ASTM D892-98
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Foaming Characteristics of Lubricating Oils
Standard Test Method for Foaming Characteristics of Lubricating Oils
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the foaming characteristics of lubricating oils at 24°C and 93.5°C. Means of empirically rating the foaming tendency and the stability of the foam are described.
1.2 The values stated in acceptable SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.3 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Sections 7, 8, and 9.1.1.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 892 – 98 An American National Standard
British Standard 5092
Designation: 146/2000
Standard Test Method for
Foaming Characteristics of Lubricating Oils
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 892; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
This test method has been approved by the sponsoring committees and accepted by the cooperating societies in accordance with
established procedures.
1. Scope 3.1.2 foam, n—in liquids, a collection of bubbles formed in
the liquid or on (at) its surface in which the air (or gas) is the
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the foam-
major component on a volumetric basis.
ing characteristics of lubricating oils at 24°C and 93.5°C.
3.1.3 entrained air (or gas), n—in liquids, a two-phase
Means of empirically rating the foaming tendency and the
mixture of air (or gas) dispersed in a liquid in which the
stability of the foam are described.
volume of the liquid is the major component.
1.2 The values stated in acceptable SI units are to be
3.1.3.1 Discussion—The air (or gas) is in the form of
regarded as the standard.
discrete bubbles of about 10 to 1000 μm in diameter. The
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
bubbles are not uniformly dispersed. In time they tend to rise
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
to the surface to coalesce to form larger bubbles which break or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
form foam. Subsurface coalescence can also occur, in which
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
case, the bubbles rise more rapidly.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
3.1.4 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two
statements, see Section 6.
surfaces that reduces the friction or wear between them.
2. Referenced Documents
[D 4175 – 88]
3.1.4.1 Discussion—In this test method, the lubricant is an
2.1 ASTM Standards:
oil which can or can not contain additives such as foam
D 4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum, Petroleum
inhibitors.
Products, and Lubricants
3.1.5 maximum pore diameter, n— in gas diffusion, the
E 1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers
diameter a capillary of circular cross section which is equiva-
E 128 Test Method for Maximum Pore Diameter and Per-
lent (with respect to surface tension effects) to the largest pore
meability of Rigid, Porous Filters for Laboratory Use
of the diffuser under consideration.
2.2 Institute of Petroleum Standards:
3.1.5.1 Discussion—The pore dimension is expressed in
IP 17 Colour by the Lovibond Tintometer
micrometres in this test method.
3. Terminology
3.1.6 permeability, n— in gas diffusion, the flow of gas,
through the gas diffuser.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.7 Discussion—In this test method, the permeability is
3.1.1 diffuser, n—for gas, a device for dispersing gas into a
measured at a pressure of 2.45 kPa (250 mm of water) in
fluid.
millilitres per minute.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—In this test method the diffuser may be
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
made of either metallic or non-metallic materials.
3.2.1 dynamic bubble, n—the first bubble to pass through
and escape from the diffuser followed by a continuous succes-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-2 on
sion of bubbles when testing for the maximum pore diameter in
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.06 on Analysis of Lubricants. Annex A1.
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1998. Published February 1999. Originally
3.2.1.1 Discussion—When a diffuser is immersed in a
published as D 892 – 46. Last previous edition D 892 – 97.
liquid, air can be trapped in the pores. It can escape eventually
In the IP, this method is under the jurisdiction of the Standardization Committee.
or as soon as a pressure is applied to the diffuser. When testing
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.02.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03.
for maximum pore diameter (Annex A1) the escape of such
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
bubble shall be ignored.
Available from the Institute of Petroleum.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 892
3.2.2 foam stability, n—in foam testing, the amount of foam diffuser made of sintered five micron porous stainless steel
remaining at the specified time following the disconnecting of (Note 1). The cylinder shall have a diameter such that the
the air supply. distance from the inside bottom to the 1000-mL graduation
3.2.2.1 Discussion—In this test method, foam stability is mark is 360 6 25 mm. It shall be circular at the top (Note 2)
determined from measurements made 10 minutes 6 10 s after and shall be fitted with a rubber stopper having one hole at the
disconnecting the air supply. center for the air-inlet tube and a second hole off-center for an
3.2.3 foaming tendency, n—in foam testing, the amount of air-outlet tube. The air-inlet tube shall be adjusted so that, when
foam determined from measurements made immediately after the rubber stopper is fitted tightly into the cylinder, the gas
the cessation of air flow. diffuser (Note 3) just touches the bottom of the cylinder and is
approximately at the center of the circular cross section. Gas
4. Summary of Test Method
diffusers shall meet the following specification when tested in
accordance with the method given in Annex A1:
4.1 The sample, maintained at a temperature of 24°C (75°F)
is blown with air at a constant rate for 5 min, then allowed to Maximum pore diameter, μm Not greater than 80
Permeability at pressure of 2.45 kPa (250 mm) water, 3000 to 6000
settle for 10 min. The volume of foam is measured at the end
mL of air/min
of both periods. The test is repeated on a second sample at
NOTE 1—Gas diffuser permeability and porosity can change during use;
93.5°C (200°F), and then, after collapsing the foam, at 24°C
therefore, it is recommended that diffusers be tested when new and
(75°F).
