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: D1742 − 20

Standard Test Method for

Oil Separation from Lubricating Grease During Storage1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1742; 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* 2.2 Other Standard:

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the ten- NLGI Grease Consistency Classification3
dency of a lubricating grease to separate oil during storage in 3. Terminology
both normally filled and partially filled containers.
3.1 Definitions:
1.2 This test method is not suitable for greases softer than 3.1.1 lubricating grease, n—a semi-fluid to solid product of
NLGI No. 1 grade. a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as [Link] Discussion—The dispersion of the thickener forms a
standard, except for the dimensions in Fig. 2 and Fig. 5, where two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by
inch-pound units are standard. surface tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients are
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the commonly included to impart special properties.

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safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.2 oil separation, n—the appearance of a liquid fraction
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- from an otherwise homogeneous lubricating composition.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- 3.1.3 thickener, n—in lubricating grease, a substance com-
([Link]
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
For a specific hazard statement, see 7.1.
posed of finely-divided particles dispersed in a liquid lubricant
to form the product’s structure.
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1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
[Link] Discussion—The thickeners can be fibers (such as
various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the non-soap thickeners), which are insoluble or, at most, only very
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general require-
mendations issued by the World Trade OrganizationASTM D1742-20
Technical ments are that the solid particles be extremely small, uniformly
[Link]
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. dispersed, and capable of forming a relatively stable, gel-like
structure with the liquid lubricant.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 4. Summary of Test Method
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test 4.1 The sample of grease, supported on a 75 µm (No. 200)
Sieves sieve, is subjected to 1.72 kPa (0.25 psi) air pressure for 24 h at
25 °C (77 °F). Any oil seepage that occurs drains into a beaker
and is weighed.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of the ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of 5. Significance and Use
Subcommittee D02.G0.03 on Physical Tests.
Current edition approved May 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
5.1 When a lubricating grease separates oil, the remaining
approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D1742 – 18. DOI: composition increases in consistency. This can affect the ability
10.1520/D1742-20. of the product to function as designed.
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 NLGI, 249 SW Noel, Suite 249, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063,
the ASTM website. [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

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 D1742 − 20
in Fig. 2. The 75 µm (No. 200) stainless steel sieve shall
conform to the requirements of Specification E11. The diam-
eter of the 75 µm (No. 200) sieve shall be 104.8 mm (41⁄8 in.),
completely clear with no solder showing.
6.2 Air Pressure Supply and Regulation—An air pressure
supply, controlled by reducing valves or regulators, capable of
maintaining air pressure at 1.72 kPa 6 0.07 kPa, should be
used. A manometer, or other suitable pressure indicating
device, and a pressure relief valve to protect against pressure
surge should be included in the pressure system.
7. Reagents
7.1 Mineral Spirits, (Warning—Combustible. Vapor harm-
ful.)
8. Sampling
8.1 The sample presented for analysis should be large
enough to make possible the selection of a representative
portion for testing.
8.2 Examine for any indication of non-homogeneity such as
oil separation, phase changes or gross contamination. If any
abnormal conditions are found, obtain a new sample.
9. Preparation of Apparatus

