ASTM D6184-22

Standard Test Method for Oil Separation from Lubricating Grease (Conical Sieve Method)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 When lubricating grease separates oil, the residual material may change in consistency, which can affect the ability of the product to function as designed. Test results obtained with this procedure are not intended to predict oil separation tendencies of grease under dynamic service conditions.  
5.2 This test method is used for specifications and quality control.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tendency of lubricating grease to separate oil at an elevated temperature. This test method shall be conducted at 100 °C for 30 h unless other conditions are required by the grease specification.  
1.2 This test method can be used on any grease with a worked penetration (Test Methods D217) greater than 220 mm/10 (NLGI Consistency Number 3 or softer). However, no precision data exists for greases with a penetration greater than 340 mm/10 (softer than NLGI Consistency Number 1).  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The term 60 mesh is used to describe the wire mesh used. This unit was described in the withdrawn E437 standard and there is no exact metric equivalent.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2022
• ICS: 75.100 - Lubricants, industrial oils and related products
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Drafting Committee: D02.G0.03 - Physical Tests

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4175-23a - Standard Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4175-23e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2023
• Refers: ASTM D217-19a - Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM D217-19 - Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM D217-16 - Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM D217-10 - Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM D217-02(2007) - Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2007
• Refers: ASTM D217-02 - Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-2002

Overview

ASTM D6184-22: Standard Test Method for Oil Separation from Lubricating Grease (Conical Sieve Method) establishes a widely recognized procedure for determining the tendency of lubricating greases to separate oil when exposed to elevated temperatures. This method-often called the "cone bleed test"-uses a conical sieve to simulate static storage conditions, providing valuable information for grease specification and quality control.

Ensuring optimal consistency and performance of lubricating grease is critical for maintaining machinery reliability and longevity. Significant oil separation can change grease consistency, potentially impacting its ability to protect and lubricate moving parts as designed. ASTM D6184-22 is approved for use by the U.S. Department of Defense and developed in accordance with internationally recognized standardization principles.

Key Topics

• Purpose and Scope
  • Determines the oil separation tendency of lubricating grease at 100°C over 30 hours.
  • Applies to greases with NLGI Consistency Number 3 or softer (worked penetration >220 mm/10).
  • Not designed to predict oil separation under dynamic or operational service.
• Principle of Test
  • A weighed sample of grease is placed in a cone-shaped, 60-mesh wire sieve suspended in a beaker.
  • The assembly is heated for a specified time and temperature (generally 100°C for 30 hours).
  • Separated oil is collected, weighed, and reported as a percentage of the original sample.
• Precision and Repeatability
  • Provides repeatability and reproducibility guidance for consistent quality control.
  • Results are reported with minimum repeatability for industry confidence.
• Significance for Grease Formulators and Users
  • Helps in establishing grease specifications.
  • Assists manufacturers and end users in quality assurance processes.

Applications

ASTM D6184-22 is critical for various stakeholders in the lubrication and machinery maintenance sectors, including:

• Grease Manufacturers:
  • Used during research, development, and production to evaluate oil bleed tendencies under controlled, static conditions.
  • Supports product specifications for military, automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.
• Quality Control Laboratories:
  • Ensures compliance of grease products with customer and regulatory requirements.
  • Facilitates comparative testing of different greases or formulations.
• Procurement and Specification Engineers:
  • Provides necessary data for selecting suitable lubrication products.
  • Informs decisions on grease usage in temperature-sensitive or static-storage environments.
• End Users in Industrial Maintenance:
  • Assists in assessing product suitability for long-term use in equipment exposed to elevated temperatures.
  • Mitigates risk of lubrication failure due to excessive oil separation.

Related Standards

• ASTM D217 – Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease: Determines consistency.
• ASTM D1742 – Test Method for Oil Separation from Lubricating Grease During Storage.
• ASTM D4175 – Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants.
• ASTM E437 (Withdrawn, replaced by E2016) – Specification for Industrial Wire Cloth and Screens.
• FED-STD-791C Method 321.3 (Withdrawn) – Predecessor static oil separation test replaced by D6184.

Relevant keywords: oil separation, lubricating grease, conical sieve method, cone bleed test, grease quality, ASTM D6184, static oil bleed, grease testing, lubricant reliability.

