Here is a list of some grease test's that are available from a lubricant testing lab(Petro Lubricant Test Labs I think)but I think most are pretty standard ASTM test's which might help decipher the test's some what,although I believe you can't always base everything on test's as the application's are too diverse and you won't know until you try it in your specific application but they do help.
GREASES
ASTM D-128 "Analysis of Lubricating Grease"
This test will analyze conventional greases consisting of petroleum oils and soaps for unsaponifiable matter, water, free alkalinity, free fatty acid, fat, glycerin, and insolubles.
A supplementary test will analyze greases which are insoluble in conventional solvents, contain non-petroleum fluids, and/or non-soap type thickeners.
Follow-up analysis of the separated components by other methods such as ICP metals or Infrared spectrograph may be requested.
ASTM D-130 ASTM D-4048 FTM-5309 "Detection of Copper Corrosion from Petroleum Products by the Copper Strip Tarnish Test"
A variety of hydrocarbon products including oils, hydraulic fluids, fuel, solvents, etc., can be tested for corrosivity to copper by use of this test. It is limited to products with Ried Vapor pressure no greater than 18 psi (124 kPa). A polished copper strip is immersed in the fluid and heated for a specified time and temperature after which the corrosion is rated by visual comparison to the ASTM Copper Strip Corrosion Standards. The most typical test run is for 24 hours @ 100°C. However, time and temperature can vary according to product type and specification. Results are reported as a number followed by a letter according to the following scheme:
1 slight tarnish a light orange, almost the same as a freshly polished strip
b dark orange
2 moderate tarnish a claret red
b lavender
c multi colored with lavender blue or silver, or both, overlaid on claret red
d silvery
e brassy or gold
3 dark tarnish a magenta overcast on brassy strip
b multi colored with red and green showing (peacock), but no gray
4 corrosion a transparent black, dark gray or brown with peacock green barley showing
b graphite or lusterless black
c glossy or jet black
(The ASTM Copper Strip Corrosion Standard is a color reproduction of strips which have the above description.)
ASTM D-566 ASTM D-2265 "Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease"
A sample of grease is heated in the drop point cup until the sample melts or separates and runs out a small hole in the bottom of the cup. This test may indicate the temperature at which a change in state may be anticipated under similar operating conditions.
ASTM D-1092 "Measuring Apparent Viscosity of Lubricating Greases"
The apparent viscosity in Poise of a grease is determined at shear rates from 1.0 sec-1 to
15,000 sec-1 and at temperatures ranging from +350°F to -65°F. The test measures the pressure required to force grease through capillaries at fixed flow rates.
ASTM D-1264 "Determining The Water Washout Characteristics Of Lubricating Greases"
A standard ABEC 6204 test bearing is packed with 4 grams of the grease to be tested. The
bearing is rotated at 600 rpm in the water spray chamber at 100°F (or 175°F) for one hour. 300
mls of water per minute are sprayed at the bearing assembly. The percent weight loss of the
grease carried away with the water is reported. This test is a relative measure of a grease's ability
to resist removal by water.
ASTM D-1403 "Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease using one-quarter and one-half scale
Equipment"
This test is a small scale version of test method ASTM D-217 'Cone Penetration of
Lubricating Grease'. The use of small scale equipment allows the operator to measure the
penetration of grease samples as small as 2 or 3 grams in size.
ASTM D-1478 "Low Temperature Torque of Ball Bearing Grease"
The torque resulting from grease lubricated ball bearings rotated at one rpm is measured. The test is designed for temperatures 0°F (-20°C) and below. Torques greater than 35,000 g-cm (3.5 N-m) are considered to be technically frozen. Most military grease specifications consider 10,000 g-cm (1 N-m) to be the maximum usable limit for adequate lubrication at low temperatures. Test temperatures to -73°C can be accommodated.
