
by other methods such as ICP metals or Infrared spectrograph may be requested.
ASTM D-130 ASTM
D-4048 FTM-5309
"Detection of Copper Corrosion from Petroleum
Products by the Copper Strip Tarnish Test"
A variety of hydrocarbon products including
oils, hydraulic fluids, fuel, solvents, etc., can be tested for corrosivity
to copper by use of this test. It is limited to products with Ried
Vapor pressure no greater than 18 psi (124 kPa). A polished copper
strip is immersed in the fluid and heated for a specified time and temperature
after which the corrosion is rated by visual comparison to the ASTM Copper
Strip Corrosion Standards. The most typical test run is for 24 hours
@ 100°C. However, time and temperature can vary according to
product type and specification. Results are reported as a number
followed by a letter according to the following scheme:
| 1 slight tarnish | a light orange, almost the same as a freshly polished strip |
| b dark orange | |
| 2 moderate tarnish | a claret red |
| b lavender | |
| c multi colored with lavender blue or silver, or both, overlaid on claret red | |
| d silvery | |
| e brassy or gold | |
| 3 dark tarnish | a magenta overcast on brassy strip |
| b multi colored with red and green showing (peacock), but no gray | |
| 4 corrosion | a transparent black, dark gray or brown with peacock green barley showing |
| b graphite or lusterless black | |
| c glossy or jet black |
ASTM D-149
"Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength
of Insulating Materials"
The ability of a lubricant to resist electrical
flow and current potential can be determined with
this test. The dielectric strength is
the ratio of the thickness of the insulating material in mils
versus the potential of the breakdown
voltage. The breakdown voltage is the electrical potential
required to overcome the material’s insulating
ability. These electrical properties can determine if
a material is appropriate for use in a
particular electrical application.
ASTM
D-150 "A-C
Loss (Dissipation Factor) and Dielectric Constant (Permittivity) of
Electrical Insulating
Material"
The ability of a lubricant to act as an
electrical insulator can be measured using this test
procedure. Since no insulator is
perfect, the amount of electrical leakage (Dissipation Factor) will
determine the degree of efficiency of
insulating ability. The Dielectric Constant is a measure of
the insulator's ability to resist electrical
flow under increasing frequency. Together these
properties help predict how the material
will perform under various conditions of electrical
exposure.
ASTM
D-566 ASTM D-2265 "Dropping
Point of Lubricating Grease"
A sample of grease is heated in the drop
point cup until the sample melts or separates and runs out a small hole
in the bottom of the cup. This test may indicate the temperature
at which a change in state may be anticipated under similar operating conditions.
ASTM D-1092
"Measuring Apparent Viscosity of Lubricating
Greases"
The apparent viscosity in Poise of a grease
is determined at shear rates from 1.0 sec-1 to
15,000 sec-1 and at temperatures
ranging from +350°F to -65°F. The test measures the pressure
required to force grease through capillaries at fixed flow rates.
ASTM D-1264
"Determining The Water Washout Characteristics Of
Lubricating Greases"
A standard ABEC 6204 test bearing is packed
with 4 grams of the grease to be tested. The
bearing is rotated at 600 rpm in the water
spray chamber at 100°F (or 175°F) for one hour. 300
mls of water per minute are sprayed at
the bearing assembly. The percent weight loss of the
grease carried away with the water is
reported. This test is a relative measure of a grease's ability
to resist removal by water.
ASTM D-1403
"Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease using one-quarter and one-half
scale
Equipment"
This test is a small scale version of
test method ASTM D-217 'Cone Penetration of
Lubricating Grease'. The use of
small scale equipment allows the operator to measure the
penetration of grease samples as small
as 2 or 3 grams in size.
ASTM D-1478
"Low Temperature Torque of Ball Bearing Grease"
The torque resulting from grease lubricated
ball bearings rotated at one rpm is measured. The test is designed
for temperatures 0°F (-20°C) and below. Torques greater than
35,000 g-cm (3.5 N-m) are considered to be technically frozen. Most
military grease specifications consider 10,000 g-cm (1 N-m) to be the maximum
usable limit for adequate lubrication at low temperatures. Test temperatures
to -73°C can be accommodated.
