ASTM D566-02(2009)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease
Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
In general, the dropping point is the temperature at which the grease passes from a semisolid to a liquid state under the conditions of test. This change in state is typical of greases containing as thickeners soaps of conventional types. Greases containing as thickeners materials other than conventional soaps can, without change in state, separate oil. This test method is useful to assist in identifying the grease as to type and for establishing and maintaining bench marks for quality control. The results are considered to have only limited significance with respect to service performance as dropping point is a static test.
Note 1—Cooperative testing indicates that in general, dropping points by Test Method D 566 and Test Method D 2265 are in agreement. In cases where results differ, there is no known significance. However, agreement between producer and consumer as to the test method used is advisable.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the dropping point of lubricating grease.
1.2 This test method is not recommended for use at bath temperatures above 288°C. For higher temperatures Test Method D 2265 should be used.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see 6.4 and 8.1.
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Designation: D566 − 02(Reapproved 2009) British Standard 2877
Standard Test Method for
Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D566; 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.
1. Scope 3.1.1 lubricating grease, n—a semi-fluid to solid product of
a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the drop-
3.1.1.1 Discussion—The dispersion of the thickner forms a
ping point of lubricating grease.
two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by
1.2 This test method is not recommended for use at bath
surface tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients are
temperatures above 288°C. For higher temperatures Test
commonly included to impart special properties. D217
Method D2265 should be used.
3.1.2 thickener, n—in lubricating grease, a substance com-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
posed of finely-divided particles dispersed in a liquid to form
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
the product’s structure.
standard.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Thickeners can be fibers (such as vari-
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the ous metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain
non-soaps thickeners), which are insoluble or, at most, only
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- very slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general
requirements are that the solid particles are extremely small,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard uniformly dispersed and capable of forming a relatively stable,
gel-like structure with the liquid lubricant. D217
statements, see 6.4 and 8.1.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.1 dropping point, n—a numerical value assigned to a
2.1 ASTM Standards:
grease composition representing the temperature at which the
D217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating first drop of material falls from the test cup; that temperature
Grease being the average of the thermometer readings of the sample
D235 Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Spirits) and bath.
(Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvent) 3.2.1.1 Discussion—In the normal and proper operation of
D2265 Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating this test method the temperature of the interior of the grease
Grease Over Wide Temperature Range test cup and the temperature of the oil bath are monitored
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers simultaneously as the bath is heated. When the first drop of
material falls from the cup, the temperature of the grease test
3. Terminology
cup and the bath temperature are averaged and recorded as the
result of the test.
3.1 Definitions:
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A sample of lubricating grease contained in a cup
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricantsand is the direct responsibility of
suspended in a test tube is heated in an oil bath at a prescribed
Subcommittee D02.G0.03 on Physical Tests.
rate. The temperature at which material falls from the hole in
Current edition approved April 15, 2009. Published July 2009. Originally
the bottom of the cup is averaged with the temperature of the
approved in 1940. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D566–02. DOI:
10.1520/D0566-02R09. oil bath and recorded as the dropping point of the grease.
In the IP, this test method is under the jurisdiction of the Standardization
Committee. This test method was adopted as a joint ASTM-IP standard in 1964.
5. Significance and Use
This test method has been adopted for use by government agencies to replace
Method 1421 of Federal Test Method Standard No. 791b.
5.1 In general, the dropping point is the temperature at
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
whichthegreasepassesfromasemisolidtoaliquidstateunder
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
the conditions of test. This change in state is typical of greases
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. containing as thickeners soaps of conventional types. Greases
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D566 − 02 (2009)
containing as thickeners materials other than conventional
soaps can, without change in state, separate oil. This test
method is useful to assist in identifying the grease as to type
and for establishing and maintaining bench marks for quality
control. The results are considered to have only limited
significance with respect to service performance as dropping
point is a static test.
