ASTM D3233-93(2009)e1

Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Extreme Pressure Properties of Fluid Lubricants (Falex Pin and Vee Block Methods)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Evaluations by both test methods differentiate between fluids having low, medium, and high levels of extreme-pressure properties. The user should establish any correlation between results by either method and service performance.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover two procedures for making a preliminary evaluation of the load-carrying properties of fluid lubricants by means of the Falex Pin and Vee Block Test Machine.
Note 1—Additional information can be found in Appendix X1 regarding coefficient of friction, load gage conversions, and load gage calibration curve.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered 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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 14-Apr-2009
• ICS: 75.100 - Lubricants, industrial oils and related products
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Drafting Committee: D02.L0.11 - Tribological Properties of Industrial Fluids and Lubricates

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D3233-93(2009) - Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Extreme Pressure Properties of Fluid Lubricants (Falex Pin and Vee Block Methods)
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2009

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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
´1
Designation: D3233 − 93(Reapproved 2009)
Standard Test Methods for
Measurement of Extreme Pressure Properties of Fluid
Lubricants (Falex Pin and Vee Block Methods)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3233; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
ε NOTE—Corrected SI equivalent in 12.1.1 editorially in October 2010.
1. Scope 3.1.1 actual gage load, n—thevalueobtainedfromthegage
while running the test and before any corrections are made.
1.1 These test methods cover two procedures for making a
3.1.1.1 Discussion—This gage reading is irrespective of the
preliminary evaluation of the load-carrying properties of fluid
particular gage used, and corrections are made by comparison
lubricants by means of the Falex Pin and Vee Block Test
to a standard reference.
Machine.
3.1.2 direct load, n—thatwhichisappliedlinearly,bisecting
NOTE 1—Additional information can be found in Appendix X1 regard-
the angle of the vee block corrected to either the 800 or
ingcoefficientoffriction,loadgageconversions,andloadgagecalibration
3000-lbf gage reference.
curve.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—This load is equivalent to the true load
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
times the cos 42°.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1.3 true load, n—the sum of the applied forces normal to
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
the tangents of contact between the faces of one vee block and
and are not considered standard.
the journal pin corrected to the 4500 lbf gage reference line.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.4 true load failure value, n—the true load at which the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
lubricanttestedcannolongersupporttheappliedloadresulting
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
in either test pin or shear pin breakage, or inability to maintain
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
or increase load.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—This value is also referred to as the
limit of extreme pressure.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Summary of Test Methods
B16/B16MSpecification for Free-Cutting Brass Rod, Bar
4.1 Both test methods consist of running a rotating steel
and Shapes for Use in Screw Machines
journal at 290 6 10 rpm against two stationary V-blocks
D2670Test Method for Measuring Wear Properties of Fluid
immersed in the lubricant sample. Load is applied to the
Lubricants (Falex Pin and Vee Block Method)
V-blocks by a ratchet mechanism. In Test MethodA(Note 1),
D2783Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure
increasing load is applied continuously. In Test Method B
Properties of Lubricating Fluids (Four-Ball Method)
(Note 1), load is applied in 250-lbf (1112-N) increments with
load maintained constant for 1 min at each load increment. In
3. Terminology
both methods the load-fail value obtained is the criteria for
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
level of load-carrying properties. Both methods require cali-
bration of the load gage and reporting of test results as true
(corrected) loads rather than actual gage loads.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
NOTE 2—Test Method A is referred to as the Falex Run-Up Test. Test
Subcommittee D02.L0.11 on Tribiological Properties of Industrial Fluids and
Method B is referred to as the Falex One-Minute Step Test.
Lubricates.
Current edition approved April 15, 2009. Published July 2009. Originally
5. Significance and Use
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D3233–93(2003).
DOI: 10.1520/D3233-93R09.