ASTM D-1831
"Roll Stability of Lubricating Grease" A 50 gram
sample of the test grease is
subjected to shearing under a 5 kg roller
at 175 rpm for 2 hours. The degree of shearing is
determined by measuring the worked penetration
(ASTM D-1403) on the original grease sample
vs. the sheared grease sample. The
relative resistance to shearing can be determined with this
test method.
ASTM D-2596
"Measurement of Extreme Pressure Properties of
Lubricating Grease"
The extreme pressure properties, Load
Carrying Capacity, of greases uses the Shell 4-Ball Extreme Pressure Test
Machine. A rotating upper ball is loaded against three stationary
lower balls. The initial loads are low and exhibit elastohydrodynamic
properties. As loads increase beyond E.H.P., the lubricant passes
through the high pressure boundary film region. At the highest load
the lubricant can stand the boundary film is lost and welding occurs.
This test is very good at comparing the extreme pressure and boundary lubrication
properties of comparative samples or competitive types of formulations.
The Load Wear Index Value, Last Non Seizure, Last Seizure and Weld Load
are reported.
ASTM D-2625
(A or B) "Endurance (wear) Life and
Load Carrying Capacity of Solid Film Lubricants (Falex Pin and Vee Method)"
Two stationary blocks are held against
a rotating steel test pin. The load applied and the rotational torque
resulting is recorded.
Procedure A is the Endurance Test which
is run under 1000 lbs. load and the time to failure reported.
Procedure B is the Load Carrying Test
which is run under incrementally increasing loads and the maximum load
obtained is reported.
ASTM D-2670
(A or B) "Measuring
Wear Properties of Fluid Lubricants (Falex Pin & Vee Method)"
Two stationary V-Blocks are held against
a rotating steel pin at a specified load corresponding to 3.3 mm indentation
value from the apparatus calibration data. The tooth position of
the loading ratchet mechanism is noted at the beginning and the end of
the test period. The change in tooth number is reported as the tooth
wear.
ASTM D-3233
"Measurement of Extreme Pressure Properties of
Fluid Lubricants
(Falex Pin and Vee Block Methods)"
This test measures the load carrying ability
of an oil. The tribological aspects are low speed, line contact,
steel on steel (this can be altered), sliding motion. A 1/4 inch
(6.35 mm) diameter test journal or pin is rotated at 290 rpm between two
Vee Blocks immersed in the oil preheated to 120°F (51.7°C).
Procedure A employs a constant increase in load applied by an automatic
ratchet until failure as indicated by seizure of the test coupon or rapid
loss of load caused by excessive wear. Procedure B employs load increments
of 250 lbs with running for 1 minute at each increment until failure.
The standard test pin is AISI 3135 Steel, HRB 87 and the standard Vee Blocks
are AISI C-1137 Steel, HRC 20 to 24. Test coupons of different metals
and alloys are available at additional expense.
ASTM D-3336
"Life of Lubricating Greases in Ball Bearings
at Elevated Temperatures"
The test evaluates the endurance life
of greases in ball bearings at high speeds and high temperatures.
An SAE No. 204 Bearing in rotated at 10,000 rpm at test temperatures of
250°F to 400°F depending on the grease type. Navy type spindles
(Pope Machinery Corp.) have a thrust load of 5 pounds and a radial load
of 5 pounds applied to the bearing. The test cycle is closed 20 hours
on and 4 hours off for the test temperature above 300°F and 22 1/2
hours on and 2 1/2 hours off for the test 300°F and below. The
test result is the number of cumulative hours the bearing will run without
exceeding the motor over-load set point, torque overload set point, or
over temperature limit.
ASTM D-3527
"Life Performance of Automotive Wheel Bearing
Greases"
The high temperature life performance
of automotive front wheel bearing greases is determined. A modified
automotive type front wheel spindle and hub assembly is rotated at 1000
rpm and 160°C through 20 hours on and 4 hours off operating cycles.
Grease life is determined by the measured increase in resistance to rotation
that occurs as the sample degrades. The number of cumulative hours
of running time that accumulate before over-load terminates the test is
reported.
