ASTM D1403-97

NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
An American National Standard
Designation: D 1403 – 97
Designation: 310/84 (92)
Standard Test Methods for
Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease Using One-Quarter
and One-Half Scale Cone Equipment
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 1403; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This test method has been approved by the sponsoring committee and accepted by the cooperating societies in accordance with
established procedures.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope IP 50 Method of Testing for Cone Penetration of Lubricat-
ing Grease
1.1 These test methods cover two procedures for measuring
the consistency of small samples of lubricating greases by
3. Terminology
1 1
penetration of a ⁄4-scale cone or a ⁄2-scale cone. These test
3.1 Definitions:
methods include procedures for the measurement of unworked
3.1.1 lubricating grease, n—a semi-fluid to solid product of
and worked penetrations.
a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
1.2 Unworked penetrations do not generally represent the
3.1.1.1 Discussion—The dispersion of the thickener forms a
consistency of greases in use as effectively as do worked
two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by
penetrations. The latter are usually preferred for inspecting
surface tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients
lubricating greases.
imparting special properties are often included. D 217
1.3 The values in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
3.1.2 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two
The values given in parentheses are for information only. In the
surfaces that reduces the friction or wear between them.
United States, the equipment dimensions stated in inches are to
D 4175
be regarded as the standard.
3.1.3 penetrometer, n—an instrument that measures the
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
consistency or hardness of semiliquid to semisolid materials by
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
measuring the depth to which a specified cone or needle under
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
a given force falls into the material.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1.3.1 Discussion—In these test methods, either a one-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
quarter scale cone (A1.1) or a one-half scale cone (A1.3) can
2. Referenced Documents be used to determine the consistency of lubricating greases.
The penetration forces are determined by the respective masses
2.1 ASTM Standards:
of the cones and shafts.
D 217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating
3.1.4 thickener, n—in lubricating grease, a substance com-
Grease
posed of finely divided particles dispersed in a liquid lubricant
D 4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum, Petroleum
to form the product’s structure.
Products, and Lubricants
3.1.4.1 Discussion—The thickener can be fibers (such as
2.2 IP Standard:
various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain
non-soap thickeners) which are insoluble or, at the most, only
very slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-2 on requirements are that the solid particles be extremely small,
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
uniformly dispersed, and capable of forming a relatively stable,
D02.G on Lubricating Grease. In the IP, this test method is under the jurisdiction of
gel-like structure with the liquid lubricant. D 217
the Standardization Committee.
3.1.5 consistency, n—of lubricating grease, the degree of
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1997. Published June 1998. Originally
published as D 1403 – 56 T. Last previous edition D 1403 – 96.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.02.
IP Methods for Analysis and Testing available from 61 New Cavendish St.,
London, England WIM 8AR.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 1403
resistance to movement under stress. 6.2 ⁄4-Scale Cone and Shaft, as specified in Annex A1.1.
3.1.5.1 Discussion—The term consistency is used some- 6.3 ⁄4-Scale Grease Worker, as specified in Annex A1.2.
what synonymously with penetration. Generally, consistency 6.4 ⁄2-Scale Cone and Shaft, as specified in Annex A1.3.
refers to the worked penetration of a grease. D 217 6.5 ⁄2-Scale Grease Worker, as specified in Annex A1.4.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 6.6 Temperature Bath, either a water bath or an airbath,
3.2.1 penetration, n—of lubricating grease, the depth in capable of regulating to 25 6 0.5°C (77 6 1°F) and designed
1 1
units of 0.1 mm that a ⁄4-scale cone or ⁄2-scale cone penetrates to bring the assembled grease worker to test temperature
the sample when released to fall under its own weight for 5 s. conveniently. If a water bath is to be used for specimens for
3.2.1.1 Discussion—The term penetration used in these test unworked penetration, means should be provided for protect-
methods is similar to that found in Test Methods D 217. Due to ing the grease surface from water and for maintaining the air
the differences in scale, the terms are not synonymous and above the specimen at test temperature.
should not be confused.
NOTE 2—A constant-temperature test room can also be used instead of
3.2.2 working, v—the subjection of a lubricating grease to
the water or air bath.
