ASTM D1403-20b

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D1403 − 20a D1403 − 20b
Designation: 310/84 (92)
Standard Test Methods for
Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease Using One-Quarter
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and One-Half Scale Cone Equipment
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1403; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 These test methods cover two procedures for measuring the consistency of small samples of lubricating greases by penetration
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of a ⁄4-scale cone or a ⁄2-scale cone. These test methods include procedures for the measurement of unworked and worked
penetrations.
1.2 Unworked penetrations do not generally represent the consistency of greases in use as effectively as do worked penetrations.
The latter are usually preferred for inspecting lubricating greases.
1.3 The values in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only. In the
United States, the equipment dimensions stated in inches are to be regarded as the standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
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2.1 ASTM Standards:
D217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
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2.2 Energy Institute Standard:
IP 50 Method of Testing for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
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These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D02.G0.02 on Consistency and Related Rheological Tests.
In the IP, this test method is under the jurisdiction of the Standardization Committee. This test method has been approved by the sponsoring committee and accepted by
the cooperating societies in accordance with established procedures.
Current edition approved April 1, 2020June 1, 2020. Published April 2020September 2020. Originally approved in 1956. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as
D1403 – 20.D1403 – 20a. DOI: 10.1520/D1403-20A.10.1520/D1403-20B.
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For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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Available from Energy Institute, 61 New Cavendish St., London, WIG 7AR, U.K., http://www.energyinst.org.uk.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D1403 − 20b
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 consistency, n—of lubricating grease, the degree of resistance to movement under stress.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
The term consistency is used somewhat synonymously with penetration. Generally, consistency refers to the worked penetration
of a grease. D217
3.1.2 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two surfaces that reduces the friction or wear between them. D4175
3.1.3 lubricating grease, n—a semi-fluid to solid product of a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—
The dispersion of the thickener forms a two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by surface tension and other
physical forces. Other ingredients imparting special properties are often included. D217
3.1.4 penetration, n—of lubricating grease, the depth that the standard cone, when released to fall under its own weight for 5 s,
enters the sample.
3.1.5 penetrometer, n—an instrument that measures the consistency or hardness of semiliquid to semisolid materials by measuri
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