The ASTM D217-21 standard, developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), defines four test methods for measuring the consistency of lubricating greases by penetrating a cone of certain size and mass. In these test methods, penetration is measured in tenths of a millimeter. Raw, machined and long-term processed penetration procedures can be applied to greases with a penetration of 85 to 475. The block penetration procedure can be applied to greases that are hard enough to retain their shape. Untreated penetrations often do not represent the consistency of greases in use as effectively as treated penetrations. Machined penetrations are generally preferred for the control of lubricating greases. None of the four test methods is considered suitable for measuring the consistency of petroleum jelly by penetration. For such products, the test method described in the ASTM D937 standard should be used.
The cone penetration tests presented in the ASTM D217-21 standard evaluate the consistency of lubricating greases across the entire National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) range of 000 to 6, as well as the consistency of solid greases with penetration numbers less than 85. In contrast, the test method described in the ASTM D937 standard targets petroleum gels, while the test method described in the ASTM D1403 standard uses less precise 1/4 and 1/2 scale equipment intended for use when sample quantities are limited.
Cone penetration test results provide a measure of the consistency of a grease. To determine which National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) consistency grade a grease belongs to, studied penetration results are required. Pristine penetration results provide a way to evaluate the effect of storage conditions on grease consistency.
No correlation has been established between cone penetration results and field service. However, cone penetrations obtained with these four test methods are widely used for specification purposes, such as material specifications of users and production specifications of suppliers.
Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides standard testing services for the cone penetration of lubricating grease within the scope of ASTM D217-21 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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