ASTM D972 Test Method forEvaporation Loss of Lubricating Greases and Oils
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the loss in mass by evaporation of lubricating greases and oils for applications where evaporation loss is a factor. Evaporation loss data can be obtained at any temperature in the range from 100 to 150°C (210 to 300°F).
1.2 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units shall be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents of the other; therefore each system must be used independently of the other, without combining values in any way.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
A 240/A240M Specification for Heat-Resisting Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels
D217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
D2595 Test Methods for Evaporation Loss of Lubricating Greases Over Wide Temperature Range
E 1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 lubricating grease, n - a semi-fluid to solid product of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
3.1.1.1 Discussion - The dispersion of the thickner forms a two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by surface tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients are commonly D217 included to impart special properties.
3.1.2 thickener, n - in lubricating grease, a substance composed of finely - divided particles dispersed in a liquid to form the product's structure.
3.1.2.1 Discussion - Thickeners can be fibers (such as various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain non-soap thickeners), which are insoluble or, at most, only very slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general requirements are that the solid particles are extremely small, uniformly dispersed, and capable of forming a relatively stable, gel-like structure with the D217 liquid lubricant.