5.1 Evaluations by both test methods differentiate between
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
fluidshavinglow,medium,andhighlevelsofextreme-pressure
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
properties. The user should establish any correlation between
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. results by either method and service performance.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D3233 − 93 (2009)
A
TABLE 1 Results of Cooperative Tests on Reference Fluids L-XI-1-2-A, B, C, D, E
(TEST METHOD A)
L-XI-1-2-A L-XI-1-2-B L-XI-1-2-C L-XI-1-2-D L-XI-1-2-E
Labora-
Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf
Test
tory
Gage True Gage True Gage True Gage True Gage True
A1 1200 840 1200 840 4500 + 4100 + 4300 3950 2600 2100
2 1275 920 1275 920 4500 + 4100 + 4500 + 4100 + 2400 1925
B1 800 860 1000 1050 4500 + 4250 + 4100 3900 2050 2050
2 850 900 950 1025 4500 + 4250 + 4300 4100 1950 1950
C1 725 990 775 1020 4500 + 3200 + 3950 2900 1350 1460
2 650 910 750 980 4500 + 3200 + 4100 3000 1300 1430
D1 1400 1050 1100 770 4500 + 3500 + 4500 + 3500 + 2900 2150
2 1400 1050 1250 900 4500 + 3500 + 4500 + 3500 + 2650 1975
E1 825 900 1000 1060 4450 4500 + 4100 4475 1825 1970
2 750 820 925 1000 4450 4500 + 4150 4500 1825 1970
B B
F1 1000 920 1000 800 4500 + 4500 + 3500 4500 1850 1900
B B
990 910
2 1050 850 4500 + 4500 + 2900 3510 1720 1720
G1 800 900 690 800 4000 4275 3325 3625 1430 1600
2 700 800 660 750 3750 4000 3150 3450 1500 1675
H1 700 700 1000 1000 4500 + 4500 + 3750 3750 1900 1900
2 700 700 1000 1000 4500 + 4500 + 4000 4000 1650 1650
I1 750 600 1250 1000 4500 + 3750 + 4500 + 3750 + 1750 1450
2 750 600 1000 800 4500 + 3750 + 4500 + 3750 + 1750 1450
C
Min Avg 600 775 2950 1445
C
Max Avg 1050 1037 2063
C
Grand Avg 854 920 1796
Repeatability Reproducibility
s = 0.0624 S = 0.140
D D
r = 0.179 (TL) R = 0.402 (TL)
A
Reference fluids used and described in Test Method D2783.
B
Calibration curves shifted.
C
Six laboratories.
D
TL = average true load, lbf, of sample tested.
NOTE 3—Relative ratings by both test methods on the reference fluids
7. Reagents and Materials
covered in Table 1 and Table 2 are in good general agreement with
7.1 Standard Coined-Blocks, 96 6 1° angle, AISI C-1137
four-ball weld-point relative ratings obtained on these same reference
−7
fluids, covered in Test Method D2783.
steel, HRC 20 to 24, surface finish 5 to 10 µin. (1.3×10 to
−7
2.5×10 m), rms.
6. Apparatus
7.2 Standard Test Journals, ⁄4 in. (6.35 mm) outside diam-
6.1 Falex Pin and Vee Block Test Machine, illustrated in
eterby1 ⁄4in.(31.75mm)long,AISI3135steel,HRB87to91
Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3, fitted with 4500-lbf (20000-N) gage
−7
on a ground flat surface, surface finish 5 to 10 µin. (1.3×10
or 3000-lbf (13350-N) gage.
−7
to 2.5×10 m) rms.
6.2 Required for Calibration:
7.3 Locking Pins, ⁄2 H brass, conforming to Specification
6.2.1 Allen Screw, with attached 10-mm Brinnell ball.
4 B16/B16M.
6.2.2 Back-Up Plug.
6.2.3 Standard Test Coupon, soft, annealed copper, Hb
7.4 Solvent, safe, nonfilming, nonchlorinated.
37–39.
NOTE4—Petroleumdistillateandbenzene,formerlyusedassolventsin
6.2.4 Brinnell Microscope, or equivalent.
this method, have been eliminated due to possible toxic effects. Each user
6.2.5 Timer, graduated in seconds and minutes.
should select a solvent that can meet applicable safety standards and still
6.2.6 Rule, steel, 6-in. (approximately 150-mm) long.
thoroughly clean the parts.