ASTM D-4049
"Determining the Resistance of Lubricating Grease to Water Spray"
A steel panel is coated with a thin layer
of the grease to be tested. A 40 psi water spray is
directed at the grease coated panel for
5 minutes. The amount of grease lost to the water spray is
reported as the percent spray off.
ASTM D-4170
"Fretting Wear Protection by Lubricating Greases"
Two thrust type bearings lubricated with
grease are loaded to 550 pounds force and oscillated through a 12°
arc at 1800 cycles per minute for 22 hours at room temperature. The
fretting wear is the average weight loss of the two bearings. The
fretting wear requirement for ASTM D-4950 greases is 10 mg loss maximum.
ASTM D-4289
"Compatibility of Lubricating Grease with Elastomers"
The compatibility of elastomers NBR-L
and CR are measured at standard times and temperatures for swelling under
exposure to the sample. This test may be modified to use different
types of rubber, and other times and temperatures. This test evaluates
compatibility with seals, gaskets, hoses, and other elastomer parts.
ASTM D-4290
"Determining the Leakage Tendencies of Automotive
Wheel Bearing Greases Under Accelerated Conditions"
The leakage of grease and oil from grease
lubricated wheel bearings in the determined. A modified automotive
type front wheel spindle and hub assembly is rotated at 1000 rpm for 20
hours at 160°C. The separated grease and oil is captured in a
collector and weighed. The weight loss from the standard sample charge
of 60 grams is reported.
ASTM D-4693
"Low Temperature Torque of Grease Lubricated Wheel Bearings"
The torque resulting from grease lubricated
tapered roller bearings rotating at one rpm is measured. The test
uses an automotive type front wheel hub and spindle assembly. The
assembly is cold soaked for 5 hours at -40°C. The torque is measured
for 60 seconds of running time. The torque maximum at the beginning
of the run and the stable torque after 60 seconds are reported. A
graphic representation of the run is presented to visually compare data
between samples. Values less than 15 N-m torque are considered adequately
mobile for wheel bearing applications. Test temperatures from -20°C
to -55°C can also be accommodated.
ASTM D-4739
"Base Number Determination by Potentiometric Titration"
A sample is titrated with alcoholic hydrochloric
acid solution using a millivolt meter to detect the inflection point indicating
the quantity of basic constituents in the sample. This determination
is a measure of a new samples reserve alkalinity and a used samples remaining
alkalinity.
ASTM D-6184 FTM-321 IP-121 Bul
5A2 (A.3) "Oil
Separation from Lubricating Grease"
The bleeding of oil from grease under
static conditions and elevated temperatures is measured. Temperatures
from 150°F to 450°F can be used. 30 hours is the usual test
period but may be extended or shortened as necessary. The tendency
of oil to separate either during storage or when idle in a hot bearing
can be an important property. This test can distinguish between greases
that will either promote or prevent oil separation according to the demands
of the application. API Bulletin 5A2 (A.3) substitutes a nickel cone
with 1.0 mm holes for the wire screen used in ASTM D-6184 and FTM-321.
This technique may simulate oil losses expected through the grease seals
typically used on machines and tools used in 'Lubricated for Life' bearings.
ASTM D-6185
"Evaluating Compatibility of Binary Mixtures of Lubricating Grease"
This method is a protocol for determining
the range and variety of test which may be employed to determine the compatibility
of various mixtures of greases under selected conditions. The supplier
and user agree as to the values to be tested.
FTM-335
"Gear Wear"
This test, also called the Navy Gear Wear,
uses a 1.1 cm brass gear engaging a 1.2 cm steel gear at right angles.
The reciprocal motion of the gears results in a measure of the lubricants
ability to protect the metals under dynamic load. The test is run
under 5 pounds load for 6000 cycles and under 10 pounds load for 3000 cycles.
The weight loss of the brass gear is reported. This is the only inexpensive
gear type test machine still available to test both greases and oils.
FTM-3005
"Dirt Count"
The Dirt Count of the sample is the number
of foreign particles between 25 and 75 microns per milliliter of sample,
and particles greater than 75 microns per milliliter of sample. Clean
greases usually have less than 1000 particles/cc between 25 and 75 microns
and none greater that 75 microns.
