ASTM D937-07(2012)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D937 − 07 (Reapproved 2012) British Standard 4698
Designation: 179/79(95)
Standard Test Method for
Cone Penetration of Petrolatum
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D937; 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 Department of Defense.
1. Scope the consistency of petrolatum. The penetration force is deter-
mined by the total mass of the cone and shaft.
1.1 This test method covers measuring with a penetrometer
the penetration of petrolatum as an empirical measure of
4. Summary of Test Method
consistency.
4.1 The sample is completely melted by heating to a
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
minimum temperature of 82°C (180°F), and then cooled under
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
controlled conditions to 25°C (77°F). The penetration is
only.
measured with the cone and the sample at this temperature
using a penetrometer by means of which a standard cone is
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
applied to the sample for 5 s under a load of 150 g.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5. Significance and Use
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5.1 Petrolatum is a purified mixture of semi-solid hydrocar-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
bons obtained from petroleum and is often described as an
2. Referenced Documents unctuous mass. Cone penetration is a means of measuring the
firmness or consistency of petrolatum. Such measurements are
2.1 ASTM Standards:
useful for selecting or specifying, or both, a petrolatum of a
D217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating
particular consistency or firmness. Cone penetration values
Grease
may or may not correlate with end-use functional properties.
3. Terminology
6. Apparatus
3.1 Definitions:
6.1 Penetrometer and Cone, as specified in Test Methods
3.1.1 penetration of petrolatum—the depth, in tenths of a
D217.
millimetre,thatastandardconewillpenetratethesampleunder
6.2 Oven, capable of maintaining a minimum temperature
fixed conditions of mass, time, and temperature.
of 82 6 2°C (180 6 5°F) such that it is sufficient for melting
3.1.2 penetrometer, n—an instrument that measures the
the petrolatum samples. The oven shall be capable of control-
consistency or hardness of semiliquid to semisolid materials by
ling the selected temperature to within 62°C (65°F).
measuring the depth to which a specified cone or needle under
6.3 Water Bath, constant-temperature, regulated to 25 6
a given force falls into the material.
0.5°C (77 6 1°F).
3.1.2.1 Discussion—In this test method, a standard pen-
etrometer cone (see Test Methods D217) is used to determine
6.4 Sample Containers,cylindrical,havingaflatbottom100
1 1
66mm(4 6 ⁄4 in.) in diameter and 65 mm (2 ⁄2 in.) or more
1 in depth, constructed of at least 1.6-mm (16-gage) metal and
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee provided with a well fitting watertight cover.
D02.10.0A on Physical/Chemical Properties.
NOTE 1—Containers of the “ointment box” type having somewhat
In the IP, this test method is under the jurisdiction of the Standardization
flexible sides should not be used, for these permit slight working of the
Committee. This test method was adopted as a joint ASTM-IP Standard in 1965.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2012. Published November 2012. Originally petrolatum, due to flexing of the sides in handling.
approved in 1947. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D937–07. DOI:
7. Preparation of Sample
10.1520/D0937-07R12.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
7.1 Test all samples of petrolatum for original consistency
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
after melting and cooling to the temperature of the test as
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. described in 7.3.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D937 − 07 (2012)
7.2 If the penetration of the sample is over 200, three 8.3 With samples having penetrations less than 200, three
separate test samples are required. tests (and sometimes more) may be made in one container by
proper spacing. To prevent one test from being affected by the
7.3 Melt the sample in an oven maintained at a minimum
disturbed area of a previous test the tip of the cone must not be
temperature of 82 6 2°C (180 6 5°F) or at a higher
plac
...