8. Preparation of Apparatus
The Falex Pin and Vee Block Test Machine, available from the Falex Corp.,
1020 Airpark Dr., Sugar Grove, IL 60554 has been found satisfactory for this 8.1 Cleaning:
purpose. A new model of this machine has been available since 1983. Certain
8.1.1 ThoroughlycleantheV-blocks,testjournals,lubricant
operatingproceduresaredifferentforthisnewmodel.Consultinstructionmanualof
cup, and supports for V-blocks and test journals by washing,
machine for this information.
Available from Falex Corp., 1020 Airpark Dr., Sugar Grove, IL 60554. successively, with solvent selected in 7.4. Dry the V-blocks,
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D3233 − 93 (2009)
A
TABLE 2 Results of Cooperative Tests on Reference Fluids L-XI-1-2-A, B, C, D, E
(TEST METHOD B)
L-XI-1-2-A L-XI-1-2-B L-XI-1-2-C L-XI-1-2-D L-XI-1-2-E
Labora- Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf Fail Load, lbf
Test
tory Gage True Gage True Gage True Gage True Gage True
A1 1100 750 1400 1000 4150 3750 4350 4000 2750 2250
2 1100 750 1400 1000 4350 4000 4150 3750 2200 1750
B1 670 750 940 1000 4200 4000 3900 3750 2000 2000
2 670 750 670 750 3900 3750 4200 4000 1750 1750
C1 520 750 520 750 4100 + 3000 + 4100 3000 1750 1750
2 520 750 790 1000 4100 + 3000 + 4100 + 3000 + 1750 1750
D1 1600 1250 1080 750 4500 + 3500 + 4500 + 3500 + 3000 2250
2 1600 1250 1080 750 4500 + 3500 + 4500 + 3500 + 3300 2500
E1 700 750 925 1000 3850 4250 3850 4250 1380 1500
2 700 750 925 1000 4150 4500 3650 4000 1850 2000
B B
F1 1075 1000 950 750 3350 4250 3350 4250 1925 2000
B B
1075 1000
2 950 750 3500 4500 3050 3750 1560 1500
G1 660 750 660 750 3500 3750 3000 3250 1550 1750
2 660 750 800 1000 3200 3500 2800 3000 1350 1500
H1 750 750 1000 1000 3500 3500 4250 4250 1500 1500
2 750 750 1000 1000 4000 4000 4000 4000 1750 1750
I1 930 750 910 750 4400 3750 4400 + 3750 + 1800 1500
2 930 750 910 750 4400 3750 4400 + 3750 + 1800 1500
C D
Min Avg 750 750 3625 3125 1500
C D
4375 4125
Max Avg 1250 1000 2375
C D
3932 3837
Grand Avg 833 875 1846
Repeatability Reproducibility
s = 0.0624 S = 0.137
E E
r = 0.179 (TL) R = 0.391 (TL)
A
Reference fluids used and described in Test Method D2783.
B
Calibration curves shifted.
C
Seven laboratories.
D
Six laboratories.
E
TL = average true load, lbf, of sample tested.
FIG. 1 Schematic Diagram of Falex Standard Pin and Vee Block Test Machine
test journals, lubricant cup, and supports by allowing the final
solvent to evaporate in air.
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D3233 − 93 (2009)
FIG. 2 Falex Digital Pin and Vee Block Test Machine
Load, lbf (N) Diameter, mm
(Ordinate) (Abscissa)
500 (2224) 2.62
1000 (4450) 3.42
1500 (6672) 4.00
2000 (8896) 4.47
NOTE5—Fig.3showsthetrue-loadcalibrationcurvefortheprescribed
4500-lbf (20000-N) gage, prepared as covered in 9.1. Copies of Fig. 4,8
by 11 in., are available at a nominal cost from ASTM. Although not
originally used in development of these test methods, the 3000-lb direct
reading load gage should be satisfactory providing results are corrected
and reported with respect to the true load (4500-lbf) reference line. Refer
to Test Method D2670 for calibration of 3000-lb load gage.
