9. Preparation of Apparatus
9.1 Thoroughly clean the strainer, cup, and oil-collecting beaker with mineral spirits and follow by air drying.
9.2 Carefully inspect the sieve to make certain that there is no build-up which would affect the passage of oil. The sieve must also be free of any surface irregularities such as creases, dents, or punctures. Replace, if necessary.
9.3 The funnel must be clean and free of any residues which can retard the flow of oil.
9.4 Inspect the cover and cup for any dents or distortions to the mating surfaces which can interfere with a tight seal between the units.
9.5 When the O-ring seal shows wear it must be replaced.
10. Procedure
10.1 Place the strainer, screen side up, in the funnel and tare the assembly to the nearest 0.05 g. By means of a spatula, completely fill the space between the screen and the top of the funnel with grease. The volume occupied by the grease shall have a depth of 12.7 more or less 0.3 mm (0.50 more or less 0.01 in.). Avoid unnecessary working and entrainment of air. Use a straight edge to remove excess grease and provide a level surface. Avoid forcing any of the grease through the screen. Determine the mass of the sample to the nearest 0.05 g.
10.2 Place the tared beaker in the positioning retainer at the center of the bottom cup, and assemble the entire apparatus as indicated in Fig. 1. By means of a suitable length of rubber tubing, connect the source of air to the air inlet fitting in the cover.
10.3 Bring the apparatus and the sample to 25 more or less 1°C (77° more or less 2°F). Before starting the test, regulate the air pressure to 1.72 more or less 0.07 kPa (0.25 more or less 0.01 psi) and continue the test for 24 h at this pressure and temperature.
10.4 At the end of the test, weigh the beaker containing the collected oil to the nearest 0.05 g and record.
