What Are ASTM Standards

ASTM standards are technical standards developed and published by ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials). It is a globally recognized organization that develops and publishes standards for a wide range of industries and applications. These standards are the result of a joint process between industry experts, universities, government agencies and other institutions and professionals. Therefore, these standards are compiled and presented based on research and practical experience and consensus among committee members. It is interesting to know that these standards are voluntary; This means that their implementation is not legal. However, they are widely accepted by industries, regulatory agencies and government bodies as a means of ensuring quality, safety and performance. Conformity of products and services to ASTM standards is often used as a benchmark for manufacturers, suppliers and providers to demonstrate their adherence and commitment to industry and consumers. It is true that compliance with these standards is not mandatory, but if a company claims to comply with them, it must be ensured that their claims of compliance with ASTM standards are accurate and supported by appropriate documentation and evidence. Misrepresentation or false claims can have legal and credit consequences. Therefore, companies must maintain test records, documentation, and certifications to verify their compliance with ASTM standards. ASTM standards cover a wide range of subjects, materials, products, systems and services, with petroleum and petrochemicals being one of the most prominent. ASTM standards in this field try to provide guidelines that are used to test, identify and control the quality of fuels, lubricants, polymers and other petroleum products.

How can you ensure that companies comply with ASTM standards?

Companies can demonstrate compliance of their products with ASTM standards in various ways. Some of these methods are: Testing and Certification: Companies must assess the quality of their products or services using specific ASTM test methods. These evaluations can be performed in-house or at third-party testing labs. If the products or services meet the specified criteria, companies can receive certificates or test reports that show that their products conform to ASTM standards. Documentation and Notices: Companies can also create documents such as technical specifications, data sheets, or user manuals that clearly state the ASTM standards associated with their services and products. This documentation should provide detailed information on how their products meet the requirements specified in ASTM standards. Labeling and Marking: Companies can label or mark their products with the ASTM standard mark or mark to indicate compliance. This helps customers easily determine whether the product or service they receive meets the specified ASTM standards. Third Party Accreditation: In some cases, companies may seek approval or certification issued by independent organizations or institutions. These organizations review a company’s products, processes, and documents to verify their compliance with ASTM standards. If the conditions are met, the company may be awarded a certificate or label. Supplier Declarations: If a company is part of a supply chain, it may rely on supplier declarations to demonstrate compliance with ASTM standards. Suppliers must provide documentation or certification that their components or materials meet the standards specified by ASTM. Industry associations and trade organizations: Companies can join relevant industry associations or trade organizations that promote compliance with ASTM standards. These associations may offer resources and certification programs to help companies demonstrate compliance with standards.

ASTM standards in the field of lubricants

In the field of industrial lubricants, ASTM standards cover a wide range of properties, characteristics and performance requirements. Some common types of ASTM standards for industrial lubricants include: Viscosity standards: ASTM D445 (to measure kinematic viscosity) and ASTM D7042 (to determine viscosity at low temperature) Pour point: ASTM D97 (to measure the pour point of petroleum products) Flash point: ASTM D92 (to measure flash point) Specific gravity/density: ASTM D4052 (for measuring density and relative density of liquids by digital hydrometer), ASTM D1250 (standard guide for the use of petroleum measuring tables) and ASTM D1298 (for measuring density, relative density) Oxidation stability: ASTM D943 (to examine the oxidation-related properties of restrained mineral oils) Rust and Corrosion Protection: ASTM D665 (to investigate the corrosion prevention properties of mineral oil restrained in the presence of water) and ASTM D1748 (to investigate the extent of corrosion protection provided by metal preservatives in a humidity cabinet) Foam characteristics: ASTM D892 (to check the foaming of lubricating oils) Wear and Extreme Pressure Properties: ASTM D4172 (to examine antiwear properties of lubricating fluids), ASTM D2783 (EP four-ball test for lubricating oils) and ASTM D5182 (four-ball wear test for lubricating grease) Additive analysis: ASTM D4951 (for the investigation of additive elements in lubricating oils by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy) Water content: ASTM D6304 (in order to check the water content of petroleum products and bituminous materials through distillation) The above are just a few examples of ASTM standards related to industrial lubricants. Each standard provides detailed procedures and specifications that allow manufacturers, users, and regulatory bodies to continuously evaluate and compare lubricants. Compliance with ASTM standards ensures the quality, performance and safety of lubricants. In the following, we will explain the details of some of these standards.

