Designation: D6080 − 12a

Standard Practice for

Defining the Viscosity Characteristics of Hydraulic Fluids1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6080; 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* D2983 Test Method for Low-Temperature Viscosity of Lu-

1.1 This practice covers all hydraulic fluids based either on bricants Measured by Brookfield Viscometer
petroleum, synthetic, or naturally-occurring base stocks. It is D5621 Test Method for Sonic Shear Stability of Hydraulic
not intended for water-containing hydraulic fluids. Fluids
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
1.2 For determination of viscosities at low temperature, this Determine Conformance with Specifications
practice uses millipascal·second (mPa·s) as the unit of viscos-
ity. For reference, 1 mPa·s is equivalent to 1 centipoise (cP). 2.2 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Standards:3
For determination of viscosities at high temperature, this J300 Engine Oil Viscosity Classification
practice uses millimetre squared per second (mm2/s) as the unit J306 Axle and Manual Transmission Lubricant Viscosity
of kinematic viscosity. For reference, 1 mm2/s is equivalent to Classification
1 centistoke (cSt).
3. Terminology
1.3 This practice is applicable to fluids ranging in kinematic
viscosity from about 4 to 150 mm2/s as measured at a reference 3.1 Definitions:
temperature of 40°C and to temperatures from −50 to +16°C 3.1.1 hydraulic fluid, n—a liquid used in hydraulic systems
for a fluid viscosity of 750 mPa·s. for lubrication and transmission of power.
NOTE 1—Fluids of lesser or greater viscosity than the range described
3.1.2 kinematic viscosity, n—the ratio of the dynamic vis-
in 1.3 are seldom used as hydraulic fluids. Any mathematical extrapolation cosity to the density of a liquid.
of the system to either higher or lower viscosity grades may not be [Link] Discussion—For gravity flow under a given hydro-
appropriate. Any need to expand the system should be evaluated on its static head, the pressure head of a liquid is proportional to its
own merit. density. Therefore, kinematic viscosity is a measure of the
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as resistance to flow of a liquid under gravity.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 3.1.3 Newtonian oil or fluid, n—an oil or fluid that at a given
standard. temperature exhibits a constant viscosity at all shear rates or
shear stresses.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.4 non-Newtonian oil or fluid, n—an oil or fluid that at a
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 given temperature exhibits a viscosity that varies with chang-
D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent ing shear stress or shear rate.
and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos-
ity) 3.1.5 shear degradation, n—the decrease in molecular
D2270 Practice for Calculating Viscosity Index from Kine- weight of a polymeric thickener (VI improver) as a result of
matic Viscosity at 40 and 100°C exposure to high shear stress.
D2422 Classification of Industrial Fluid Lubricants by Vis- 3.1.6 shear rate, n—the velocity gradient in fluid flow.
cosity System 3.1.7 shear stability, n—the resistance of a polymer-
thickened fluid to shear degradation.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum
3.1.8 shear stress, n—the motivating force per unit area for
Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcom- fluid flow.
mittee D02.N0.10 on Specifications. 3.1.9 viscosity, n—the ratio between the applied shear stress
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2012. Published February 2013. Originally
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D6080–12. DOI: and the rate of shear.
10.1520/D6080-12A.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, [Link], or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@[Link]. For Annual Book of ASTM
3
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth
the ASTM website. Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096-0001, [Link]