By utilizing the ASTM D6184-22 standard, organizations can improve quality assurance and product consistency for lubricating greases, driving better equipment performance and reliability across industries.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6184 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Oil Separation from Lubricating Grease (Conical Sieve
Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6184; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
The conical sieve method for measuring leakage from lubricating grease (commonly known as the
cone bleed test) uses the same equipment as the obsolete, withdrawn FED-STD-791C (Federal Test
Method (FTM) 791C) Method 321.3, Oil Separation from Lubricating Grease (Static Technique).
Despite the lack of a precision statement, Method 321.3 was used for many years in specifications to
evaluate the tendencies of base fluid separation from military and industrial greases. Test Method
D6184 supersedes the FTM method by overcoming deficiencies of Method 321.3. It includes the
proceduresandprecisiondeterminationsresultantfromacooperativestudyconductedbyparticipating
members of Subcommittee D02.G0.
1. Scope* Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the ten-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
dency of lubricating grease to separate oil at an elevated
temperature. This test method shall be conducted at 100 °C for
2. Referenced Documents
30 h unless other conditions are required by the grease speci-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
fication.
D217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating
1.2 This test method can be used on any grease with a
Grease
worked penetration (Test Methods D217) greater than
D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid
220 mm⁄10(NLGIConsistencyNumber3orsofter).However,
Fuels, and Lubricants
no precision data exists for greases with a penetration greater
E437 Specification for Industrial Wire Cloth and Screens
than 340 mm⁄10 (softer than NLGI Consistency Number 1).
(Square Opening Series) (Discontinued 2000) Replaced
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
by E 2016 (Withdrawn 2000)
standard. The term 60 mesh is used to describe the wire mesh
2.2 Government Standard (Withdrawn):
used. This unit was described in the withdrawn E437 standard
FED-STD-791C Lubricants, Liquid Fuels, and Related
and there is no exact metric equivalent.
Products; Methods of Testing, Method 321.3 “Oil Sepa-
ration from Lubricating Greases (Static Technique),”
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Withdrawn November 2007
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Terminology
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1 Definitions:
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
to Terminology D4175.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Subcommittee D02.G0.03 on Physical Tests the ASTM website.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2022. Published December 2022. Originally The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D6184 – 17. DOI: www.astm.org.
10.1520/D6184-22. Available online at ASSIST Quick Search (http://quicksearch.dla.mil).
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6184 − 22
NOTE 1—Dimensions are provided in millimetres (with in./lb. units in parentheses) as follows:
A – 38.1 ± 0.3 (1.50 ± 0.01) radius
B – 27.0 ± 0.3 (1.06 ± 0.01) height
C – 70 (2.8) approximately (to fit beaker)
D – 9.7 ± 3.3 (0.38 ± 0.13) length
E – 100 (4) approximately
F – 36 (1.4) approximately
FIG. 1 Cone Fabrication and Test Setup
3.1.2 lubricating grease, n—a semifluid to solid product of obtained with this procedure are not intended to predict oil
a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant. separation tendencies of grease under dynamic service condi-
3.1.2.1 Discussion—The dispersion of the thickener forms a tions.
two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by
5.2 This test method is used for specifications and quality
surface tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients
control.
imparting special properties are often included.
3.1.3 oil separation, n—the appearance of a liquid fraction
6. Apparatus
from an otherwise homogeneous lubricating composition.
6.1 Test Apparatus—The assembled apparatus consists of a
3.1.4 thickener, n—in a lubricating grease, a substance
cone-shaped sieve constructed of 60 mesh, corrosion-resistant
composed of finely divided particles dispersed in a liquid
wire cloth, a 200 mL tall-form beaker without spout, and a
lubricant to form the product’s structure.
closely fitting cover with a hook in the center. Construction
3.1.4.1 Discussion—The thickener can be fibers (such as
details and dimensions are shown in Fig. 1.
various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain
6.1.1 The conical sieve shall be fabricated of stainless steel,
non-soap thickeners) which are insoluble or, at most, only very
monel, or nickel wire cloth, of No. 60 medium-heavy mesh as
slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general require-
definedinTable 2ofSpecificationE437andshallbefabricated
ments are that the solid particles be extremely small, uniformly
to the dimensions and requirements shown in Fig. 1.
dispersed, and capable of forming a relatively stable, gel-like
NOTE 1—Sieves of stapled or wire-bound construction, instead of
structure with the liquid lubricant
silver-soldered construction, have been used in the past. Such sieves do
not conform to this test method.
4. Summary of Test Method
6.2 Oven, capable of maintaining the specified temperature,
4.1 The weighed sample is placed in a cone-shaped, wire-
100 °C 6 0.5 °C.
cloth sieve, suspended in a beaker, then heated under static
6.3 Balance, having a minimum capacity of 250 g and a
