ASTM D892 - Foaming Characteristics of Lubricating Oils

Significance and Use

5.1 The tendency of oils to foam can be a serious problem in systems such as high-speed gearing, high-volume pumping, and splash lubrication. Inadequate lubrication, cavitation, and overflow loss of lubricant can lead to mechanical failure. This test method is used in the evaluation of oils for such operating conditions.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the foaming characteristics of lubricating oils at 24 °C and 93.5 °C. Means of empirically rating the foaming tendency and the stability of the foam are described.

1.2 WARNING—Mercury has been designated by many regulatory agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury containing products. See the applicable product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s website—http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm—for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury containing products into your state or country may be prohibited by law.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

Extracted, with permission, from ASTM D892-18 - Foaming Characteristics of Lubricating Oils, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard may be purchased from ASTM International, astm.org