The ISO 2137 Petroleum products and lubricants - Determination of cone penetration of lubricating greases and petrolatum, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), describes various methods for empirically estimating the consistency of lubricating greases and petrolatum by measuring the penetration of a standard cone.
For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:
In principle, the penetration of lubricating grease into the cone is determined at 25 degrees by detaching the cone assembly from the penetrometer, lowering the cone for 5 seconds, and measuring the degree of penetration. Three measurements are taken, and the average of the results is reported.
Untested penetrations are determined in test portions transferred with minimal intervention to a suitable container for testing purposes. Tested penetrations are determined immediately after the test portion has been run for 60 double strokes in a standard grease mill. Long-term tested penetrations are determined in test portions run for more than 60 double strokes. Block penetrations are determined on the freshly prepared surface of a cube cut from a grease block with a standard cutter.
Cone penetration of petroleum jelly is determined by first melting and cooling a test sample under specified conditions, and then measuring the penetration, as with lubricating grease.
In the world of industrial lubricants, consistency is essential. Whether it's ensuring the smooth operation of a bearing in a factory machine or protecting a vehicle chassis from external factors, the right grease can make all the difference. For engineers and manufacturers, determining that elusive thickness or softness quality in lubricating greases and petrolatum is crucial. This is why the ISO 2137 standard, which provides a precise and experimental method for measuring consistency via cone penetration, is considered important. This standard has become a cornerstone in the oil and lubricants industry and has helped standardize quality control and product specifications worldwide.
The ISO 2137 standard, having undergone several revisions, has been developed to meet modern testing needs. Its latest version reflects improvements in accuracy and applicability, remaining valid for everything from automotive greases to high-performance industrial compounds.
The ISO 2137 standard addresses a fundamentally simple but critical challenge: predicting the consistency of lubricating greases and petrolatum. Here, consistency refers to how resistant the material is to deformation under load. This is an expression of the grease's hardness or spreadability. This property directly impacts performance: if it's too soft, the grease may run away from where it's needed; if it's too hard, it won't adequately coat surfaces.
This standard includes methods for measuring the penetration of a standard cone into a sample under controlled conditions. The penetration depth, measured in tenths of a millimeter, represents the consistency. Lower penetration values indicate harder and thicker greases, while higher values indicate softer greases. By providing repeatable and comparable results, the ISO 2137 standard allows manufacturers to classify their products according to the National Lubricating Grease Institute's grading system, which ranges from 000 (semi-fluid) to 6 (block-like).
The ISO 2137 standard is particularly valuable in terms of quality assurance, research and development, and regulatory compliance. It is used as a reference in product data sheets, supply specifications, and even regulatory standards relating to lubricant performance. Without this standard, it is impossible to compare greases from different suppliers.
The latest version of this standard offers a variety of methods, each tailored to different sample sizes and test scenarios. All procedures utilize a cone penetrometer, which drops a weighted cone onto the sample and measures how far it sinks in 5 seconds. The full-scale cone weighs 150 grams and has a standard tip angle, but scaled-down versions (half-scale and quarter-scale) are also available for use when only small samples are present, ideal for R&D or failure analysis.
Tests are performed at a controlled temperature of 25 degrees plus/minus 0,5 degrees, with the sample pre-conditioned in a thermostatically controlled bath. Results are reported as the average of three penetration tests to guarantee statistical reliability. This standard also covers instrument calibration, safety precautions (e.g., handling hot samples), and sensitivity limits.
In the age of electric vehicles, renewable energy turbines, and smart manufacturing, lubricants need to perform under extreme conditions: high speeds, temperatures between -40 and 200 degrees Celsius, and exposure to contaminants. This standard is widely adopted globally. The European Union's REACH regulations refer to this standard for hazard assessments.
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