ASTM D3233 – 93 R98

Designation: D 3233 – 93 (Reapproved 1998) An American National Standard Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Extreme Pressure Properties of Fluid Lubricants (Falex Pin and Vee Block Methods)1 This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3233; 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. 1. Scope 1.1 These test methods cover two procedures for making a preliminary evaluation of the load-carrying properties of fluid lubricants by means of the Falex Pin and Vee Block Test Machine. NOTE 1—Additional information can be found in Appendix X1 regard- ing coefficient of friction, load gage conversions, and load gage cablibra- tion curve. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Because the equipment used in these test methods is available only in inch-pound units, the SI units are omitted when referring to the equipment and the test specimens. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. 2. Referenced Documents 2.1 ASTM Standards: B 16 Specification for Free-Cutting Brass, Rod, Bar, and Shapes for Use in Screw Machines2 D 2670 Test Method for Measuring Wear Properties of Fluid Lubricants (Falex Pen and Vee Block Method)3 D 2783 Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure Properties of Lubricating Fluids (Four-Ball Method)3 3. Terminology 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 3.1.1 actual gage load, n—the value obtained from the gage while running the test and before any corrections are made. 3.1.1.1 Discussion—This gage reading is irrespective of the particular gage used, and corrections are made by comparison to a standard reference. 3.1.2 direct load, n—that which is applied linearly, bisect- ing the angle of the vee block corrected to either the 800 or 3000-lbf gage reference. 3.1.2.1 Discussion—This load is equivalent to the true load times the cos 42°. 3.1.3 true load, n—the sum of the applied forces normal to the tangents of contact between the faces of one vee block and the journal pin corrected to the 4500 lbf gage reference line. 3.1.4 true load failure value, n—the true load at which the lubricant tested can no longer support the applied load resulting in either test pin or shear pin breakage, or inability to maintain or increase load. 3.1.4.1 Discussion—This value is also referred to as the limit of extreme pressure. 4. Summary of Test Methods 4.1 Both test methods consist of running a rotating steel journal at 290 6 10 rpm against two stationary V-blocks immersed in the lubricant sample. Load is applied to the V-blocks by a ratchet mechanism. In Test Method A (Note 1), increasing load is applied continuously. In Test Method B (Note 1), load is applied in 250-lbf (1112-N) increments with load maintained constant for 1 min at each load increment. In both methods the load-fail value obtained is the criteria for level of load-carrying properties. Both methods require cali- bration of the load gage and reporting of test results as true (corrected) loads rather than actual gage loads. NOTE 2—Test Method A is referred to as the Falex Run-Up Test. Test Method B is referred to as the Falex One-Minute Step Test. 5. Significance and Use 5.1 Evaluations by both test methods differentiate between fluids having low, medium, and high levels of extreme-pressure properties. The user should establish any correlation between results by either method and service performance. NOTE 3—Relative ratings by both test methods on the reference fluids covered in Table 1 and Table 2 are in good general agreement with four-ball weld-point relative ratings obtained on these same reference fluids, covered in Test Method D 2783. 