*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

1
 D6080 − 12a
[Link] Discussion—Viscosity is sometimes called the coef- example, SAE J300 for automotive engine oils and SAE J306
ficient of dynamic viscosity. This coefficient is a measure of the for axle and manual transmission lubricants.
resistance to flow of the liquid.
6. Procedure
3.1.10 viscosity index (VI), n—an arbitrary number used to
characterize the variation of the kinematic viscosity of a fluid 6.1 The low temperature viscosity grade of a fluid is based
with temperature. on the viscosity of new oil measured using a Brookfield
viscometer, Test Method D2983.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
6.1.1 The viscosity shall be interpolated from measurements
3.2.1 in-service viscosity, n—the viscosity of fluid during
at three temperatures spanning the temperature at which the
operation of a hydraulic pump or circuit components.
viscosity is 750 mPa·s. A smooth graph of these data (log
4. Summary of Practice viscosity versus temperature) determines the temperature at
which the oil has a viscosity of 750 mPa·s.
4.1 High VI hydraulic fluids often contain high molecular
6.1.2 The temperature determined in 6.1.1 shall be rounded
weight thickeners, called viscosity index (VI) improvers,
to a whole number in accordance with Practice E29.
which impart non-Newtonian characteristics to the fluid. These
6.1.3 The low temperature viscosity grade is determined by
polymers may shear degrade with use, and reduce the in-
matching the temperature determined in 6.1.2 with the require-
service viscosity of the fluids.
ments shown in Table 1.
4.2 This practice provides uniform guidelines for character-
6.2 The high temperature viscosity designation of a fluid is
izing oils in terms of both their high and low temperature
the 40°C kinematic viscosity (Test Method D445) of a fluid
viscosities before and after exposure to high shear stress.
which has been sheared using Test Method D5621.
4.2.1 Since the performance of fluids at temperatures higher
6.2.1 The kinematic viscosity determined in 6.2 shall be
than 40°C is determined in the worst case, that is, most severe
rounded to a whole number in accordance with Practice E29.
situation, by the sheared oil viscosity, the viscosity and
6.2.2 For a fluid known to contain no polymeric compo-
viscosity index used to characterize fluids in this practice are
nents which will shear degrade, the high temperature viscosity
those of the sheared fluid.
designation is the 40°C kinematic viscosity (Test Method
4.2.2 This practice classifies oils at low temperature by their
D445) of the new fluid, rounded per 6.2.1.
new oil properties. Low temperature viscosities do not de-
6.2.3 If the 40°C kinematic viscosity from 6.2.1 fails to
crease greatly, if at all, with polymer shear degradation.
meet the same designation consistently (for example, it varies
Furthermore, this approach ensures that the fluid will be
because of spread in base stock or component specifications, or
properly classified under the worst-case conditions, that is,
variability in kinematic viscosity or shear stability
when the fluid is new.
measurements), the lower designation must be used to ensure
4.3 This practice may be used with either Newtonian or conformance with 6.5 below.
non-Newtonian hydraulic fluids. This provides the user with a
6.3 The viscosity index designation of the fluid is based on
more reasonable basis to compare fluids than previous prac-
the viscosity index as determined using Practice D2270 on
tices.
fluid which has been sheared using Test Method D5621.
5. Significance and Use 6.3.1 The viscosity index determined in 6.3 shall be rounded
to the nearest ten units in accordance with Practice E29. This
5.1 The purpose of this practice is to establish viscosity value is the viscosity index designation.
designations derived from viscosities measured by test meth- 6.3.2 For fluids which do not contain polymeric
ods which have a meaningful relationship to hydraulic fluid components, the viscosity index is determined on the new fluid
performance. This permits lubricant suppliers, lubricant users,
and equipment designers to have a uniform and common basis
for designating, specifying, or selecting the viscosity charac- TABLE 1 Low Temperature Viscosity Grades for Hydraulic Fluid
teristics of hydraulic fluids. Classifications
Temperature, °C, for Brookfield Viscosity
5.2 This practice is not intended to be a replacement for Viscosity Grade of 750 mPa·sA
Classification D2422. Rather, it is an enhancement intended to min max
provide a better description of the viscosity characteristics of L5 ... −50
lubricants used as hydraulic fluids. L7 −49 −42
L10 −41 −33
5.3 This practice implies no evaluation of hydraulic oil L15 −32 −23
quality other than its viscosity and shear stability under the L22 −22 −15
L32 −14 −8
conditions specified. L46 −7 −2
5.4 While it is not intended for other functional fluids, this L68 −1 4
L100 5 10
practice may be useful in high-shear-stress applications where L150 11 16
viscosity index (VI) improvers are used to extend the useful A
The temperature range for a given L-grade is approximately equivalent to that for
operating temperature range of the fluid. an ISO grade of the same numerical designation and having a viscosity index of
100, that is, the temperature range for the L10 grade is approximately the same as
5.5 This practice does not apply to other lubricants for that for an ISO VG 10 grade with a viscosity index of 100.
which viscosity classification systems already exist, for