ASTM D445

It is a standard method for determining the kinematic viscosity of liquid petroleum products. Kinematic viscosity is defined as a measure of fluid resistance to flow under gravity and is important in evaluating the performance and suitability of lubricants, fuels and other petroleum products. The general process of the ASTM D445 test method is: Sample preparation: Obtain a representative sample of the liquid petroleum product for testing. Make sure the sample is clean and free of any contamination or air bubbles. Viscometer Adjustment: Calibrate the viscometer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For this, you must use a reference fluid with a known viscosity. Sample measurement: Place a sufficient amount of sample in the viscometer’s sample chamber or cup. Make sure the sample completely fills the chamber without any bubbles or gaps. Temperature control: Set the viscometer to the specified temperature. Measurement method: Start the measurement on the viscometer. The device determines the time required for the sample to flow through the capillary tube or other measuring device. Repetition of measurement: Repeat the measurement method several times to ensure the stability and accuracy of the results. The reported kinematic viscosity is usually the average of multiple measurements. Kinematic viscosity values are reported in units of centistokes (cSt) or millimeters squared per second (mm2/s).

ASTM D97

It is a standard test method to determine the pour point of petroleum products. Pour point is the lowest temperature at which a substance will flow under certain test conditions. ASTM D97 test method is commonly used to evaluate the low temperature flow properties of petroleum products including lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, and waxes. The general evaluation steps using the ASTM D97 standard are: Sample preparation: Obtain a representative sample of the petroleum product for testing. Ensure that the sample is homogeneous and free of contamination. Test apparatus setup: Set up the drop point apparatus according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The apparatus usually consists of a sample tube or jar with a removable lid, a cooling bath, and a means of viewing the sample. Determination of initial temperature: Start the experiment by placing the sample in the apparatus and recording the initial temperature. Cooling Method: Reduce the temperature of the sample at a controlled rate, typically 1-2°C/min. During the cooling process, periodically tilt the sample glass to observe any movement or flow. Determination of pour point: Continue cooling the sample until no movement or flow is observed in the sample for a specified period of time (usually 5 seconds of tilting). The temperature at which this occurs is recorded as the pour point. Repeat tests: Repeat the test at least two more times to ensure consistency and obtain valid results. The reported drop point is usually the average of several experiments. Pour point is an important property because it represents the lowest temperature at which a substance remains fluid and can flow.

ASTM D92

It is a standard test method used to determine the flash point and fire of liquid petroleum products. The flash point is the lowest temperature at which the vapors of a substance can ignite momentarily when exposed to an open flame or ignition source, while the fire point is the lowest temperature at which sustained combustion of the substance occurs. The ASTM D92 test method is commonly used to evaluate the flammability and safety of various petroleum-based products, including fuels, lubricants, and solvents. Here is the general process of doing this test: Sample preparation: Obtain a representative sample of the liquid petroleum product for testing. Ensure that the sample is homogeneous and free of contamination. Apparatus Setup: Set up the test apparatus, which typically includes a test flame source, a test cup, a heating source, and a temperature measuring device, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Determination of initial temperature: Start the test by placing the sample in the test cup and recording the initial temperature. Heating Method: Gradually heat the sample at a controlled rate, typically 5-6°C/min. Observe the sample continuously during the heating process. Determining the flash point: at regular intervals, place the test flame near the surface of the sample cup. The flash point is defined as the lowest temperature at which the vapors above the sample ignite momentarily when exposed to the test flame. Determination of fire point: Continue heating the sample until stable combustion occurs. The fire point is defined as the lowest temperature at which the sample continues to burn for at least 5 seconds. Repeat tests: Repeat the test at least two more times to ensure consistency and obtain correct results. Reported flash and fire points are usually the average of several measurements. These parameters are important for evaluating the flammability and safety of petroleum products because it allows proper and safe handling, storage and transportation.

ASTM D4052

A standard method for determining density and relative density (specific gravity) of liquids is by digital densitometer. The density of a liquid is defined as its mass per unit volume and is an important property for various applications, including quality control, process control, and product characterization. Here is an overview of the ASTM D4052 test method: Sample preparation: Obtain a representative sample of the fluid to be tested. Ensure that the sample is homogeneous and free of any contamination or air bubbles that could affect the accuracy of the test. Calibration of the densitometer: Calibrate the digital densitometer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which includes zeroing the instrument using a reference liquid of known density. Sample measurement: Fill the densitometer chamber with liquid sample, make sure there are no air bubbles or gaps. Measurement method: Start the measurement on the densitometer. The device determines the density of the liquid based on the principles of buoyancy. A densitometer usually uses various sensors or techniques to measure the mass and volume of a sample and calculates the density accordingly. Repetition of measurement: Repeat the measurement method several times to ensure the stability and accuracy of the results. The reported density is usually the average of several consecutive measurements. Density values are reported in units such as grams per milliliter (g/mL) or kilograms per liter (kg/L) and are used to describe and compare the properties of different liquids, monitor product quality, and support various scientific and industrial applications.