1 These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-2 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and are the direct responsibility of Subcommit- tee D02.0L on Industrial Lubricants. Current edition approved Aug. 15, 1993. Published October 1993. Originally published as D 3233 – 86. Last previous edition D 3233 – 92. 2 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.01. 3 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01. 1 Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States. 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. 6. Apparatus 6.1 Falex Pin and Vee Block Test Machine,4 illustrated in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 3, fitted with 4500-lbf (20 000-N) gage or 3000-lbf (13 350-N) gage. 6.2 Required for Calibration: 6.2.1 Allen Screw, with attached 10-mm Brinnell ball.5 6.2.2 Back-Up Plug.5 6.2.3 Standard Test Coupon,5 soft, annealed copper, Hb 37–39. 6.2.4 Brinnell Microscope, or equivalent. 6.2.5 Timer, graduated in seconds and minutes. 6.2.6 Rule, steel, 6-in. (approximately 150-mm) long. 7. Reagents and Materials 7.1 Standard Coined-Blocks,5 96 6 1° angle, AISI C-1137 steel, HRC 20 to 24, surface finish 5 to 10 µin. (1.3 3 10−7 to 2.5 3 10−7m), rms. 7.2 Standard Test Journals,5 1⁄4 in. (6.35 mm) outside diameter by 11⁄4 in. (31.75 mm) long, AISI 3135 steel, HRB 87 to 91 on a ground flat surface, surface finish 5 to 10 µin. (1.3 3 10−7 to 2.5 3 10−7 m) rms. 7.3 Locking Pins,5 1⁄2H brass, conforming to Specification B 16. 7.4 Solvent, safe, nonfilming, nonchlorinated. NOTE 4—Petroleum distillate and benzene, formerly used as solvents in this method, have been eliminated due to possible toxic effects. Each user should select a solvent that can meet applicable safety standards and still thoroughly clean the parts. 8. Preparation of Apparatus 8.1 Cleaning: 8.1.1 Thoroughly clean the V-blocks, test journals, lubricant cup, and supports for V-blocks and test journals by washing, successively, with solvent selected in 7.4. Dry the V-blocks, test journals, lubricant cup, and supports, by allowing the final solvent to evaporate in air. 8.1.2 After cleaning, handle the test pieces with care to prevent contamination. Particularly, avoid contact of fingers with mating surfaces of V-blocks and test journals. 8.2 Assembly: 8.2.1 Insert the test journal into the test shaft and secure with a new brass locking pin, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. 8.2.2 Insert the V-blocks into the recesses of the loading device and swing the V-blocks inward to contact the journal so 4 The Falex Pin and Vee Block Test Machine, available from the Falex Corp., 1020 Airpark Dr., Sugar Grove, IL 60554 has been found satisfactory for this purpose. A new model of this machine has been available since 1983. Certain operating procedures are different for this new model. Consult instruction manual of machine for this information. 5 Available from Falex Corp., 1020 Airpark Dr., Sugar Grove, IL 60554. TABLE 1 Results of Cooperative Tests on Reference Fluids L-XI-1-2-A, B, C, D, EA TEST METHOD A Labora- tory Test L-XI-1-2-A Fail Load, lbf L-XI-1-2-B Fail Load, lbf L-XI-1-2-C Fail Load, lbf L-XI-1-2-D Fail Load, lbf L-XI-1-2-E Fail Load, lbf Gage True Gage True Gage True Gage True Gage True A 1 2 1200 1275 840 920 1200 1275 840 920 4500 + 4500 + 4100 + 4100 + 4300 4500 + 3950 4100 + 2600 2400 2100 1925 B 1 2 800 850 860 900 1000 950 1050 1025 4500 + 4500 + 4250 + 4250 + 4100 4300 3900 4100 2050 1950 2050 1950 C 1 2 725 650 990 910 775 750 1020 980 4500 + 4500 + 3200 + 3200 + 3950 4100 2900 3000 1350 1300 1460 1430 D 1 2 1400 1400 1050 1050 1100 1250 770 900 4500 + 4500 + 3500 + 3500 + 4500 + 4500 + 3500 + 3500 + 2900 2650 2150 1975 E 1 2 825 750 900 820 1000 925 1060 1000 4450 4450 4500 + 4500 + 4100 4150 4475 4500 1825 1825 1970 1970 F 1 2 1000B 990B 920B 910B 1000 