2
 D6080 − 12a
using Practice D2270. The viscosity index designation for the 7.2 The low temperature grade determined in 6.1, Lyy,
fluid is established by rounding this viscosity index to the defines the lowest recommended fluid temperature at which the
nearest ten units in accordance with Practice E29. fluid may be used in equipment with a start-up, under load limit
of 750 mPa·s, max.
NOTE 2—The guidelines for rounding viscosity in 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 and
viscosity index in 6.3.1 and 6.3.2 are specific to this practice and should 7.2.1 The low temperature limit is determined by comparing
not be confused with the larger number of significant figures that can be the Lyy designation with the corresponding temperature in
reported when Test Methods D445 and D2270 are used for other purposes. Table 1.
6.3.3 If the viscosity index fails to meet the same designa- 7.2.2 Example 1a—For an oil with the designation:
tion consistently, that is, it varies between the lower values for ISO VG 46
one designation and the higher values for the next lower L32-40 ,
designation (for example, it varies because of spread in base the low temperature grade is defined by L32. Reference to
stock or component specifications, or variability in kinematic Table 1 indicates that this oil has a viscosity of 750 mPa·s at a
viscosity or shear stability measurements), the lower designa- temperature between −8 and −14°C. Hence, in equipment
tion must be used to ensure conformance with 6.5 below. which has a low temperature start-up viscosity limit of 750
mPa·s, the oil in this example may be used down to at
6.4 For the sake of uniformity of nomenclature in identify-
least −8°C.
ing the viscosity characteristics of hydraulic fluids, the follow-
ing designation shall be used: 7.2.3 Example 2a—For an oil with the designation:
ISO VG xx ISO VG 68
Lyy-zz (VI) L46-57
where xx is the new oil viscosity grade as determined by the low temperature grade is defined by L46. Reference to
Classification D2422 (Table 2); Lyy is the low temperature Table 1 indicates that this oil has a viscosity of 750 mPa·s at a
viscosity grade as determined in 6.1; zz is the high temperature temperature between −2 and −7°C. Hence, in equipment which
sheared viscosity designation as determined in 6.2; and VI is has a low temperature start-up viscosity limit of 750 mPa·s, the
the viscosity index designation as determined in 6.3. oil in this example may be used down to at least −2°C.
6.4.1 If the new oil viscosity does not meet a grade 7.2.4 This practice is not quantitative when a manufacturer
described by Classification D2422, the ISO VG xx portion of specifies lower or higher start-up viscosity limits. However, the
the designation does not apply. In such cases, the Lyy-zz (VI) process described in 6.1 can be used to determine low
designation may still be used, and the use of any other temperature limitations corresponding to any start-up viscosity.
descriptors for the new oil is at the discretion of the fluid 7.3 The high temperature designation determined in 6.2 and
marketer. the viscosity index determined in 6.3, zz (VI), can be used in
6.4.2 Examples of use of this practice are shown in Table 3. combination with the data in Figs. 1-4 to estimate high
6.5 An oil blender may use any manufacturing control that temperature operating limits (Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) and optimum
seems appropriate to his operation. However, it is the respon- operating temperatures (Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) for the fluid.
sibility of the blender to ensure that all production fully meets 7.3.1 Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 apply directly to equipment which
the requirements for the viscosity designation on the container. has minimum operating kinematic viscosity limits of 10 and 13
mm2/s, respectively.
7. Interpretation of Results [Link] Find the value zz on the horizontal axis labeled High
Temperature Viscosity Designation.
7.1 The designation determined for a hydraulic fluid as [Link] Read vertically from the point defined by [Link] to
described in 6.4 may be used in combination with a manufac- the curve corresponding to the viscosity index, VI,
turer’s viscosity recommendations for specific equipment to interpolating, if necessary.
estimate an acceptable temperature range over which that fluid [Link] Read horizontally from the point defined by [Link]
may be used in that equipment. to the vertical axis labeled Temperature, °C, for a Kinematic
Viscosity of 10 (or 13) mm2/s. This is the upper temperature
limit for fluid operation.
[Link] Example 1b—For the oil in Example 1a in 7.2.2, the
TABLE 2 ISO Viscosity System for Hydraulic Fluids
high temperature designation and VI are 40 and 150, respec-
Mid-Point Kinematic Viscosity Limits, tively. Assume that the equipment of interest has a recom-
Viscosity Grade mm2/s at 40°C
Viscosity,
Identification
mm 2/s at 40°C
mended kinematic viscosity minimum of 13 mm2/s; hence, Fig.
min max
2 should be used. As described in [Link], find the value 40 on
ISO 5 4.6 4.14 5.06
ISO 7 6.8 6.12 7.48 the horizontal axis labeled High Temperature Viscosity Desig-
ISO 10 10 9.00 11.0 nation. As described in [Link], read vertically from 40 until
ISO 15 15 13.5 16.5 intersecting the curve labeled VI = 150. Finally, as described in
ISO 22 22 19.8 24.2
ISO 32 32 28.8 35.2 [Link], read horizontally to the vertical axis labeled
ISO 46 46 41.4 50.6 Temperature, °C, for a Kinematic Viscosity of 13 mm2/s. The
ISO 68 68 61.2 74.8 value corresponding to a high temperature viscosity designa-
ISO 100 100 90.0 110
ISO 150 150 135 165 tion of 40 and a viscosity index of 150 is 75°C. Hence, in
equipment which has a recommended kinematic viscosity

