EXPLANATION
Excessive amounts of sediment in oil could lead to system malfunction in critical applications. This test method measures the trace level amounts (<0.05 volume %) of naptha-insoluble sediment that can be separated by centrifugation. The test method is not applicable in cases where precipitated oil-soluble components will appreciably contribute to the sediment readings.
TEST SUMMARY
A 100-mL sample of oil is mixed with 50 mL of ASTM precipitation naptha, and is heated in a water bath at 32 to 35° C for 5 min. The centrifuge tube containing the heated mixture is centrifuged for 10 min at a rate of between 600 to 700 relative centrifuge force (rcf). After decanting the mixture carefully, the procedure is repeated with another portion of naptha and oil. The final reading of sediment is recorded.
TEST PRECISION
This is an empirical test and no statement of bias can be made.