ASTM D5984-23

Standard Test Method for Semi-Quantitative Field Test Method for Base Number in New and Used Lubricants by Color-Indicator Titration

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 New and used petroleum products can contain basic constituents that are present as additives or as degradation products formed during service. The amount of these additives in an oil can be determined by titrating against an acid. The base number is a measure of the amount of basic substance in the oil, always under the conditions of the test. A decrease in base number is often used as a measure of lubricant degradation, but any condemning limits must be empirically established.  
5.2 This test method uses reagents that are considered less hazardous than most reagents used in alternate base number methods. It uses pre-packaged reagents to facilitate base number determinations in the field where scientific equipment is unavailable and quick results are at a premium.
Note 1: Results obtained by this test method3 are similar to those obtained by Test Method D2896.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the basic constituents in petroleum products in the field or laboratory using a pre-packaged test kit. The test uses a micro-titration resulting in a visual endpoint facilitated by a color indicator.  
1.1.1 This test method covers base numbers from 0 to 20. It can be extended to higher ranges by diluting the sample or by using a smaller sample size; however, the precision data were obtained for base numbers up to 20.  
1.2 This test method can be used to indicate relative changes that occur in an oil during use under oxidizing conditions. Although the test is performed under closely specified conditions with standardized reagents, the test method does not measure an absolute basic property that can be used to predict performance of an oil under service conditions. No general relationship between bearing corrosion and base number is known.  
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.  
1.3.1 Exception—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-Jun-2023
• ICS: 71.040.40 - Chemical analysis
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Drafting Committee: D02.06 - Analysis of Liquid Fuels and Lubricants

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: D5984 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Semi-Quantitative Field Test Method for Base Number in
1
New and Used Lubricants by Color-Indicator Titration
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5984; 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* 2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
basic constituents in petroleum products in the field or labora-
D2896 Test Method for Base Number of Petroleum Products
tory using a pre-packaged test kit. The test uses a micro-
by Potentiometric Perchloric Acid Titration
titration resulting in a visual endpoint facilitated by a color
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
indicator.
Petroleum Products
1.1.1 This test method covers base numbers from 0 to 20. It
D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid
can be extended to higher ranges by diluting the sample or by
Fuels, and Lubricants
using a smaller sample size; however, the precision data were
D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and
obtained for base numbers up to 20.
Petroleum Products
1.2 This test method can be used to indicate relative changes
that occur in an oil during use under oxidizing conditions.
3. Terminology
Although the test is performed under closely specified condi-
3.1 Definitions:
tions with standardized reagents, the test method does not
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer
measure an absolute basic property that can be used to predict
to Terminology D4175.
performance of an oil under service conditions. No general
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
relationship between bearing corrosion and base number is
3.2.1 base number, n—the quantity of a specified acid,
known.
expressed in terms of the equivalent number of milligrams of
potassium hydroxide per gram of sample, required to titrate a
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
sample in a specified solvent to a specified endpoint using a
standard.
specified detection system.
1.3.1 Exception—The values given in parentheses are for
3.2.1.1 Discussion—This test method uses fixed amounts of
information only.
isooctane and alcoholic hydrochloric acid as the sample solvent
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and the endpoint is defined as the amount of titrant required to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
reach a yellow endpoint with a methyl red indicator solution.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4. Summary of Test Method
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 To determine the base number of an oil sample, the
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
sample is dissolved in a fixed amount of isooctane and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
alcoholic hydrochloric acid. The solution is mixed well with
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
7 mL of sodium chloride solution and the aqueous and organic
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
phases are allowed to separate. The aqueous phase is then
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
decanted off and a small amount of methyl red indicator is
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
added. The solution is titrated with a solution of sodium
hydroxide contained in a calibrated 1 mL micro-burette. When
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
2
Subcommittee D02.06 on Analysis of Liquid Fuels and Lubricants. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2023. Published July 2023. Originally approved contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D5984 – 11 (2017). DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D5984-23. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D5984 −
...

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.
Designation: D5984 − 11 (Reapproved 2017) D5984 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Semi-Quantitative Field Test Method for Base Number in
1
New and Used Lubricants by Color-Indicator Titration
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5984; 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 Scope*
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the basic constituents in petroleum products in the field or laboratory
using a pre-packaged test kit. The test uses a micro-titration resulting in a visual endpoint facilitated by a color indicator.
1.1.1 This test method covers base numbers from 0 to 20. It can be extended to higher ranges by diluting the sample or by using
a smaller sample size; however, the precision data were obtained for base numbers up to 20.
1.2 This test method can be used to indicate relative changes that occur in an oil during use under oxidizing conditions. Although
the test is performed under closely specified conditions with standardized reagents, the test method does not measure an absolute
basic property that can be used to predict performance of an oil under service conditions. No general relationship between bearing
corrosion and base number is known.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.3.1 Exception—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 and healthsafety, 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D2896 Test Method for Base Number of Petroleum Products by Potentiometric Perchloric Acid Titration
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.06 on Analysis of Liquid Fuels and Lubricants.
Current edition approved May 1, 2017July 1, 2023. Published July 2017July 2023. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20112017 as
D5984 – 11.D5984 – 11 (2017). DOI: 10.1520/D5984-11R17.10.1520/D5984-23.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D5984 − 23
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology D4175.
3.2 Definitions:Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 base number, n—the quantity of a specified acid, expressed in terms of the equivalent number of milligrams of potassium
hydroxide per gram of sample, required to titrate a sample in a specified solvent to a specified endpoint using a specified detection
system.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
This test method uses fixed amounts of isooctane and alcoholic hydrochloric acid as the sample solvent and the endpoint is defined
as the amount of titrant required to reach a yellow endpoint with a methyl red indicator solution.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 To determine the base number of an oil sample, the sample is dissolved in a fixed amount of isooctane and alcoholic
hydrochloric acid. The solution is mixed well with 7 mL of sodium chloride solution and the aqueous and organic phases
...