ASTM D1298

A standard test method for determining density is the relative density (specific gravity), or API gravity, of crude oil and liquid petroleum products (API gravity refers to the measurement of the weight or lightness of a petroleum liquid compared to water). Density and specific gravity are important physical properties that are used to identify and control the quality of petroleum products. In this method, the instructions are based on measuring the specific gravity of petroleum liquids using a hydrometer. Here is an overview of the ASTM D1298 test method: Sample preparation: Obtain a representative sample of the petroleum fluid to be tested. Make sure the sample is homogeneous and free of any contamination or air bubbles as these can affect the accuracy of the test. Choosing a hydrometer: Choose a suitable hydrometer with the appropriate range for the desired density or specific gravity of the sample. The hydrometer must conform to the specifications listed in ASTM D1298. Set the sample temperature: Bring the sample to the specified temperature, which is usually about 15.6°C (60°F). Use a temperature-controlled bath or other device to achieve and maintain the desired temperature. Hydrometer Reading: Carefully insert the hydrometer into the sample, making sure it is fully submerged and in a vertical position. Then let the hydrometer rest. Read the hydrometer scale at the meniscus or liquid level and record it. Conversion and Calculation: Convert the hydrometer reading to the corresponding density or specific gravity using the conversion tables or formulas provided in ASTM D1298. Adjustments may be necessary based on factors such as temperature and calibration. Repetition of measurement: Repeat the measurement method several times to ensure the stability and accuracy of the results. The reported density or specific gravity is usually the average of several measurements.

ASTM D1250

A standard guide developed to calculate the density, relative density or API gravity of petroleum and its products. This standard provides a set of methods and formulas for converting measured values such as temperature, pressure, and density into standard values to enable comparison and constant characterization of petroleum-based products. This standard provides a framework for performing calculations related to density, relative density and API gravity. Here are some key aspects of ASTM D1250: Calculation methods: This standard provides different calculation methods based on the available data and requirements. In other words, this method includes methods to calculate density, relative density or API gravity using measured values such as temperature, pressure and density. Reference temperature: This standard defines the reference temperature at which density, relative density and API gravity values are standardized. In other words, it provides a standard guide for adjusting the measured values with the reference temperature. Tables and Software: Provides tables and software tools to facilitate the conversion and calculation process. These sources contain conversion factors, correction tables, and algorithms for determining the density, relative density, or API gravity of petroleum products. Application: This set of calculations can be applied to many types of petroleum and petroleum products, including crude oil, refined products, gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and other hydrocarbons. Updates and Editions: It is important to note that this standard is periodically updated to cover new data. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the latest version of the standard guide for the most accurate and up-to-date calculations. ASTM D1250 serves as a valuable resource for the petroleum industry and, by applying specified guidelines, can enable consistent and comparable measurements and play a significant role in quality control.

ASTM D943

In this method, the oxidation characteristics of inhibited mineral oils, especially steam turbine oil, are evaluated in the presence of oxygen, water and metals. This test is also commonly referred to as Turbine Oil Oxidation Stability Test (TOST). Oxidation stability refers to the oil’s ability to resist degradation and the formation of harmful byproducts such as sludge and carboxylic acids when exposed to oxygen. In other words, the purpose of this standard is to create an operating environment similar to that in which steam turbines operate. The amount of temperature, pressure and mechanical stresses are adjusted in such a way to provide the possibility of oil oxidation and destruction. In order to implement this standard, the restrained mineral oil sample is placed in special conditions. For example, the sample is exposed to substances such as oxygen, water and metals such as copper and iron. Then the oxidation stability of the oil is evaluated based on different parameters and measurements. This test also helps to evaluate the effectiveness of the inhibitors in the mineral oil. Inhibitors are additives that are included in the oil formulation to increase stability against oxidation and reduce the harmful effects of oxidation. In general, ASTM D943 helps ensure the performance of oils in severe applications.

