ASTM D8506-23

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.
Designation: D8506 − 23
Standard Guide for
Microbial Contamination and Biodeterioration in Turbine
1
Oils and Turbine Oil Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8506; 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.
1. Scope ences. Although the chemistry of the fluids is different, this
Guide draws heavily on D6469 but highlights unique aspects of
1.1 This guide provides personnel who have a limited
turbine oil and turbine oil system biodeterioration and micro-
microbiological background with an understanding of the
bial contamination.
symptoms, occurrence, and consequences of chronic microbial
contamination. The guide also suggests means for detection 1.5 This guide is not a compilation of all of the concepts and
and control of microbial contamination in turbine oils and terminology used by microbiologists. It provides basic expla-
turbine oil systems. This guide applies primarily to turbine nations of microbial contamination and biodeterioration in
lubricants (see Specifications D4293 and D4304) and turbine turbine oils and turbine oil systems.
oil systems. However, the principles discussed herein also
1.6 The values in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
2
apply generally to lubricating oils with viscosities <100 mm /s
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
(for example, see Specification D6158).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.2 This guide focuses on turbine system and turbine oil
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
microbiology. Despite considerable differences in turbine sys-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
tems (for example, gas and steam driven turbines; power
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
generation and propulsion; etc.) as ecosystems for microbial
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
communities – with the exception of temperature – these dif-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ferences are largely irrelevant. Ambient temperatures are
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
typically similar. Recirculating turbine oil temperatures are
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
commonly >40 °C. However, generally speaking, all systems
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
in which accumulations of free water can develop, share
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
properties that are considered in this guide.
1.2.1 Steam turbines, and to a greater extent hydro turbines, 2. Referenced Documents
are continuously exposed to water ingression. Diligence is 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
needed to ensure seals and bearings are in good condition to
D130 Test Method for Corrosiveness to Copper from Petro-
prevent water ingression or conditions that are conducive to
leum Products by Copper Strip Test
biodeterioration. However, due to the risk of the accumulation
D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
of condensation, all equipment can become susceptible when
and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos-
shut down for extended periods.
ity)
1.3 This guide complements Energy Institute’s Guidelines D664 Test Method for Acid Number of Petroleum Products
on detecting, controlling, and mitigating microbial growth in by Potentiometric Titration
oils and fuels used at power generation facilities (2.2). The D665 Test Method for Rust-Preventing Characteristics of
Energy Institute’s guidance document provides greater detail Inhibited Mineral Oil in the Presence of Water
than the overview provided in this guide. D888 Test Methods for Dissolved Oxygen in Water
D892 Test Method for Foaming Characteristics of Lubricat-
1.4 Microbial contamination in turbine oil systems shares
ing Oils
common features with microbial contamination in fuel systems
D943 Test Method for Oxidation Characteristics of Inhibited
(See Guide D6469). However, there are also relevant differ-
Mineral Oils
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum
2
Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcom- For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
mittee D02.C0.01 on Turbine Oil Monitoring, Problems and Systems. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved June 15, 2023. Publ
...