A proposed new ASTM test method will be useful in assessing the varnish generation potential of turbine oils on industrial lubricated equipment parts.

The proposed standard, ASTM WK36093, Test Method for Determination of Oxidation Stability and Insoluble Formation of Inhibited Turbine Oils at 120°C Without the Inclusion of Water (Dry TOST Method), is being developed by Subcommittee D02.09.0C on Oxidation of Turbine Oils, part of ASTM International Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants.

“The proposed test method could be applicable to any industrial lubricant as an indication of varnish potential,” says Okazaki. “Lower varnish and deposit formation will ultimately correlate to increased reliability, for example, increased machine up time and lower maintenance costs.”

Primary users of ASTM WK36093, once it has been approved, will include lubricant and additive suppliers and testing laboratories.

All interested parties are invited to participate in the standards development activities of D02.

ASTM International welcomes participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.

For more news in this sector, visit www.astm.org/sn-energy or follow us on Twitter @ASTMEnergy.

ASTM Committee D02 Next Meeting: June 24-28, 2012, San Francisco, Calif.
Technical Contact: Mark Okazaki, Chevron Lubricants, Richmond, Calif., Phone: 510-242-5978; mokazaki@chevron.com
ASTM Staff Contact: David Bradley, Phone: 610-832-9681; dbradley@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: 610-832-9603; bschindl@astm.org

Release #9175