ASTM D-1831 "Roll Stability of Lubricating Grease" A 50 gram sample of the test grease is
subjected to shearing under a 5 kg roller at 175 rpm for 2 hours. The degree of shearing is
determined by measuring the worked penetration (ASTM D-1403) on the original grease sample
vs. the sheared grease sample. The relative resistance to shearing can be determined with this
test method.
ASTM D-2596 "Measurement of Extreme Pressure Properties of Lubricating Grease"
The extreme pressure properties, Load Carrying Capacity, of greases uses the Shell 4-Ball Extreme Pressure Test Machine. A rotating upper ball is loaded against three stationary lower balls. The initial loads are low and exhibit elastohydrodynamic properties. As loads increase beyond E.H.P., the lubricant passes through the high pressure boundary film region. At the highest load the lubricant can stand the boundary film is lost and welding occurs. This test is very good at comparing the extreme pressure and boundary lubrication properties of comparative samples or competitive types of formulations. The Load Wear Index Value, Last Non Seizure, Last Seizure and Weld Load are reported.
ASTM D-2625 (A or B) "Endurance (wear) Life and Load Carrying Capacity of Solid Film Lubricants (Falex Pin and Vee Method)"
Two stationary blocks are held against a rotating steel test pin. The load applied and the rotational torque resulting is recorded.
Procedure A is the Endurance Test which is run under 1000 lbs. load and the time to failure reported.
Procedure B is the Load Carrying Test which is run under incrementally increasing loads and the maximum load obtained is reported.
ASTM D-2670 (A or B) "Measuring Wear Properties of Fluid Lubricants (Falex Pin & Vee Method)"
Two stationary V-Blocks are held against a rotating steel pin at a specified load corresponding to 3.3 mm indentation value from the apparatus calibration data. The tooth position of the loading ratchet mechanism is noted at the beginning and the end of the test period. The change in tooth number is reported as the tooth wear.
ASTM D-3233 "Measurement of Extreme Pressure Properties of Fluid Lubricants
(Falex Pin and Vee Block Methods)"
This test measures the load carrying ability of an oil. The tribological aspects are low speed, line contact, steel on steel (this can be altered), sliding motion. A 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) diameter test journal or pin is rotated at 290 rpm between two Vee Blocks immersed in the oil preheated to 120°F (51.7°C). Procedure A employs a constant increase in load applied by an automatic ratchet until failure as indicated by seizure of the test coupon or rapid loss of load caused by excessive wear. Procedure B employs load increments of 250 lbs with running for 1 minute at each increment until failure. The standard test pin is AISI 3135 Steel, HRB 87 and the standard Vee Blocks are AISI C-1137 Steel, HRC 20 to 24. Test coupons of different metals and alloys are available at additional expense.
ASTM D-3336 "Life of Lubricating Greases in Ball Bearings at Elevated Temperatures"
The test evaluates the endurance life of greases in ball bearings at high speeds and high temperatures. An SAE No. 204 Bearing in rotated at 10,000 rpm at test temperatures of 250°F to 400°F depending on the grease type. Navy type spindles (Pope Machinery Corp.) have a thrust load of 5 pounds and a radial load of 5 pounds applied to the bearing. The test cycle is closed 20 hours on and 4 hours off for the test temperature above 300°F and 22 1/2 hours on and 2 1/2 hours off for the test 300°F and below. The test result is the number of cumulative hours the bearing will run without exceeding the motor over-load set point, torque overload set point, or over temperature limit.
ASTM D-3527 "Life Performance of Automotive Wheel Bearing Greases"
The high temperature life performance of automotive front wheel bearing greases is determined. A modified automotive type front wheel spindle and hub assembly is rotated at 1000 rpm and 160°C through 20 hours on and 4 hours off operating cycles. Grease life is determined by the measured increase in resistance to rotation that occurs as the sample degrades. The number of cumulative hours of running time that accumulate before over-load terminates the test is reported.
ASTM D-4049 "Determining the Resistance of Lubricating Grease to Water Spray"
A steel panel is coated with a thin layer of the grease to be tested. A 40 psi water spray is
directed at the grease coated panel for 5 minutes. The amount of grease lost to the water spray is
reported as the percent spray off.