1 1
the shearing action of the ⁄4-scale or ⁄8-scale grease worker.
6.7 Spatula, corrosion-resistant, having a stiff blade 13 mm
3.2.3 unworked penetration, n—the penetration at 25°C
(0.5 in.) wide and convenient in length.
(77°F) of a sample of lubricating grease that has received only
1 1
minimum disturbance in transfer to a ⁄4-scale or ⁄8-scale
7. Procedure for Unworked Penetration
grease worker cup or dimensionally equivalent rigid container.
7.1 Sample—Sufficient sample to overfill the cup of the
3.2.4 worked penetration, n—the penetration of a sample of
grease worker is required. If the penetration by ⁄4 scale is
lubricating grease that has been brought to 25°C (77°F),
greater than 47 units or by ⁄2 scale greater than 97 units, at
1 1
subjected to 60 double strokes in a ⁄4-scale or ⁄8-scale grease
least three times the amount needed to fill the cup is required
worker, and penetrated without delay.
as only one result can be obtained from one filling of the grease
3.2.5 penetrometer, n—an instrument similar to that shown
cup.
in Fig. 1 of Test Methods D 217, designed to measure the depth
7.2 Preparing Sample for Measurement—Place the empty
1 1
to which the ⁄4-scale or the ⁄2-scale cone falls into grease.
grease worker cup and an appropriate amount of the sample in
a container in the temperature bath maintained at 25°C (77°F)
4. Summary of Test Method
for sufficient time to bring the temperature of the sample and
4.1 The penetration is determined at 25°C (77°F) by releas-
the worker cup to 25 6 0.5°C (77 6 1°F). Transfer the sample,
1 1
ing the ⁄4-scale or ⁄8-scale cone assembly from the penetrom-
preferably in one lump, to overfill the cup of the grease worker.
eter and allowing the cone to drop freely into the grease for 5
Make this transfer in such a manner that the grease will be
s.
worked as little as possible. Jar the cup to drive out trapped air
and pack the grease with the spatula, with as little manipulation
5. Significance and Use
as possible to fill the cup without air pockets. Scrape off the
5.1 These test methods are applicable to greases of National
excess grease extending above the rim by moving the blade of
Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) consistency numbers 0 to
the spatula, held inclined toward the direction of motion at an
4 and is intended for use only where the size of the sample
angle of 45°, across the rim of the cup. Do not perform any
prevents the use of Test Methods D 217.
further leveling or smoothing of the surface throughout the
5.2 Actual reduced-scale penetration values are not used or
determination of unworked penetration and determine the
reported. They are converted to full-scale penetration values
measurement immediately.
(see Sections 9 and 10). This test method is not intended to
7.3 Cleaning Cone and Shaft—Clean the penetrometer cone
replace the full-scale penetration as described in Test Methods
carefully before each test. Bending of the cone shaft can be
D 217. Precision is better in the full-scale penetration method.
avoided by holding it securely in its raised position while
5.3 Worked penetration results, after conversion to full-
cleaning. Do not permit grease or oil on the penetrometer shaft,
scale values, may be used to establish the consistency of
as they can cause drag on the shaft assembly. Do not rotate the
lubricating greases within the above NLGI consistency num-
cone, as this can cause wear on the release mechanism.
bers. The results obtained from these test methods are widely
7.4 Penetration Measurement—Place the cup on the pen-
used for specification purposes, however, no correlation with
etrometer table, making certain that it cannot teeter. Set the
field performance has been established.
mechanism to hold the cone in the zero position of the indicator
5.4 Unworked penetration results provide a means of evalu-
dial, and adjust the apparatus carefully so that the tip of the
ating the effect of storage conditions on grease consistency.
cone just touches the surface at the center of the test sample.