3
 D6080 − 12a
TABLE 3 Examples of Using Viscosity Designation
NOTE 1—The examples in Tables 3 and 4 are not intended to be all inclusive. While some of the examples are common, that is not the intention.
40°C Kinematic Viscosity, mm2/s Temperature, °C, Measured
Sheared Fluid
for Brookfield Viscosity Viscosity Designation
New Fluid Sheared Fluid Viscosity Index
of 750 mPa·s
22.3 21.3 158 −23 ISO 22
L15-21 (160)
30.8 29.52 145 −15 ISO 32
L22-30 (150)
31.8 24.4 105 −11 ISO 32
L32-24 (110)
A
36.4 20.9 117 −13
L32-21 (120)
A
38.3 31.8 138 −12
L32-32 (140)
45.8 42.7 140 −5 ISO 46
L46-43 (140)
48.0 43.49 148 −8 ISO 46
L32-43 (150)
A
57.8 53.4 149 −4
L46-53 (150)
69.0 67.0 116 0 ISO 68
L68-67 (120)
69.5 40.7 120 +1 ISO 68
L68-41 (120)
99.9 95.8 113 0 ISO 100
L68-96 (110)
A
Viscosity of new fluid does not conform to ISO grade in accordance with Classification D2422.

FIG. 1 Temperatures for a Kinematic Viscosity of 10 mm2/s FIG. 2 Temperatures for a Kinematic Viscosity of 13 mm2/s

minimum of 13 mm2/s, fluid temperature for the oil in this

example should not exceed 75°C. [Link] Approximate maximum fluid operating temperature
[Link] Example 2b—For the oil in Example 2a in 7.2.3, the can also be estimated for other minimum operating viscosities
high temperature designation and VI are 57 and 170, respec- in the range of 10 to 13 mm2/s by interpolation between Fig. 1
tively. Assume that the equipment of interest has a recom- and Fig. 2.
mended kinematic viscosity minimum of 10 mm2/s; hence, Fig. 7.3.2 Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 apply directly to equipment which
1 should be used. Find the value 57 on the horizontal axis has optimum operating viscosities of either 24 or 32 mm2/s,
labeled High Temperature Viscosity Designation. Read verti- respectively.
cally from 57 until intersecting the curves labeled VI = 150 and [Link] Find the value zz on the horizontal axis labeled High
VI = 200. Interpolate between the curves to a value of VI = 170 Temperature Viscosity Designation.
and read horizontally to the vertical axis labeled Temperature, [Link] Read vertically from the point defined by [Link] to
°C, for a Kinematic Viscosity of 10 mm2/s. The value corre- the curve corresponding to the viscosity index, VI,
sponding to a high temperature viscosity designation of 57 and interpolating, if necessary.
a viscosity index of 170 is 102°C. Hence, in equipment which [Link] Read horizontally from the point defined by [Link]
has a recommended kinematic viscosity minimum of 10 to the vertical axis labeled Temperature, °C, for a Kinematic
mm2/s, fluid temperature for the oil in this example should not Viscosity of 24 (or 32) mm2/s. This is the optimum temperature
exceed 102°C. for fluid operation.