ASTM D-4170 "Fretting Wear Protection by Lubricating Greases"
Two thrust type bearings lubricated with grease are loaded to 550 pounds force and oscillated through a 12° arc at 1800 cycles per minute for 22 hours at room temperature. The fretting wear is the average weight loss of the two bearings. The fretting wear requirement for ASTM D-4950 greases is 10 mg loss maximum.
ASTM D-4289 "Compatibility of Lubricating Grease with Elastomers"
The compatibility of elastomers NBR-L and CR are measured at standard times and temperatures for swelling under exposure to the sample. This test may be modified to use different types of rubber, and other times and temperatures. This test evaluates compatibility with seals, gaskets, hoses, and other elastomer parts.
ASTM D-4290 "Determining the Leakage Tendencies of Automotive Wheel Bearing Greases Under Accelerated Conditions"
The leakage of grease and oil from grease lubricated wheel bearings in the determined. A modified automotive type front wheel spindle and hub assembly is rotated at 1000 rpm for 20 hours at 160°C. The separated grease and oil is captured in a collector and weighed. The weight loss from the standard sample charge of 60 grams is reported.
ASTM D-4693 "Low Temperature Torque of Grease Lubricated Wheel Bearings"
The torque resulting from grease lubricated tapered roller bearings rotating at one rpm is measured. The test uses an automotive type front wheel hub and spindle assembly. The assembly is cold soaked for 5 hours at -40°C. The torque is measured for 60 seconds of running time. The torque maximum at the beginning of the run and the stable torque after 60 seconds are reported. A graphic representation of the run is presented to visually compare data between samples. Values less than 15 N-m torque are considered adequately mobile for wheel bearing applications. Test temperatures from -20°C to -55°C can also be accommodated.
ASTM D-4739 "Base Number Determination by Potentiometric Titration"
A sample is titrated with alcoholic hydrochloric acid solution using a millivolt meter to detect the inflection point indicating the quantity of basic constituents in the sample. This determination is a measure of a new samples reserve alkalinity and a used samples remaining alkalinity.
ASTM D-6184 FTM-321 IP-121 Bul 5A2 (A.3) "Oil Separation from Lubricating Grease"
The bleeding of oil from grease under static conditions and elevated temperatures is measured. Temperatures from 150°F to 450°F can be used. 30 hours is the usual test period but may be extended or shortened as necessary. The tendency of oil to separate either during storage or when idle in a hot bearing can be an important property. This test can distinguish between greases that will either promote or prevent oil separation according to the demands of the application. API Bulletin 5A2 (A.3) substitutes a nickel cone with 1.0 mm holes for the wire screen used in ASTM D-6184 and FTM-321. This technique may simulate oil losses expected through the grease seals typically used on machines and tools used in 'Lubricated for Life' bearings.
ASTM D-6185 "Evaluating Compatibility of Binary Mixtures of Lubricating Grease"
This method is a protocol for determining the range and variety of test which may be employed to determine the compatibility of various mixtures of greases under selected conditions. The supplier and user agree as to the values to be tested.
FTM-335 "Gear Wear"
This test, also called the Navy Gear Wear, uses a 1.1 cm brass gear engaging a 1.2 cm steel gear at right angles. The reciprocal motion of the gears results in a measure of the lubricants ability to protect the metals under dynamic load. The test is run under 5 pounds load for 6000 cycles and under 10 pounds load for 3000 cycles. The weight loss of the brass gear is reported. This is the only inexpensive gear type test machine still available to test both greases and oils.
FTM-3005 "Dirt Count"
The Dirt Count of the sample is the number of foreign particles between 25 and 75 microns per milliliter of sample, and particles greater than 75 microns per milliliter of sample. Clean greases usually have less than 1000 particles/cc between 25 and 75 microns and none greater that 75 microns.