6. Apparatus Watching the shadow of the cone tip is an aid to accurate
setting. Release the cone shaft rapidly, and allow it to drop for
6.1 Penetrometer—An instrument similar to that shown in
1 5.0 6 0.1 s. The release mechanism should not drag on the
Fig. 1 of Test Methods D 217, adapted for use with the ⁄4-scale
shaft. Gently depress the indicator shaft until stopped by the
or ⁄8-scale cone.
cone shaft and read the penetration to the nearest full unit (0.1
NOTE 1—Any slight binding in the instrument may produce a signifi-
mm) from the indicator.
cant error in penetration values. Periodic check of the release mechanism,
cone dimensions, and weights of cone and its movable attachments is NOTE 3—If the indicator shaft is depressed with force, the penetration
recommended. measurement may vary considerably.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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D 1403
7.4.1 If the specimen has a penetration over 47 units by ⁄4 in succession on the same specimen. Return to the cup the
scale or over 97 units by ⁄2 scale, this specimen can then be portion previously removed with the spatula, then repeat the
used for only one test. If the specimen has a penetration of 47 operations described in 8.3 and 8.4. Report the average of the
1 1 1 1
units or less by ⁄4 scale or 97 units or less by ⁄2 scale, perform three tests, to the nearest 0.1 mm, as the ⁄4-scale or ⁄2-scale
three tests in a single cup spacing these tests on three radii 120° worked penetration of the sample.
apart and midway between the center and side of the cup so
9. Calculation
that the cone will neither strike the side of the cup nor impinge
on the disturbed area made in a previous test. Center the cone
9.1 The penetration values obtained from the ⁄4-scale and
carefully in the container and proceed as in 7.4. ⁄2-scale cone equipment in 7.5 and 8.5 shall be converted to
7.5 Additional Testing—Make a total of three tests on the
full-scale penetrations (Test Methods D 217) by the following
specimen (either in three cups or in one, as described in 7.4), equations:
and report the average value, to the nearest 0.1 mm, as the
9.1.1 ⁄4 Scale:
1 1
⁄4-scale or ⁄2-scale unworked penetration of the sample.
P 5 3.75p 1 24 (1)
8. Procedure for Worked Penetration
where:
8.1 Sample—Sufficient sample to overfill the cup of the
P = cone penetration by Test Methods D 217, and
appropriate grease worker is required.
p = cone penetration by ⁄4-scale equipment.
8.2 Working—Transfer sufficient specimen to the cup of the 1
9.1.2 ⁄2 Scale:
clean grease worker to fill it heaping full, mounded up about 7
P 5 2r 1 5 (2)
mm (0.25 in.) at the center, avoiding the inclusion of air by
packing with the spatula. Jar the cup from time to time as it is
where:
being packed to remove any air inadvertently entrapped.
P = cone penetration by Test Methods D 217, and
r = cone penetration by ⁄2-scale equipment.
Assemble the worker and, with the vent cock open, depress the
plunger to the bottom. Close the vent cock and place the
NOTE 7—Full-scale penetration values derived from the ⁄4-scale or the
assembled worker in the temperature bath maintained at 25°C
⁄2-scale may differ from those obtained using Test Methods D 217. Parties
(77°F) until the temperature of the worker and contents are at
interested in using full-scale penetration values converted from the
1 1
25 6 0.5°C (77 6 1°F). Then remove the worker from the bath ⁄4-scale or the ⁄2-scale results may use modified conversion equations
when mutually agreeable.
and wipe off any water adhering to its surfaces. Subject the
grease to 60 full double strokes of the plunger, completed in 1
10. Report
min 6 5 s, and return the plunger to its top position. Open the
10.1 Do not report the actual penetration values from the
vent cock, remove the top and plunger, and return to the cup as
1 1
⁄4-scale or the ⁄2-scale cone equipment (unless specified by the
much of the grease clinging to the plunger as can readily be
user). Report only the calculated values from the conversion
removed. As the worked penetration of a lubricating grease can
equations in 9.1.1 and 9.1.2.
change significantly on standing, proceed in accordance with
8.3, 8.4, and 8.5 immediately.
11. Precision and Bias
NOTE 4—If a water bath is used and if it is desired to immerse the
11.1 Precision—The precision of these test methods is not
portion of the worker above its closure, take care that the lid is watertight
known to have been obtained in accordance with currently
in order to prevent the entrance of water to the worker.
accepted guidelines (for example, in Committee D-2
...