4
 D6080 − 12a
operating kinematic viscosity of 24 mm2/s, fluid temperature
for the oil in this example should be maintained at about 54 to
55°C.
[Link] Example 2c—For the oil in Example 2a in 7.2.3, the
high temperature designation and VI are 57 and 170, respec-
tively. Assume that the equipment of interest has a recom-
mended optimum operating kinematic viscosity of 32 mm2/s;
hence, Fig. 4 should be used. Find the value 57 on the
horizontal axis labeled High Temperature Viscosity Designa-
tion. Read vertically from 57 until intersecting the curves
labeled VI = 150 and VI = 200. Interpolate between the curves
to a value of VI = 170 and read horizontally to the vertical axis
labeled Temperature, °C, for a Kinematic Viscosity of 32
mm2/s. The value corresponding to a high temperature viscos-
FIG. 3 Temperatures for a Kinematic Viscosity of 24 mm2/s
ity designation of 57 and a viscosity index of 170 is 56°C.
Hence, in equipment which has a recommended optimum
operating kinematic viscosity of 32 mm2/s, fluid temperature
for the oil in this example should be maintained at about 56°C.
[Link] Approximate optimum fluid operating temperature
can also be estimated for other optimum operating viscosities
in the range of 24 to 32 mm2/s by interpolation between Fig. 3
and Fig. 4.
7.4 Examples of the application of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 to the
oils described in Table 3 (6.4.2) are shown in Table 4.

8. Adoption of Practice
8.1 Adoption of this practice is voluntary for all persons or
organizations. The practice will be effective only when used
widely by designers, producers, and consumers. There is
nothing to prohibit the use of a viscosity grade or designation
FIG. 4 Temperatures for a Kinematic Viscosity of 32 mm2/s
not listed in this practice if the producer and consumer
mutually agree. It may be expected that hydraulic fluids with
[Link] Example 1c—For the oil in Example 1a in 7.2.2, the viscosity designations not in accordance with this practice will
high temperature designation and VI are 40 and 150, respec- be less readily available to the purchaser than those products
tively. Assume that the equipment of interest has a recom- which do conform.
mended optimum operating kinematic viscosity of 24 mm2/s;
hence, Fig. 3 should be used. As described in [Link], find the 8.2 The establishment of standardized viscosity designa-
value 40 on the horizontal axis labeled High Temperature tions as described here shall not imply nor require that a full
Viscosity Designation. As described in [Link], read vertically range of viscosities be made available by all lubricant suppliers
from 40 until intersecting the curve labeled VI = 150. Finally, for each and every type of hydraulic fluid which the supplier
as described in [Link], read horizontally to the vertical axis markets. Availability will be dictated by local demand.
labeled Temperature,° C, for a Kinematic Viscosity of 24
mm2/s. The value corresponding to a high temperature viscos- 9. Keywords
ity designation of 40 and a viscosity index of 150 is 54 to 55°C. 9.1 Brookfield viscosity; hydraulic fluid; shear stability;
Hence, in equipment which has a recommended optimum viscosity; viscosity classification

5
 D6080 − 12a
TABLE 4 Examples of Interpreting Viscosity Designation Using
Figs. 2 and 3 to Estimate Operating Temperature Limits for Fluids
Temperature, °C, for
LowA Tempera- Kinematic Viscosity
Viscosity Designation ture Limit °C
13 mm2/s 24 mm2/s
ISO 22
L15-21 (160) −23 55 <45

ISO 32
L22-30 (150) −15 66 47

ISO 32
L32-24 (110) −8 58 <45

L32-21 (120) −8 55 <45

L32-32 (140) −8 67 48

ISO 46
L46-43 (140) −2 77 57

ISO 46
L32-43 (150) −8 78 56

L46-53 (150) −2 84 62

ISO 68
L68-67 (120) +4 87 66

ISO 68
L68-41 (120) +4 73 54

ISO 100
L100-96 (110) +10 96 75
A
Low temperature operating limit, as designated from Table 1, based on 750
mPa’s temperature measurement.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee D02.N0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D6080–12) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Nov. 1, 2012.)

(1) Revised Section 3.

Subcommittee D02.N0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D6080–10) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved June 1, 2012.)

(1) Deleted original 6.1.2 and renumbered remaining subsec-

tions.

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@[Link] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
([Link]). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; [Link]