FTM-3722 "Molybdenum Disulfide Content - Non-Soap Greases"
This test is a chemical assay method for molybdenum disulfide. MoS2 is used to enhance extreme pressure properties of many lubricants. It has been experimentally determined that if the MoS2 is present in specifically determined amounts, the reliability of the lubricant can be assured without the need for exhaustive extreme pressure testing by machines. Other methods for determining the concentration of molybdenum such as A.A. or I.C.P. are difficult and subject to wide error because of poor adaptability within typical matrix systems.
FTM-5414 "Resistance of Grease to Fuel"
A class of greases referred to as "valve plug lubricants" are what this test method was developed
for. The lubricant should be able to adhere to the valve of a typical fuel supply line without being
carried away by the flow of fuel. The adhesion is measured in the static part of the test where an
aluminum strip is coated with the material and then exposed to "fuel" for 8 hours. The material
should not deteriorate or lose its adhesion to the test metal. The dynamic part of the test
measures the material's resistance to being dissolved by the flow of fuel. The material is agitated
in the fuel and the percent of solubility is determined.
FTM-5415 "Resistance of Grease to Water and Ethanol Solutions"
Greases which are formulated of highly polar components may be unacceptable in applications
which expose them to the actions of polar solvents. A water pump lubricant exposed to water-
antifreeze solutions is one example. To determine the material's resistance to this exposure this
test method exposes a grease sample to static immersion in water and water ethanol mixtures for
one week. After exposure there should be no deterioration of the grease.
FTM-6503 "Mean Hertz Load of Extreme Pressure Lubricants"
The Mean Hertz load is the original basis of the ASTM D-2596 Load Wear Index test. By using mathematical models for the relationship between the hertz line, the contact area of the specimen balls under load, and the compensation load line, the elastohydrodynamic lubrication boundary, the ASTM D-2596 and ASTM D-2783 yield the same values. There appears to be no advantage to the more costly and time consuming FTM-6503 technique.
IP-220 ASTM D-6138 DIN51802 "Determination of Corrosion Prevention Properties of Lubricating Greases Under Dynamic Wet Conditions - EMCOR Test"
This is a dynamic resistance test for grease using a double row self-aligning ball bearing. Distilled water, or any concentration of salt water may be used. The test is a more severe bearing test than than ASTM D-1743.
LT-37 "U.S. Steel Method Mobility of Grease"
The flow properties of greases through a capillary at 150 psi and the selected test temperature is measured. The purpose of this test is to assure that pressurized grease lubricated systems will remain supplied with lubricant even under low temperature conditions. Temperatures from 25°C to -40°C can be tested. It has been experimentally determined that flow rates of less than 0.001 grams per second are technically frozen. Engineers may design systems to accommodate flow rates at selected temperatures based on this data.
LT-46 "Bethlehem Steel Combo Test Parts A & B"
Part A of the Combo Test measures the original ASTM D-1403 Unworked Penetration, Worked Penetration and ASTM D-4049 Water Spray Off values. The sample is emulsified with water using Bethlehem Steel Test LT-18. The emulsified sample is tested for ASTM D-1403 Worked Penetration and ASTM D-4049 Water Spray off. The change from the original is reported.
Part B of the Combo Test uses the ASTM D-1831 Roll Stability test on the emulsified sample from Part A at 200°F with extra water added for two hours. The additional emulsification and change in ASTM D-1403 Worked Penetration from the original samples are calculated.
PLTL-95 "Friction Analysis by Tapered Roller Bearing"
This is a proprietary method developed by Petro-Lubricant Test Labs. This test uses a tapered roller bearing, Timken #LM-11949/11910, with the loading and measuring systems of the ASTM D-2266 Four Ball Wear tester. The lubricated bearing is run under prescribed load, speed, and temperature conditions. The resulting torque against the bearing is related to the drag of the lubricant on the rolling elements. This friction 'coefficient' is a relative measure of the smoothness to be expected between different lubricants running under the same conditions. Contact us directly for more information.