NOTE 1—Cooperative testing indicates that in general, dropping points
by Test Method D566 and Test Method D2265 are in agreement. In cases
where results differ, there is no known significance. However, agreement
between producer and consumer as to the test method used is advisable.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Grease Cup—Achromium-plated brass cup conforming
to the dimensions shown in Fig. 1.
6.2 Test Tube—Atest tube of heat-resistant glass, with rim,
100 to 103 mm in length and 11.1 to 12.7 mm in inside
diameter provided with three indentations about 19 mm from
the bottom, equally spaced on the circumference. The depth of
these indentations shall be such as to support the grease cup at
about the point shown in Fig. 2.
6.3 Thermometers, two, having ranges as shown below and
conforming to the requirements prescribed in Specification E1:
Thermometer Number
Temperature Range ASTM IP
−5 to + 300°C 2C 62C
6.4 Accessories—A stirred oil bath consisting of a 400-mL
beaker, a ring stand and ring for support of the oil bath, clamps
for thermometers, two corks as illustrated in Fig. 2, a polished
metal rod 1.2 to 1.6 mm in diameter and 150 to 152 mm in
length (Fig. 3), a cup plug gage and thermometer depth gage,
both shown in Fig. 1.(Warning—The fluid for the oil bath
must have a flash point in excess of the maximum temperature
at which the bath is to be used and allowance must be made
for thermal expansion to prevent overflow. Heating is prefer-
ablydonebyanimmersedelectrical-resistanceheaterregulated
by voltage control. An open flame must not be used as the
heating source.) (Warning —When a hot plate is used, care
must be taken to avoid spilling oil on the hot surface.)
NOTE 1—Dimensions in millimetres.
7. Sampling
FIG. 1 Plug Gage, Depth Gage, and Grease Cup
7.1 When ready to test, examine the sample for any indica-
tion of non-homogeneity such as oil separation, phase changes,
or gross contamination. When any abnormal conditions are
8.2 Use only cups that are clean and free from any residue
noted, obtain a new sample.
from previous runs. When the interior plating of the cup shows
indications of wear, discard.
8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.3 When new cups are to be used, check their dimensions
8.1 Thoroughly clean the cup and test tube with mineral
by using the cup plug gage (Fig. 1). To check the bottom
spirits conforming to Specification D235.(Warning— opening a 2.72-mm rod should fit easily while a 2.82-mm rod
Flammable. Vapor harmful.)
should not. If the hole is undersized, ream to correc
...
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.
An AmericanBritishNationalStandardStandard2877
´1
Designation:D566–97 British Standard2877 Designation: D 566 – 02 (Reapproved 2009)
DesignationDesignation:132/97132/96
Standard Test Method for
Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 566; 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 test method was adopted as a joint
ASTM-IP standard in 1964.
This test method has been adopted for use by government agencies to replace Method1421 of Federal Test Method Standard No. 791b.
´ NOTE—Paragraph 6.4 and Figure 3 were corrected editorially in October 2001.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the dropping point of lubricating grease.
1.2 This test method is not recommended for use at bath temperatures above 288°C. For higher temperatures Test Method
D 2265 should be used.
1.3
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Note 2For specific hazard statements, see 6.4 and 8.1.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
D 235 Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Spirits) (Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvents)Solvent)
D 2265 Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease Over Wide Temperature Range
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 lubricating grease, n—a semi-fluid to solid product of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—The dispersion of the thickner forms a two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by surface
tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients are commonly included to impart special properties. D 217
3.1.2 thickener, n—in lubricating grease, a substance composed of finely-divided particles dispersed in a liquid to form the
product’s structure.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Thickeners can be fibers (such as various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain non-soaps
thickeners), which are insoluble or, at most, only very slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general requirements are that
the solid particles are extremely small, uniformly dispersed and capable of forming a relatively stable, gel-like structure with the
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-2 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D02.G on
Lubricating Grease.
In the IP, this test method is under the jurisdiction of the Standardization Committee.
