ASTM D7393-16(2020)

Standard Practice for Indicating Oil in Abrasives

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Oil in abrasives can be transferred to the surface being cleaned, thus contaminating it. This can cause film defects, affect adhesion of the coating applied over it, and the ultimate performance of the coating system.  
4.2 Oil in abrasives is one of the cleanliness tests required for mineral and slag abrasives in SSPC-AB 1, for recycled ferrous abrasives in SSPC-AB 2, for new ferrous abrasives in SSPC-AB 3, and for recyclable encapsulated abrasive media in SSPC-AB 4.  
4.3 Other contaminants in abrasive such as chemical contaminants or particulate matter require other methods for detection such as Test Method D4940 for conductive-potential, ionic contaminants. Because Test Method D4940 specifies a different ratio of abrasive to water and requires the use of higher purity water, the solution resulting from the evaluation of the oil in abrasive shall not be used for the evaluation in accordance with Test Method D4940.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is used to determine the presence of oil in abrasives used for abrasive blast cleaning.  
1.2 The procedure can be used in the laboratory, field, blast and paint shop or steel fabrication shop.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
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-2020
• ICS: 13.040.30 - Workplace atmospheres
• Technical Committee: D01 - Paint and Related Coatings, Materials, and Applications
• Drafting Committee: D01.46 - Industrial Protective Coatings

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4940-15(2020) - Standard Test Method for Conductimetric Analysis of Water Soluble Ionic Contamination of Blast Cleaning Abrasives
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4940-10 - Standard Test Method for Conductimetric Analysis of Water Soluble Ionic Contamination of Blasting Abrasives
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4940-98(2003) - Standard Test Method for Conductimetric Analysis of Water Soluble Ionic Contamination of Blasting Abrasives
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2003

Overview

ASTM D7393-16(2020), Standard Practice for Indicating Oil in Abrasives, is a widely recognized international standard published by ASTM International. This practice specifies methods for detecting the presence of oil in abrasives, which are commonly used in abrasive blast cleaning for industrial, construction, and protective coating applications. Ensuring abrasives are free from oil contamination helps prevent film defects and adhesive failures in coatings and enhances the overall performance of surface preparation processes.

Key Topics

• Significance of Oil-Free Abrasives:
  Oil in abrasives can transfer to cleaned surfaces, causing contamination. This contamination may result in film defects and negatively influence the adhesion and durability of subsequent coatings.

• Test Method:
  The procedure involves placing an abrasive sample in a container, adding water, and shaking vigorously. The appearance of oil sheen or oil droplets on the water’s surface indicates failure. Contaminated abrasive should be cleaned or discarded.

• Testing Environments:
  The method is suitable for use in laboratories, field projects, blast and paint shops, or steel fabrication shops. Consistency and adaptability make it effective across multiple operational settings.

• Testing Frequency:
  Suggested frequencies include three tests per shipment for bulk abrasives and one test per 50 bags for bagged deliveries. For recycled abrasives, one test per shift during blast cleaning is recommended.

• Reporting:
  Documentation should include manufacturer details, product brand, size designation, batch or lot number, and the test results.

• Limitations:
  The standard addresses only oil detection. Other contaminants, such as chemical or particulate impurities, require different testing methods, such as ASTM D4940.

Applications

• Abrasive Blast Cleaning:
  Ensures abrasives used in cleaning and surface preparation are free of oil contamination, supporting higher coating quality and reliable adhesion in industrial and marine coatings.

• Quality Assurance and Procurement:
  Both purchasers and suppliers can adopt this standard as part of their quality control protocols to meet contract requirements and industry best practices.

• Regulatory and Environmental Compliance:
  By referencing internationally recognized standardization principles, ASTM D7393-16(2020) promotes compliance in global trade and industry, aligning with the World Trade Organization’s TBT Committee guidelines.

• Manufacturing and Fabrication:
  Vital tool for steel fabricators, shipyards, and paint shops to prevent costly rework caused by contaminated blast media.

Related Standards

• ASTM D4940:
  Test Method for Conductimetric Analysis of Water Soluble Ionic Contamination of Blast Cleaning Abrasives - complements oil detection by identifying ionic and chemical contaminants.

• SSPC-AB 1:
  Specifies cleanliness for mineral and slag abrasives.

• SSPC-AB 2:
  Addresses recycled ferrous metallic abrasive cleanliness.

• SSPC-AB 3:
  For new ferrous metallic abrasives.

• SSPC-AB 4:
  Covers recyclable encapsulated abrasive media.

Practical Value

Adopting ASTM D7393-16(2020) helps industries maintain abrasive quality, prevent costly coating failures, and meet project specifications. The straightforward water-shake test ensures efficient and effective quality control, supporting robust processes in surface preparation, painting, and protective coatings. This standard is a critical reference for organizations committed to product reliability, regulatory compliance, and long-term performance in abrasive blasting applications.

Keywords: oil in abrasives, abrasive contamination, ASTM D7393, blast cleaning, surface preparation, coating adhesion, quality control, SSPC standards, industrial coatings.

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: D7393 − 16 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Practice for
Indicating Oil in Abrasives
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7393; 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.
1. Scope 3. Summary of Practice
1.1 This practice is used to determine the presence of oil in 3.1 A sample of the abrasive is placed in a container,
abrasives used for abrasive blast cleaning.
covered with water and vigorously shaken. The presence of an
oil sheen or oil drops on the surface is cause for rejection of the
1.2 The procedure can be used in the laboratory, field, blast
supply of abrasive being tested.
and paint shop or steel fabrication shop.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
4. Significance and Use
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
4.1 Oil in abrasives can be transferred to the surface being
only.
cleaned, thus contaminating it. This can cause film defects,
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
affect adhesion of the coating applied over it, and the ultimate
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
performance of the coating system.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.2 Oil in abrasives is one of the cleanliness tests required
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
for mineral and slag abrasives in SSPC-AB 1, for recycled
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
ferrous abrasives in SSPC-AB 2, for new ferrous abrasives in
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
SSPC-AB 3, and for recyclable encapsulated abrasive media in
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
SSPC-AB 4.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.3 Other contaminants in abrasive such as chemical con-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
taminants or particulate matter require other methods for
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
detection such as Test Method D4940 for conductive-potential,
ionic contaminants. Because Test Method D4940 specifies a
2. Referenced Documents
different ratio of abrasive to water and requires the use of
higher purity water, the solution resulting from the evaluation
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of the oil in abrasive shall not be used for the evaluation in
D4940 Test Method for Conductimetric Analysis of Water
accordance with Test Method D4940.
Soluble Ionic Contamination of Blast Cleaning Abrasives
2.2 SSPC Standards:
5. Apparatus and Materials
SSPC-AB 1 Mineral and Slag Abrasives
5.1 Container—Clear jar or bottle capable of holding 250
SSPC-AB 2 Cleanliness of Recycled Ferrous MetallicAbra-
ml (8.5 fl oz) or more and with a lid that is capable of sealing
sive
the contents.
SSPC-AB 3 Ferrous Metallic Abrasive
SSPC-AB 4 Recyclable Encapsulated Abrasive Media
5.2 Water—Potable.
6. Procedure
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D01 on Paint and
6.1 Place a sample of the abrasive in a clean container t
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