An important piece of laboratory effectiveness is having a defined laboratory scope. The following chart lists the inspections, tests, and calibration methods PolySi® Lubricants utilizes. This scope can change based upon customer needs and is focused on producing the highest quality finished goods in the lubricants industry.
PolySi® Lubricants’ Laboratory Scope |
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| Test | Use | Equipment | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration | Determine the consistency of semisolids | Penetrometers, Grease Worker, Cooling Plate, Bath, Thermometer | ASTM D217, ASTM D1403 |
| Four-Ball Wear with Coefficient of Friction | Determine the wear characteristics of lubricants | Four-Ball Wear Tester, Microscope, Force Gauge | ASTM D2266 |
| Oil Separation, Wire Cone | Determine the tendency of grease to lose oil | Oil Separation Test Apparatus, Balance, Oven | ASTM D6184, FTM791.321.3 |
| Evaporation | Determine the tendency of grease to lose mass at elevated temperature | Glass Petri Dishes, Balance, Oven | ASTM D972, CTM-1, FTM791.321.3 |
| Specific Gravity | Determine the specific gravity/density of materials | Pycnometer, Balance, Oven, Environmental Chamber, Cooling Plate | CTM-2 |
| Copper Corrosion | Determine the tendency of materials to attack yellow metals | Copper Coupons, Glassware | ASTM D4048 |
| Kinematic Viscosity | Determine how viscous a liquid is | Viscometer Tubes, Viscometer Bath, Thermometer | ASTM D445 |
| Dropping Point | Determine the melting point of grease or bleed at extremely high temperatures for non-melting systems | Dropping Point Tester, Thermometers, DP Test Apparatus | ASTM D2265 |
| Low-Temperature Torque | Determine grease mobility at low temperatures. | Environmental Chamber, LTT Apparatus, Force Gauge, Computer | ASTM D1478 |
| Apparent Viscosity, Rheology | Establish grease flow behavior at differing shear conditions and temperatures. | Brookfield Viscometer, Computer, Bath, Environmental Chamber, Stands/Clamps | CTM-3 |
| Hegman | Determine the degree of dispersion of solids in products. | Hegman Gauge | CTM-4 |
| Chemistry by FT-IR | Determine the presence of certain covalent bonds in compounds that make up materials. | FT-IR | Per FT-IR Operating Instructions |
| pH | Determine the acidity/alkalinity of aqueous systems. | pH Meter | Per pH Meter Operating Instructions |
| Oil Separation, Storage (DIN) | Determine oil separation characteristics of grease. | DIN Oil Separation Apparatus, Oven, Balance | IP 121, DIN 51, 817 |
| Pour Point | Determine the temperature which oil ceases to flow | Environmental Chamber, Pour Point Apparatus, Thermometer | ASTM D97 |
| Calibration of Temperature Measurement Devices | Checking calibration | Thermometer 61220-601, bath | Calibration LT## |
| Calibration of Penetrometers | Checking calibration | Gage blocks | Calibration LPEN# |
| Calibration of Brookfield Viscometer | Checking calibration | Reference fluid | Calibration LBV# |
| Calibration of pH Meter | Recalibration | pH Standards | Instructions on device |