ASTM D6278 Standard Test Method for Shear Stability of Polymer Containing Fluids Using a European Diesel Injector Apparatus
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the shear stability of polymer-containing fluids. The test method measures the percent viscosity loss at 100 °C of polymer-containing fluids when evaluated by a diesel injector apparatus procedure that uses European diesel injector test equipment. The viscosity loss reflects polymer degradation due to shear at the nozzle.

NOTE 1 - Test Method D2603 has been used for similar evaluation of shear stability; limitations are as indicated in the significance statement. No detailed attempt has been undertaken to correlate the results of this test method with those of the sonic shear test method.

NOTE 2 - This test method uses test apparatus as defined in CEC L-14-A-93. This test method differs from CEC-L-14-A-93 in the period of time required for calibration.

NOTE 3 - Test Method D5275 also shears oils in a diesel injector apparatus but may give different results.

NOTE 4 - This test method has different calibration and operational requirements than withdrawn Test Method D3945.

NOTE 5 - Test Method D7109 is a similar procedure that measures shear stability at both 30 and 90 injection cycles. This test method uses 30 injection cycles only.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.2.1 Exception - Non-SI units are provided in parentheses.

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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.

2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
D2603 Test Method for Sonic Shear Stability of Polymer-Containing Oils
D5275 Test Method for Fuel Injector Shear Stability Test (FISST) for Polymer Containing Fluids
D6299 Practice for Applying Statistical Quality Assurance and Control Charting Techniques to Evaluate Analytical Measurement System Performance
D7109 Test Method for Shear Stability of Polymer Containing Fluids Using a European Diesel Injector Apparatus at 30 and 90 Cycles

2.2 Coordination European Council (CEC) Standard:
CEC L-14-A-93 Evaluation of the Mechanical Shear Stability of Lubricating Oils Containing Polymers

3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 kinematic viscosity, n - a measure of the resistance to flow of a fluid under gravity.

3.2 Definitions ofTerms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 calibration pressure, n - the recorded gauge pressure when calibration fluid RL233 undergoes a viscosity loss of 2.70 mm2/s to 2.90 mm2/s when the recorded gauge pressure is within the range of 13.0 MPa to 18.0 MPa.

3.2.2 percent viscosity loss, n - viscosity loss, as defined in 3.2.3, divided by the pre-sheared viscosity, and reported as a percent.

3.2.3 viscosity loss, n - the loss in viscosity determined from the difference in kinematic viscosity at 100 °C of pre-sheared and post-sheared fluid.