ASTM D665

is a standard test method that evaluates the rust prevention properties of restrained mineral oils, particularly steam turbine oils, when in contact with water. It is also used for other types of oils such as hydraulic oil and circulation oil. The ASTM D665 test involves placing a sample of restrained mineral oil under certain conditions, including the presence of water, and examining its potential for rusting. This test measures corrosion and rust formation on steel test bars or other specimens when immersed in an oil-water mixture. The obtained results provide insight into the ability of the oil to protect against rust and corrosion in practical applications. The ASTM D665 test method includes the following steps: Prepare test specimens: Test specimens are usually steel bars or other ferrous components that are cleaned and dried prior to testing. Prepare the mixture of oil and water: depending on the needs of the test, the oil sample is mixed with distilled water; Then the mixture is stirred to ensure uniformity. Immerse the specimen: Clean and dried test specimens are immersed in a mixture of oil and water and brought to the test temperature. Perform the test: Depending on the test requirements, the mixture is stirred for a specified period, usually 4 or 24 hours. Evaluation of test samples: After the test period, the samples are visually checked for rust and corrosion, then the pass/fail rating is reported based on the amount of rust and corrosion obtained.

ASTM D1748

It is a standard test method to evaluate the degree of protection against corrosion or rust. This test is widely used in commercial and industrial environments to evaluate the effectiveness of products in preventing rust and corrosion on metal surfaces. The ASTM D1748 test method involves exposing metal samples to a wet environment and evaluating them for rust and corrosion after a specified period of time. This test is usually performed in a humidity cabinet that provides a controlled environment with high humidity levels. The specific test conditions for ASTM D1748 are as follows: Test specimens: Test specimens are usually metal panels that are cleaned and dried before testing. Humidity cabinet: This test is performed in a humidity cabinet that provides a controlled environment with a high humidity level. Exposure period: The test samples are exposed to a humid environment for a specified period, usually 24 to 48 hours. Evaluation: After the exposure period, the samples are visually checked for rust and corrosion. The amount of rust and corrosion is graded on a scale of 0 to 5, where 0 indicates no rust or corrosion and 5 indicates severe rust and corrosion. Report: ASTM D1748 test results are reported as the ability of metal retainer or rust inhibitor to prevent rust and corrosion of metal surfaces.

ASTM D892

It is a standard test method that measures the amount of foaming of lubricating oils. This test is used to determine foaming tendency and foam stability in lubricating oils. Evaluation of this feature ensures the performance of oils in tough applications. The ASTM D892 test method includes the following steps: Prepare the test sample: The test sample is usually a lubricating oil sample that is heated to a certain temperature. Perform the test: The test sample is exposed to air flow at a specified speed and temperature. Then the foam produced is collected and measured. Evaluate the foam: The foam is evaluated for its tendency to form and degree of stability. The results are reported as foam volume and foam stability time.

ASTM D4172

It is a standard test method that measures the wear prevention capability of lubricating fluids. This test helps to evaluate the lubricant’s performance in reducing wear and friction between metal surfaces. The ASTM D4172 test method includes the following steps: Prepare the test specimens: The test specimens are usually three steel balls that are cleaned and dried before testing. Loading test samples: The samples are loaded in the test machine to apply a specific load on the balls. Add Lubricating Fluid: Lubricating fluid is added to the test apparatus and allowed to equilibrate to the test temperature. Do the test: The test machine spins the balls at a specified speed for a specified period of time. The amount of wear damage on the balls is measured after the test. Evaluation of the results: ASTM D4172 test results are reported as the diameter of the wear scar on the balls. The smaller the diameter of the wear scar, the better the wear preventive properties of the lubricating fluid.

ASTM D2783

is a standard test method that measures the extreme pressure properties of lubricating fluids using the Four-Ball Method. The results of this test show to what extent lubricating fluids can withstand high pressure and be effective in reducing friction between metal surfaces. The ASTM D2783 test method includes the following steps: Prepare the test specimens: The test specimens consist of three steel balls that are cleaned and dried before testing. Loading test specimens: The specimens are loaded into the testing machine to apply a specified load on the balls. Add Lubricating Fluid: Lubricating fluid is added to the test device and allowed to equilibrate to the test temperature. Conducting the test: The test device rotates a ball against three fixed balls at a certain speed and under a certain load. The test is conducted for a certain period of time. Evaluation of the results: After the test, the diameter of the wear scar on the balls is measured. The smaller the diameter of the wear scar, the better the extreme pressure properties of the lubricating fluid.

