ASTM D566-02

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 5665 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 D2265 should be used.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Apr-2002
• 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

• Replaces: ASTM D566-97e1 - Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Replaced By: ASTM D566-02(2009) - Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2009
• Referred By: ASTM D6185-11(2017) - Standard Practice for Evaluating Compatibility of Binary Mixtures of Lubricating Greases
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D3954-15(2022) - Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Waxes
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D2265-22 - Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease Over Wide Temperature Range
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Referred By: ASTM G63-15(2023) - Standard Guide for Evaluating Nonmetallic Materials for Oxygen Service
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D4732-13(2020) - Standard Specification for Cool-Application Filling Compounds for Telecommunications Wire and Cable
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2002

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
An American National Standard
Designation:D566–02 British Standard 2877
Designation: 132/96
Standard Test Method for
1
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 standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3.1.1.1 Discussion—The dispersion of the thickner forms a
two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the drop-
surface tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients are
ping point of lubricating grease.
commonly included to impart special properties. D 217
1.2 This test method is not recommended for use at bath
3.1.2 thickener, n—in lubricating grease, a substance com-
temperatures above 288°C. For higher temperatures Test
posed of finely-divided particles dispersed in a liquid to form
Method D 2265 should be used.
the product’s structure.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Thickeners can be fibers (such as vari-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ous metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
non-soaps thickeners), which are insoluble or, at most, only
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
very slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
requirements are that the solid particles are extremely small,
statements, see 6.4 and 8.1.
uniformly dispersed and capable of forming a relatively stable,
2. Referenced Documents gel-like structure with the liquid lubricant. D 217
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.1 dropping point, n—a numerical value assigned to a
D 217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating
2
grease composition representing the temperature at which the
Grease
first drop of material falls from the test cup; that temperature
D 235 Specification for Mineral Spirits (Petroleum Spirits)
3
being the average of the thermometer readings of the sample
(Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvents)
and bath.
D 2265 Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating
3
3.2.1.1 Discussion—In the normal and proper operation of
Grease Over Wide Temperature Range
4
this test method the temperature of the interior of the grease
E 1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers
test cup and the temperature of the oil bath are monitored
3. Terminology
simultaneously as the bath is heated. When the first drop of
material falls from the cup, the temperature of the grease test
3.1 Definitions:
cup and the bath temperature are averaged and recorded as the
3.1.1 lubricating grease, n—a semi-fluid to solid product of
result of the test.
a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A sample of lubricating grease contained in a cup
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
suspended in a test tube is heated in an oil bath at a prescribed
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.G0.03 on Physical Tests.
rate. The temperature at which material falls from the hole in
Current edition approved April 10, 2002. Published May 2002. Originally
the bottom of the cup is averaged with the temperature of the
´1
published as D 566 – 40 T. Last previous edition D 566 – 97 .
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
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01.
3 whichthegreasepassesfromasemisolidtoaliquidstateunder
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.04.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03. the conditions of test. This change in state is typical of greases
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D566–02
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 establish
...