10. Calibration of Load Gage 4500 lbf (20 000 N)
10.1 RemovetheAllensetscrewand ⁄2-in.(12.70-mm)ball
FIG. 3 Exploded View of V-Blocks and Journal Arrangement,
Falex Pin and Vee Block Test Machines from the left jaw socket (Fig. 5).
10.2 InsertthespecialAllenscrewwiththeattached10-mm
8.1.2 After cleaning, handle the test pieces with care to Brinnell ball into the working face of the left jaw. Adjust so
prevent contamination. Particularly, avoid contact of fingers
that the ball projects about ⁄32 in. (approximately 4 mm) from
with mating surfaces of V-blocks and test journals. the face of the jaw.
8.2 Assembly:
10.3 Insert the back-up plug in the counterbore of the
8.2.1 Insert the test journal into the test shaft and secure right-hand jaw. Adjust so that the plug projects about ⁄32 in.
with a new brass locking pin, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3.
(approximately 0.8 mm) from the face.
8.2.2 Insert the V-blocks into the recesses of the loading
10.4 Supportthestandardtestcouponsothattheupperedge
deviceandswingtheV-blocksinwardtocontactthejournalso
of the coupon is about ⁄32 in. (approximately 2.5 mm) below
that the V-grooves are aligned with the journal major axis, as
the upper surface of the jaws. Place a steel rule across the face
shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3.
of the jaws. Adjust the Allen screw with the attached 10-mm
8.2.3 Place 60 mL of test lubricant in the lubricant cup and
ball until the face of the jaws are parallel to the steel rule with
raise the cup so that the V-blocks are immersed in the test
the test coupon in position for indentation.
lubricant. With highly viscous fluids, open the jaws slightly to
10.5 With the test coupon in position for the first
ensure that the wear surfaces are covered with the lubricant.
impression, place the load gage assembly on the level arms.
8.2.4 Place the automatic loading device, with attached
Remove the slack from the assembly by moving the ratchet
gage, on the jaw arms.
wheel by hand.
9. Preparation of True Load Calibration Curve
10.6 Placetheloadingleverontheratchetwheelandactuate
9.1 On log-log paper (K & E467080 or equivalent) draw a the motor.Allow the motor to run until the load gage indicates
straight-line plot of load, pounds-force (newtons) (ordinate), a load of 500 lbf (2224 N). A slight take-up on the ratchet
versus indentation diameter, millimetres (abscissa) using the wheel is required to hold the load due to the ball sinking into
data points shown below. Label this curve “True Load” (Note thetestcoupon.Aftera500-lbf(2224-N)loadisobtained,hold
5). for 1 min for the indentation to form.
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D3233 − 93 (2009)
FIG. 4 Calibration Curve for 4500-lb Gage, Using 37-39 HB Copper Coupon
mately ⁄8 in. (approximately 9.5 mm).Additional indentations
should be separated by a minimum distance of 2.5 times the
diameter of the initial indentation. Check the alignment of the
jaws, and repeat the procedure described in 10.6 at gage loads
of 1000, 1500, and 2000 lbf (4448, 6672, and 8896 N).
10.8 Remove the load gage assembly and test coupon and
measure the diameter of each indentation to 0.01 mm with a
microscope. Make three measurements of the indentation
diameter, rotating the test coupon to ensure that no two
measurements represent the same points. Average the three
measurements of each impression and record.
10.9 Plot the four impression readings on the same log-log
plot of true load prepared as prescribed in 9.1 and shown as
Fig. 4. Draw a straight line through the four impression
readings and label the line “Actual Gage Load.”
NOTE6—Currently,loadgagesarecalibratedatthefactorysuchthatthe
actual 4500-lb gage load is equivalent to true load. Periodic calibrations
should be made to ensure correct values are being reported for true load.
TEST METHOD A
FIG. 5 Schematic Drawing of Cal
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