periodically thereafter preferably after each use.
NOTE 2—Graduted cylinders with circular tops can be prepared from
5. Significance and Use
cylinders with pouring spouts by cutting them off below the spouts. The
cut surface is to be smoothed before use by fire polishing or grinding.
5.1 The tendency of oils to foam can be a serious problem
NOTE 3—Gas diffusers may be attached to air-inlet tubes by any
in systems such as high-speed gearing, high-volume pumping,
suitable means. A convenient arrangement is shown in Fig. 2.
and splash lubrication. Inadequate lubrication, cavitation, and
overflow loss of lubricant can lead to mechanical failure. This 6.2 Test Baths, large enough to permit the immersion of the
test method is used in the evaluation of oils for such operating cylinder at least to the 900-mL mark and capable of being
conditions. maintained at temperatures constant to 0.5°C (1°F) at 24°C
(75°F) and 93.5°C (200°F), respectively. Both bath (Note 4)
6. Apparatus
and bath liquid shall be clear enough to permit observation of
the graduations on the cylinder.
6.1 Foaming Test Apparatus, shown in Fig. 1, consisting of
a 1000-mL graduated cylinder fitted with a heavy ring to
NOTE 4—Heat-resistant cylindrical glass jars approximately 300 mm
overcome the buoyancy, and an air-inlet tube, to the bottom of
(12 in.) in diameter and 450 mm (18 in.) in height make satisfactory baths.
which is fastened a gas diffuser. The gas diffuser can be either
6.3 Air Supply, from a source capable of maintaining an air
a 25.4-mm (1-in.) diameter spherical gas diffuser stone made
flow rate of 94 6 5 mL/min through the gas diffuser. The air
of fused crystalline alumina grain, or a cylin-drical metal
Suitable metal diffusers can be obtained from Petrolab Corp., 874 Albany-
Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110 under the designation M13-0653. The names of
Suitable diffuser stones can be obtained from the Norton Co., Industrial
suitable suppliers of diffuser stones and metal diffusers in the United Kingdom may
Ceramics Div., Worcester, MA 01606, under the designation AX536, Alundum
be obtained from the Institute of Petroleum.
porous spheres.
FIG. 1 Foaming Test Apparatus
D 892
Dimensions in millimetres (inches)
FIG. 2 Attachment of Gas Diffusers to Air-Inlet Tubes
shall be passed through a drying tower 300 mm in height such specifications are available. Other grades may be used,
packed as follows: just above the constriction place a 20-mm provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently
high purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of
layer of cotton, then a 110-mm layer of desiccant, a 40-mm
layer of indicating desiccant, a 30-mm layer of desiccant and a the determination.
7.2 Acetone—(Warning: See Note 7).
20-mm layer of cotton. The cotton serves to hold the desiccant
in place. Refill the tower when the indicating desiccant begins
NOTE 7—Warning: Extremely flammable, vapors can cause a flash
to show presence of moisture. A flowmeter sensitive to the
fire.
required tolerances can be used to measure the air flow (Note
7.3 Compressed Air, hydrocarbon free and dry to a dew
5).
point of − 60°C or lower.
NOTE 5—A manometer type flowmeter, in which the capillary between
NOTE 8—If the source of compressed air is ensured to the stated
the two arms of the U-tube is approximately 0.4 mm in diameter and 16
specifications, the drying tower in 6.3 may not be necessary.
mm in length, and in which n-butylphthalate is the manometric liquid, is
7.4 Heptane—Warning: See Note 9.
suitable.
NOTE 9—Warning: Flammable, vapor harmful.
6.3.1 The total volume of air leaving the foaming test
apparatus shall be measured by a volume measuring device 7.5 Propan-2-ol (Warning: See Note 10.)