1050 800 850 4500 + 4500 + 4500 + 4500 + 3500 2900 4500 3510 1850 1720 1900 1720 G 1 2 800 700 900 800 690 660 800 750 4000 3750 4275 4000 3325 3150 3625 3450 1430 1500 1600 1675 H 1 2 700 700 700 700 1000 1000 1000 1000 4500 + 4500 + 4500 + 4500 + 3750 4000 3750 4000 1900 1650 1900 1650 I 1 2 750 750 600 600 1250 1000 1000 800 4500 + 4500 + 3750 + 3750 + 4500 + 4500 + 3750 + 3750 + 1750 1750 1450 1450 Min Avg Max Avg Grand Avg 600 1050 854 775 1037 920 2950C 4488C 3809C 1445 2063 1796 Repeatability Reproducibility s = 0.0624 S = 0.140 r = 0.179 (TL)D R = 0.402 (TL)D AReference fluids used and described in Test Method D 2783. BCalibration curves shifted. CSix laboratories. DTL = average true load, lbf, of sample tested. D 3233 2 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. that the V-grooves are aligned with the journal major axis, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3. 8.2.3 Place 60 mL of test lubricant in the lubricant cup and raise the cup so that the V-blocks are immersed in the test lubricant. With highly viscous fluids open the jaws slightly to ensure that the wear surfaces are covered with the lubricant. TABLE 2 Results of Cooperative Tests on Reference Fluids L-XI-1-2-A, B, C, D, EA TEST METHOD B Labora- tory Test L-XI-1-2-A Fail Load, lbf L-XI-1-2-B Fail Load, lbf L-XI-1-2-C Fail Load, lbf L-XI-1-2-D Fail Load, lbf L-XI-1-2-E Fail Load, lbf Gage True Gage True Gage True Gage True Gage True A 1 2 1100 1100 750 750 1400 1400 1000 1000 4150 4350 3750 4000 4350 4150 4000 3750 2750 2200 2250 1750 B 1 2 670 670 750 750 940 670 1000 750 4200 3900 4000 3750 3900 4200 3750 4000 2000 1750 2000 1750 C 1 2 520 520 750 750 520 790 750 1000 4100 + 4100 + 3000 + 3000 + 4100 4100 + 3000 3000 + 1750 1750 1750 1750 D 1 2 1600 1600 1250 1250 1080 1080 750 750 4500 + 4500 + 3500 + 3500 + 4500 + 4500 + 3500 + 3500 + 3000 3300 2250 2500 E 1 2 700 700 750 750 925 925 1000 1000 3850 4150 4250 4500 3850 3650 4250 4000 1380 1850 1500 2000 F 1 2 1075B 1075B 1000B 1000B 950 950 750 750 3350 3500 4250 4500 3350 3050 4250 3750 1925 1560 2000 1500 G 1 2 660 660 750 750 660 800 750 1000 3500 3200 3750 3500 3000 2800 3250 3000 1550 1350 1750 1500 H 1 2 750 750 750 750 1000 1000 1000 1000 3500 4000 3500 4000 4250 4000 4250 4000 1500 1750 1500 1750 I 1 2 930 930 750 750 910 910 750 750 4400 4400 3750 3750 4400 + 4400 + 3750 + 3750 + 1800 1800 1500 1500 Min Avg Max Avg Grand Avg 750 1250 833 750 1000 875 3625C 4375C 3932C 3125D 4125D 3837D 1500 2375 1846 Repeatability Reproducibility s = 0.0624 S = 0.137 r = 0.179 (TL)E R = 0.391 (TL)E AReference fluids used and described in Test Method D 2783. BCalibration curves shifted. CSeven laboratories. DSix laboratories. ETL = average true load, lbf, of sample tested. FIG. 1 Schematic Diagram of Falex Standard Pin and Vee Block Test Machine D 3233 3 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. 8.2.4 Place the automatic loading device, with attached gage, on the jaw arms. 9. Preparation of True Load Calibration Curve 9.1 On log-log paper (K & E 467080 or equivalent) draw a straight-line plot of load, pounds-force (newtons) (ordinate), versus indentation diameter, millimetres (abscissa), using the data points shown below. Label this curve “True Load” (Note 5). Load, lbf (N) Diameter, mm (Ordinate) (Abscissa) 500 (2224) 2.62 1000 (4450) 3.42 1500 (6672) 4.00 2000 (8896) 4.47 NOTE 5—Fig. 3 shows the true-load calibration curve for the prescribed 4500-lbf (20 000-N) gage, prepared as covered in 9.1. Copies of Fig. 4, 8 by 11 in., are available at a nominal cost from ASTM. Although not originally used in development of these test methods, the 3000-lb direct reading load gage should be satisfactory providing results are corrected and reported with respect to the true load (4500-lbf) reference line. Refer to Test Method D 2670 for calibration of 3000-lb load gage. 10. Calibration of Load Gage 4500 lbf (20 000 N) 10.1 Remove the Allen set screw and 1⁄2-in. (12.70-mm) ball from the left jaw socket (Fig. 5). 