conditions for the specified time and temperature. Unless
sensitivity of at l
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6184 − 17 D6184 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Oil Separation from Lubricating Grease (Conical Sieve
Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6184; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
INTRODUCTION
The conical sieve method for measuring leakage from lubricating grease (commonly known as the
cone bleed test) uses the same equipment as the obsolete, withdrawn FED-STD-791C (Federal Test
Method (FTM) 791C) Method 321.3, Oil Separation from Lubricating Grease (Static Technique).
Despite the lack of a precision statement, Method 321.3 was used for many years in specifications to
evaluate the tendencies of base fluid separation from military and industrial greases. Test Method
D6184 supersedes the FTM method by overcoming deficiencies of Method 321.3. It includes the
procedures and precision determinations resultant from a cooperative study conducted by participating
members of Subcommittee D02.G0.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the tendency of lubricating grease to separate oil at an elevated temperature. This
test method shall be conducted at 100 °C for 30 h unless other conditions are required by the grease specification.
1.2 This test method can be used on any grease with a worked penetration (Test Methods D217) greater than 220 mm ⁄10 (NLGI
Consistency Number 3 or softer). However, no precision data exists for greases with a penetration greater than 340 mm ⁄10 (softer
than NLGI Consistency Number 1).
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The term 60 mesh is used to describe the wire mesh used. This
unit was described in the withdrawn E437 standard and there is no exact metric equivalent.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.G0.03 on Physical Tests
Current edition approved May 1, 2017Dec. 1, 2022. Published June 2017December 2022. Originally approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 20162017 as
D6184 – 16.D6184 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/D6184-17.10.1520/D6184-22.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6184 − 22
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
D1742D4175 Test Method for Oil Separation from Lubricating Grease During StorageTerminology Relating to Petroleum
Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
E437 Specification for Industrial Wire Cloth and Screens (Square Opening Series) (Discontinued 2000) Replaced by E 2016
(Withdrawn 2000)
2.2 Government Standard (Withdrawn):
FED-STD-791C Lubricants, Liquid Fuels, and Related Products; Methods of Testing, Method 321.3 “Oil Separation from
Lubricating Greases (Static Technique),” Withdrawn November 2007
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology D4175.
3.1.2 lubricating grease, n—a semifluid to solid product of a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
The dispersion of the thickener forms a two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by surface tension and other
physical forces. Other ingredients imparting special properties are often included. D217
3.1.3 oil separation, n—the appearance of a liquid fraction from an otherwise homogeneous lubricating composition. D1742
3.1.4 thickener, n—in a lubricating grease, a substance composed of finely divided particles dispersed in a liquid lubricant to form
the product’s structure.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—
The thickener can be fibers (such as various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain non-soap thickeners) which are
insoluble or, at most, only very slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general requirements are that the solid particles be
extremely small, uniformly dispersed, and capable of forming a relatively stable, gel-like structure with the liquid lubricant D217
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The weighed sample is placed in a cone-shaped, wire-cloth sieve, suspended in a beaker, then heated under static conditions
for the specified time and temperature. Unless otherwise required by the grease specification, the sample is tested at standard
conditions of 100 °C 6 0.5 °C for 30 h 6 0.25 h. The separated oil is weighed and reported as a percentage of the mass of the
starting test sample.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 When lubricating grease separates oil, the residual material may change in consistency, which can affect the ability of the
product to function as designed. Test results obtained with this procedure are not intended to predict oil separation tendencies of
grease under dynamic service conditions.
5.2 This test method is used for specifications and quality control.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Apparatus—The assembled apparatus consists of a cone-shaped sieve constructed of 60 mesh, corrosion-resistant wire
cloth, a 200 mL tall-form beaker without spout, and a closely fitting cover with a hook in the center. Construction details and
dimensions are shown in Fig. 1.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Available online at ASSIST Quick Search (http://quicksearch.dla.mil).
D6184 − 22
NOTE 1—Dimensions are provided in millimetres (with in./lb. units in parentheses) as follows:
A – 38.1 ± 0.3 (1.50 ± 0.01) radius
B – 27.0 ± 0.3 (1.06 ± 0.01) height
C – 70 (2.8) approximately (to fit beaker)
D – 9.7 ± 3.3 (0.38 ± 0.13) length
E – 100 (4) approximately
F – 36 (1.4) approximately
FIG. 1 Cone Fabrication and Test Setup
6.1.1 The conical sieve shall be fabricated of stainless steel, monel, or nickel wire cloth, of No. 60 medium-heavy mesh as defined
in Table 2 of Specification E437 and shall be fabricated
...