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9.1 Thoroughly clean the strainer, cup, and oil-collecting
beaker with mineral spirits and follow by air drying.
9.2 Carefully inspect the sieve to make certain that there is
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FIG. 1 Pressure Bleeding Test Cell A
no build-up which would affect the passage of oil. The sieve
must also be free of any surface irregularities such as creases,
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5.2 It has been found that the results of this test correlate
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dents, or punctures. Replace, if necessary.
9.3 The funnel must be clean and free of any residues which
directly with the oil separation that occurs in 35 lb pails of can retard the flow of oil.
grease during storage. ASTM D1742-20 9.4 Inspect the cover and cup for any dents or distortions to
[Link]
5.3 This test method is not intended to predict oil separation the mating surfaces which can interfere with a tight seal
tendencies of the grease under dynamic conditions. between the units.
9.5 When the O-ring seal shows wear it must be replaced.
6. Apparatus
10. Procedure
6.1 Test Apparatus4-6—The assembled apparatus consists of
a tightly fitting cup and cover which contains a 75 µm (No. 10.1 Place the strainer, screen side up, in the funnel and tare
200) sieve strainer for supporting the grease, a funnel for the assembly to the nearest 0.05 g. By means of a spatula,
collecting separated oil, and a 20 mL beaker for retaining the completely fill the space between the screen and the top of the
separated oil. A fitting is provided in the cover for inlet air funnel with grease. The volume occupied by the grease shall
(1.72 kPa (0.25 psi)) and a hole is provided in the side of the have a depth of 12.7 mm 6 0.3 mm (0.50 in. 6 0.01 in.).
cup to prevent back pressure. Fig. 1 is a photograph of a Avoid unnecessary working and entrainment of air. Use a
disassembled apparatus. The details of construction are given straight edge to remove excess grease and provide a level
surface. Avoid forcing any of the grease through the screen.
Determine the mass of the sample to the nearest 0.05 g.
4
The sole source of supply of Pressure Bleeding Test Cell A known to the NOTE 1—Care must be taken that the surface of the grease is level,
committee at this time is Koehler Instrument Company, Inc. 1595 Sycamore without air pockets and surface dimples, especially when testing softer #1
Avenue, Bohemia, NY 11716. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please grade greases.
provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will
receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1 10.2 Place the tared beaker in the positioning retainer at the
which you may attend.
5
center of the bottom cup, and assemble the entire apparatus as
The sole source of supply of the Pressure Bleeding Test Cell B known to the
committee at this time is Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16
indicated in Fig. 1. By means of a suitable length of rubber
8AP, UK. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information tubing, connect the source of air to the air inlet fitting in the
to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consid- cover.
eration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend.
6
Equipment shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 is no longer available. Other 10.3 Bring the apparatus and the sample to 25 °C 6 1 °C
appropriately designed equipment can be used. (77 °F 6 2 °F). Before starting the test, regulate the air

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 D1742 − 20

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ASTM D1742-20
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NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimeters (inches).

NOTE 2—Tolerances are 60.51 mm (0.02 in.) for 2 place decimals, unless otherwise specified.
NOTE 3—Tolerances are 60.127 mm (0.005 in.) for 3 place decimals, unless otherwise specified.
FIG. 2 Detailed Drawing of Pressure Bleeding Test Cell A

pressure to 1.72 kPa 6 0.07 kPa (0.25 psi 6 0.01 psi) and 11. Report
continue the test for 24 h at this pressure and temperature. 11.1 Report the mass of the oil separated as a percentage of
10.4 At the end of the test, weigh the beaker containing the the total mass of the grease sample. Record the value to the
collected oil to the nearest 0.05 g and record. nearest 0.1 %.

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 D1742 − 20

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([Link] FIG. 4 Pressure Bleeding Test Cell C

Document Preview M 5 mean of two determinations (1)

FIG. 3 Pressure Bleeding Test Cell B 12.1.2 Reproducibility (Note 2)—The difference between
ASTM D1742-20
two single and independent results obtained by different
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12. Precision and Bias operators working in different laboratories on identical test
12.1 The precision of the test method is not known to have material would, in the long run, in the normal and correct
been obtained in accordance with currently accepted guidelines operation of the test method, exceed 0.17 M in only one case
in Committee D02 Research Report RR:D02-1007.7 in twenty:
12.1.1 Repeatability (Note 2) —The difference between two M 5 mean of two determinations (2)
test results, obtained by the same operator with the same NOTE 2—These values of precision are based on results by 10
apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test laboratories using four greases that varied in consistency from NGLI
Grade No. 1 to Grade No. 3.
material, would in the long run, in the normal and correct
operation of the test method, exceed 0.1 M in only one case in 12.2 Bias—The procedure for measuring the oil separation
twenty where: from lubricating grease has no bias because the value of the oil
loss is defined only in terms of a test method.
7
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may 13. Keywords
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1007. Contact ASTM Customer
Service at service@[Link]. 13.1 lubricating grease; oil bleed; oil separation