7.6 Toluene (Methylbenzene)—(Warning: See Note 10.)
(Note 6) capable of accurately measuring gas volumes of about
470 mL. The air shall be passed through at least one loop of
NOTE 10—Solvents with equivalent cleaning and solvency characteris-
copper tubing placed around the inside circumference of the
tics may be substituted for toluene.
cold bath so that the volume measurement is made at approxi-
8. Hazards
mately 24°C (75°F). Precautions are to be taken to avoid leaks
at any point in the system.
8.1 Warning:—Users of this test method shall be trained
and familiar with all normal laboratory practices, or under the
NOTE 6—A wet test meter calibrated in hundredths of a litre is suitable.
immediate supervision of such a person. It is the responsibility
6.4 Timer, graduated and accurate to1sor better. of the operator to ensure that all local legislative and statutory
requirements are met.
6.5 Thermometer, having a range as shown below and
8.2 Warning:—Cleaning solvents have flash points lower
conforming to the requirements as prescribed in Specification
than ambient temperatures. Avoid the possibility of fire or
E 1 or specifications for IP thermometers:
explosion.
Temperature Thermometer
8.3 Precaution:—The fumes from the test oil and the bath
Range ASTM No. IP
−5 to 215°F 12F 64F
shall be vented in a manner compatible with local government
−20 to 102°C 12C 64C
regulations.
7. Reagents and Materials
Reagent Chemicals, American Chemical Society Specifications, American
Chemical Society, Washington, DC. For suggestions on the testing of reagents not
7.1 Purity of Reagents—Reagent grade chemicals shall be
listed by the American Chemical Society, see Analar Standards for Laboratory
used in all cases. Unless indicated otherwise, it is intended that
Chemicals, BDH Ltd., Poole, Dorset, U.K., and the United States Pharmacopeia
all reagents conform to the specifications of the committee on
and National Formulary, U.S. Pharmaceutical Convention, Inc. (USPC), Rockville,
Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society where MD.
D 892
8.4 Warning:—Some apparatus assemblies can have as of air bubbles rising from the gas diffuser. At the end of this
much as 20 L of heat transfer oil at 93.5°C. Therefore, in the period, shut off the air flow by disconnecting the hose from the
event of breakage of the containing vessel, provisions for flow meter and immediately record the volume of foam; that is,
suitable containment of the spill is advisable. the volume between the oil level and the top of the foam. The
total air volume which has passed through the system shall be
9. Preparation of Apparatus
470 6 25 mL. Allow the cylinder to stand for 10 min 6 10 s
and again record the volume of foam.
9.1 Thorough cleansing of the test cylinder and air-inlet
10.3 Sequence II— Pour a second portion of sample into a
tube is essential after each use to remove any additive
cleaned 1000-mL cylinder until the liquid level is at the
remaining from previous tests which can seriously interfere
180-mL mark. Immerse the cylinder at least to the 900-mL
with results of subsequent tests.
mark in the bath maintained at 93.5 6 0.5°C (200 6 1°F).
9.1.1 Cylinder—Rinse the cylinder with heptane (Warning:
When the oil has reached a temperature of 93 6 1°C (199 6
See Note 10). Wash the cylinder with a suitable detergent.
2°F), insert a clean gas diffuser and air-inlet tube and proceed
Rinse the cylinder, in turn, with distilled water, then acetone
as described in 10.2, recording the volume of foam at the end
(Warning: See Note 8) and dry in a current of the compressed
of the blowing and settling periods.
air or in a drying oven. Interior walls that drain the water
10.4 Sequence III— Collapse any foam remaining after the
cleanly, that is without drops forming, are adequately cleaned.
test at 93.5°C (200°F) (10.3), by stirring. Cool the sample to a
NOTE 11—Certain detergents are notorious for adhering to glass;
temperature below 43.5°C (110°F) by allowing the test cylin-
therefore, it is important to realize that such a circumstance can affect the
der to stand in air at room temperature, then place the cylinder
test result. Several rinsings with water and acetone may be required.
in the bath maintained at 24 6 0.5°C (75 6 1°F). After the oil
9.1.2 Gas Diffuser and Air Tube—Clean the gas diffuser
has reached bath temperature, insert a cleaned air-inlet tube and
with toluene (Warning: See Note 10) and heptane. Immerse
gas diffuser and proceed as described in 10.2, recording the
the gas diffuser in about 300 mL of toluene. Flush a portion of
foam val
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