ASTM D5182

A standard test method to determine the friction and wear characteristics of lubricating greases is using a four-ball wear test device. This test method is commonly used to evaluate the extreme pressure (EP) and antiwear properties of greases under specific test conditions. The four-ball wear test is widely used to evaluate lubrication properties, especially in the industrial and automotive fields, where grease is used to reduce friction between metal surfaces under heavy load and high pressure. The four ball wear test method according to ASTM D5182 has many similarities with the previous test and its steps are: Sample preparation: The test sample, usually a small amount of lubricating grease, is placed between three fixed steel balls and a fourth rotating steel ball. Test setup: Four steel balls are kept in a test cup and a specified load is applied to the rotating ball. The test cup is heated to a controlled temperature during the test. Experiment execution: The rotating steel ball rotates against three fixed balls under the applied load and temperature for a certain period of time. The duration of the test is usually 1 hour. Measurement: After the test, the diameter of the wear scar is measured on three fixed balls. Reporting: The wear scar diameter is reported and the results are used to calculate the average wear scar diameter and wear volume. The smaller the diameter of the wear scar and the wear volume, the better the EP and anti-wear properties of the lubricating grease. This information is critical in selecting the right greases for various applications, such as automotive parts, industrial machinery, and heavy equipment, where reduced wear is essential for optimal performance and equipment life.

ASTM D4951

A standard test method for the determination of additives in lubricating oils is evaluated and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). This method is usually used to analyze the concentration of different additive elements in lubricating oils. Lubricating oils often contain additives to enhance performance and protect engine components. The ASTM D4951 test method includes the following steps: Sample preparation: A representative sample of the lubricating oil is collected and prepared for analysis. Instrument calibration: The ICP-AES instrument is calibrated using standard solutions containing specific concentrations of the desired elements. Analysis: The sample is fed into an ICP-AES instrument that generates high-temperature plasma to atomize and excite the elements in the sample. Then the light emitted from the excited elements is analyzed and the intensity of the spectral lines obtained is used to quantify the concentration of the elements. Calculation and reporting: The concentration of different additive elements in lubricating oil is calculated based on the calibration of the device and reported in terms of parts per million (ppm) or other suitable units. The ASTM D4951 test method is valuable for ensuring proper formulation and quality control of lubricating oils. By analyzing the concentration of different additive elements, formulators can optimize the performance of their products for specific applications, and users can monitor the health and condition of lubricants used in machinery and engines.

ASTM D6304

A standard test method has been developed to determine the water content of petroleum products, including liquid fuels, lubricants, and bituminous materials. The presence of water in petroleum products has significant effects on their performance and quality. The ASTM D6304 test method is commonly used in the petroleum industry to evaluate the water content of various products and ensure compliance with quality standards. The test method for determining water content according to ASTM D6304 includes the following steps: Sample preparation: A representative sample of the petroleum product, usually about 10 to 100 mL, is collected in a test container. Test setup: The test container is placed in an oven or bath with a certain temperature to evaporate the sample water. Evaporation of water: the sample is heated to evaporate the water in the petroleum product. Water vapor is removed from the sample by a dry carrier gas (such as nitrogen) or dry air flow. Detection: The water vapor is then directed to a detection system such as a Karl Fischer titrator or a special humidity sensor to quantitatively measure the amount of water. Calculation and report: The amount of water in the petroleum product is calculated based on the amount of water vapor detected and the initial volume of the sample. The result is reported as parts per million (ppm) or as a percentage of the total weight of the sample. ASTM D6304 test method is an accepted technique for accurate measurement of water content in petroleum products. This information is critical to ensuring product quality, avoiding water contamination issues (eg, corrosion, microbial growth, fuel instability), and optimizing the performance and efficiency of engines and machinery. Regular monitoring of water content is essential for quality control in various industries that rely on petroleum products.

Bitumen properties determination tests

The following tests determine the properties of natural bitumen:

Measuring Softening Point (ASTM D36) => measuring the temperature at which bitumen starts to soften Measuring the degree of penetration (Penetration Test-ASTM D5) => measuring the softness or hardness of bitumen Measuring the amount of elasticity (Ductility-ASTM D113) => the amount of bitumen elasticity in cm in a water bath at 25 degrees Celsius Measuring breaking point (Fras Breaking Point) Investigating the effect of heat and air on bitumen (Thin Film Over Test) Viscosity measurement (Viscosity-ASTM D88-ASTM D445) => measurement of bitumen resistance to flow Measurement of specific gravity (Specific Gravity) => measurement of the ratio of bitumen density to water density Measuring the solubility or degree of purity of bitumen Solubility-ASTM D2042 => Measuring the insoluble impurities in trichloroethylene flash point measurement (Flash Point-ASTM D92) Measuring the endurance of asphalt mixtures by the Marshall method Sieve Analysis of Mineral Materials Extraction and testing of bitumen in asphalt mixtures (Extraction) Bitumen storage and new bitumen tests

last word

As we said, ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is an international organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of products, systems and services. These standards are also very useful for evaluating the performance of lubricating oils and other petroleum products and help to ensure the efficiency and safety of these products in harsh environments. In this article, we tried to address the ASTM standards related to lubricants.

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