ASTMD556-02

Designation:D 566-02An American National StandardBritish Standard 2877INTERNATIONALIPDesignation:132/96Standard Test Method forDropping Point of Lubricating Grease1This standard is issued under the fi xed designation D 566;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon (e)indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.This test method was adopted as a joint ASTM-IP standard in 1964.This test method has been adopted for use by government agencies to replace Method 142I of Federal Test Method Standard No.791 b.1.Scope3.1.1.1 Discussion-The dispersion of the thickner forms a1.1 This test method covers the determination of the drop-two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant byping point of lubricating grease.surface tension and other physical forces.Other ingredients are1.2 This test method is not recommended for use at bathcommonly included to impart special properties.D217temperatures above 288C.For higher temperatures Test3.1.2 thickener,nin lubricating grease,a substance com-Method D2265 should be used.posed of fi nely-divided particles dispersed in a liquid to form1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thethe product's structuresafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is the3.1.2.1 Discussion-Thickeners can be fi bers (such as vari-responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-ous metallic soaps)or plates or spheres (such as certainpriate safety and health practices and determine the applica-non-soaps thickeners),which are insoluble or,at most,onlybility of regulatory limitations prior to use.For specifi c hazardvery slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant.The generalstatements,see 6.4 and 8.1.requirements are that the solid particles are extremely small,uniformly dispersed and capable of forming a relatively stable,2.Referenced Documentsgel-like structure with the liquid lubricant.D2172.1 ASTM Standards:3.2 Defnitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:D 217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating3.2.1 dropping point,na numerical value assigned to aGrease2grease composition representing the temperature at which theD 235 Specifi cation for Mineral Spirits(Petroleum Spirits)first drop of material falls from the test cup;that temperature(Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvents)3being the average of the thermometer readings of the sampleD 2265 Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricatingand bath.Grease Over Wide Temperature Range'3.2.1.1 Discussion-In the normal and proper operation ofE 1 Specifi cation for ASTM Thermometers"this test method the temperature of the interior of the greasetest cup and the temperature of the oil bath are monitored3.Terminologysimultaneously as the bath is heated.When the first drop of3.1 Definitions:material falls from the cup,the temperature of the grease test3.1.1 lub