ASTM D1403 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
ASTM D1403 Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease Using One-Quarter and One-Half Scale Cone Equipment
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover two procedures for measuring the consistency of small samples of lubricating greases by penetration of a 1/4-scale cone or a 1/2-scale cone. These test methods include procedures for the measurement of unworked and worked penetrations.
1.2 Unworked penetrations do not generally represent the consistency of greases in use as effectively as do worked penetrations. The latter are usually preferred for inspecting lubricating greases.
1.3 The values in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. In the United States, the equipment dimensions stated in inches are to be regarded as the 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum, Petroleum Products, and Lubricants
2.2 IP Standard:
IP 50 Method of Testing for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 lubricating grease, n - a semi-fluid to solid product of a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
3.1.1.1 Discussion - The dispersion of the thickener forms a two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by surface tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients imparting special properties are often included.
3.1.2 lubricant, n - any material interposed between two surfaces that reduces the friction or wear between them.
3.1.3 penetrometer, n - an instrument that measures the consistency or hardness of semiliquid to semisolid materials by measuring the depth to which a specified cone or needle under a given force falls into the material.
3.1.3.1 Discussion - In these test methods, either a one-quarter scale cone (A1.1) or a one-half scale cone (A1.3) can be used to determine the consistency of lubricating greases. The penetration forces are determined by the respective masses of the cones and shafts.
3.1.4 thickener, n - in lubricating grease, a substance composed of finely divided particles dispersed in a liquid lubricant to form the product's structure.
3.1.4.1 Discussion - The thickener can be fibers (such as various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain non-soap thickeners) which are insoluble or, at the most, only very slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general requirements are that the solid particles be extremely small, uniformly dispersed, and capable of forming a relatively stable, gel-like structure with the liquid lubricant.
3.1.5 consistency, n - of lubricating grease, the degree of resistance to movement under stress.
3.1.5.1 Discussion - The term consistency is used somewhat synonymously with penetration. Generally, consistency refers to the worked penetration of a grease.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 penetration, n - of lubricating grease, the depth in units of 0.1 mm that a 1/4-scale cone or 1/2-scale cone penetrates the sample when released to fall under its own weight for 5 s.
3.2.1.1 Discussion - The term penetration used in these test methods is similar to that found in Test Methods D217. Due to the differences in scale, the terms are not synonymous and should not be confused.
3.2.2 working, v - the subjection of a lubricating grease to the shearing action of the 1/4-scale or 1/8-scale grease worker.
3.2.3 unworked penetration, n - the penetration at 25°C (77°F) of a sample of lubricating grease that has received only minimum disturbance in transfer to a 1/4-scale or 1/8-scale grease worker cup or dimensionally equivalent rigid container.
3.2.4 worked penetration, n - the penetration of a sample of lubricating grease that has been brought to 25°C (77°F), subjected to 60 double strokes in a 1/4-scale or 1/8-scale grease worker, and penetrated without delay.
3.2.5 penetrometer, n - an instrument similar to that shown in Fig. 1 of Test Methods D217, designed to measure the depth to which the 1/4-scale or the 1/2-scale cone falls into grease.