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1997. Published January 1998. Originally published as D566–40T. Last previous edition D566–93.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D02.G0.03
on Physical Tests.
Current edition approved April 15, 2009. Published July 2009. Originally approved in 1940. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D 566–02.
In the IP, this test method is under the jurisdiction of the Standardization Committee. This test method was adopted as a joint ASTM-IP standard in 1964.
This test method has been adopted for use by government agencies to replace Method 1421 of Federal Test Method Standard No. 791b.
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
, Vol 05.01.volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 566 – 02 (2009)
liquid lubricant. D 217
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 dropping point, n—anumericalvalueassignedtoagreasecompositionrepresentingthetemperatureatwhichthefirstdrop
of material falls from the test cup; that temperature being the average of the thermometer readings of the sample and bath.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—In the normal and proper operation of this test method the temperature of the interior of the grease test cup
and the temperature of the oil bath are monitored simultaneously as the bath is heated. When the first drop of material falls from
the cup, the temperature of the grease test cup and the bath temperature are averaged and recorded as the result of the test.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Asample of lubricating grease contained in a cup suspended in a test tube is heated in an oil bath at a prescribed rate. The
temperature at which material falls from the hole in the bottom of the cup is averaged with the temperature of the oil bath and
recorded as the dropping point of the grease.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 In general, the dropping point is the temperature at which the grease passes from a semisolid to a liquid state under the
conditions of test. This change in state is typical of greases containing as thickeners soaps of conventional types. Greases
containing as thickeners materials other than conventional soaps can, without change in state, separate oil. This test method is
useful to assist in identifying the grease as to type and for establishing and maintaining bench marks for quality control.The results
are considered to have only limited significance with respect to service performance as dropping point is a static test.
NOTE 1—Cooperative testing indicates that in general, dropping points by Test Method D 566 and Test Method D 2265 are in agreement. In cases
where results differ, there is no known significance. However, agreement between producer and consumer as to the test method used is advisable.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Grease Cup—A chromium-plated brass cup conforming to the dimensions shown in Fig. 1.
6.2 Test Tube—A test tube of heat-resistant glass, with rim, 100 to 103 mm in length and 11.1 to 12.7 mm in inside diameter
provided with three indentations about 19 mm from the bottom, equally spaced on the circumference. The depth of these
indentations shall be such as to support the grease cup at about the point shown in Fig. 2.
6.3 Thermometers, two, having ranges as shown below and conforming to the requirements prescribed in Specification E 1:
Thermometer Number
Temperature Range ASTM IP
−5 to + 300°C 2C 62C
6.4 Accessories—Astirred oil bath consisting of a 400-mL beaker, a ring stand and ring for support of the oil bath, clamps for
thermometers, two corks as illustrated in Fig. 2, a polished metal rod 1.2 to 1.6 mm in diameter and 150 to 152 mm in length (Fig.
3), a cup plug gage and thermometer depth gage, both shown in Fig. 1(. (Warning—see Note 2).
NOTE2—Warning:The —The fluid for the oil bath must have a flash point in excess of the maximum temperature at which the bath is to be used and
allowance must be made for thermal expansion to prevent overflow. Heating is preferably done by an immersed electrical-resistance heater regulated by
voltage control. An open flame must not be used as the heating source. (See Note 3.)
NOTE3—Precaution:When source.) (Warning —When a hot plate is used, care must be taken to avoid spilling oil on the hot surface.)
7. Sampling
7.1 When ready to test, examine the sample for any indication of non-homogeneity such as oil separation, phase changes, or
gross contamination. When any abnormal conditions are noted, obtain a new sample.
8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.1 Thoroughly clean the cup and test tube with mineral spirits conforming to Specification D 235. (Warning —See Note 4.)
NOTE4—Warning:Flammable. Vapor harmful. —Flammable. Vapor harmful.)
8.2 Use only cups
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