FTM-3722
"Molybdenum Disulfide Content - Non-Soap Greases"
This test is a chemical assay method for
molybdenum disulfide. MoS2 is used to enhance extreme pressure
properties of many lubricants. It has been experimentally determined
that if the MoS2 is present in specifically determined amounts,
the reliability of the lubricant can be assured without the need for exhaustive
extreme pressure testing by machines. Other methods for determining
the concentration of molybdenum such as A.A. or I.C.P. are difficult and
subject to wide error because of poor adaptability within typical matrix
systems.
FTM-5414
"Resistance of Grease to Fuel"
A class of greases referred to as "valve
plug lubricants" are what this test method was developed
for. The lubricant should be able to adhere
to the valve of a typical fuel supply line without being
carried away by the flow of fuel. The
adhesion is measured in the static part of the test where an
aluminum strip is coated with the material
and then exposed to "fuel" for 8 hours. The material
should not deteriorate or lose its adhesion
to the test metal. The dynamic part of the test
measures the material's resistance to
being dissolved by the flow of fuel. The material is agitated
in the fuel and the percent of solubility
is determined.
FTM-5415
"Resistance of Grease to Water and Ethanol Solutions"
Greases which are formulated of highly
polar components may be unacceptable in applications
which expose them to the actions of polar
solvents. A water pump lubricant exposed to water-
antifreeze solutions is one example. To
determine the material's resistance to this exposure this
test method exposes a grease sample to
static immersion in water and water ethanol mixtures for
one week. After exposure there should
be no deterioration of the grease.
FTM-6503
"Mean Hertz Load of Extreme Pressure Lubricants"
The Mean Hertz load is the original basis
of the ASTM D-2596 Load Wear Index test. By using mathematical models
for the relationship between the hertz line, the contact area of the specimen
balls under load, and the compensation load line, the elastohydrodynamic
lubrication boundary, the ASTM D-2596 and ASTM D-2783 yield the same values.
There appears to be no advantage to the more costly and time consuming
FTM-6503 technique.
IP-220 ASTM
D-6138 DIN51802
"Determination of Corrosion Prevention
Properties of Lubricating Greases Under Dynamic Wet Conditions - EMCOR
Test"
This is a dynamic resistance test for
grease using a double row self-aligning ball bearing. Distilled water,
or any concentration of salt water may be used. The test is a more
severe bearing test than than ASTM D-1743.
LT-37
"U.S. Steel Method Mobility of Grease"
The flow properties of greases through
a capillary at 150 psi and the selected test temperature is measured.
The purpose of this test is to assure that pressurized grease lubricated
systems will remain supplied with lubricant even under low temperature
conditions. Temperatures from 25°C to -40°C can be tested.
It has been experimentally determined that flow rates of less than 0.001
grams per second are technically frozen. Engineers may design systems
to accommodate flow rates at selected temperatures based on this data.
LT-46
"Bethlehem Steel Combo Test Parts A & B"
Part A of the Combo Test measures the
original ASTM D-1403 Unworked Penetration, Worked Penetration and ASTM
D-4049 Water Spray Off values. The sample is emulsified with water
using Bethlehem Steel Test LT-18. The emulsified sample is tested
for ASTM D-1403 Worked Penetration and ASTM D-4049 Water Spray off.
The change from the original is reported.
Part B of the Combo Test uses the ASTM
D-1831 Roll Stability test on the emulsified sample from Part A at 200°F
with extra water added for two hours. The additional emulsification
and change in ASTM D-1403 Worked Penetration from the original samples
are calculated.
PLTL-95
"Friction Analysis by Tapered Roller Bearing"
This is a proprietary method developed
by Petro-Lubricant Test Labs. This test uses a tapered roller bearing,
Timken #LM-11949/11910, with the loading and measuring systems of the ASTM
D-2266 Four Ball Wear tester. The lubricated bearing is run under
prescribed load, speed, and temperature conditions. The resulting
torque against the bearing is related to the drag of the lubricant on the
rolling elements. This friction 'coefficient' is a relative measure
of the smoothness to be expected between different lubricants running under
the same conditions. Contact
us directly for more information.