10.2 Insert the special Allen screw with the attached 10-mm Brinnell ball into the working face of the left jaw. Adjust so that the ball projects about 5⁄32 in. (approximately 4 mm) from the face of the jaw. 10.3 Insert the back-up plug in the counterbore of the right-hand jaw. Adjust so that the plug projects about 1⁄32 in. (approximately 0.8 mm) from the face. 10.4 Support the standard test coupon so that the upper edge of the coupon is about 3⁄32in. (approximately 2.5 mm) below the upper surface of the jaws. Place a steel rule across the face of the jaws. Adjust the Allen screw with the attached 10-mm ball until the face of the jaws are parallel to the steel rule with the test coupon in position for indentation. 10.5 With the test coupon in position for the first impres- sion, place the load gage assembly on the level arms. Remove the slack from the assembly by moving the ratchet wheel by hand. 10.6 Place the loading lever on the ratchet wheel and actuate the motor. Allow the motor to run until the load gage indicates a load of 500 lbf (2224 N). A slight take-up on the ratchet wheel is required to hold the load due to the ball sinking into the test coupon. After a 500-lbf (2224-N) load is obtained, hold for 1 min for the indentation to form. 10.7 Turn off the machine and back off the load until the test coupon is free of the jaws. Advance the test coupon approxi- mately 3⁄8 in. (approximately 9.5 mm). Additional indentations should be separated by a minimum distance of 2.5 times the diameter of the initial indentation. Check the alignment of the jaws, and repeat the procedure described in 10.6 at gage loads of 1000, 1500, and 2000 lbf (4448, 6672, and 8896 N). 10.8 Remove the load gage assembly and test coupon and measure the diameter of each indentation to 0.01 mm with a microscope. Make three measurements of the indentation diameter, rotating the test coupon to ensure that no two measurements represent the same points. Average the three measurements of each impression and record. 10.9 Plot the four impression readings on the same log-log plot of true load prepared as prescribed in 9.1 and shown as Fig. 4. Draw a straight line through the four impression FIG. 2 Falex Digital Pin and Vee Block Test Machine FIG. 3 Exploded View of V-Blocks and Journal Arrangement, Falex Pin and Vee Block Test Machines D 3233 4 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. readings and label the line “Actual Gage Load.” NOTE 6—Currently, load gages are calibrated at the factory such that the actual 4500-lb gage load is equivalent to true load. Periodic calibra- tions should be made to ensure correct values are being reported for true load. TEST METHOD A 11. Determination of Actual Gage Load for Run-In 11.1 The procedure, Section 12, requires a run-in at an actual gage load equivalent to 300-lbf (1334-N) true load (264-lbf direct load). This actual gage load is obtained as follows from the plot of actual gage load and true load prepared in Sections 9 and 10: Locate 300 lbf (1334 N) on the true load curve (264-lbf direct load). Through this point draw a vertical line to intersect the actual gage load curve. Through this point of intersection draw a horizontal line to the left-hand or right-hand load scale and read the actual gage load value. Record this actual gage load for run-in on a suitable reporting form. NOTE 7—A suitable reporting form for Test Methods A and B, and data obtained on one of the reference fluids by one of the cooperating laboratories, is shown in Table 3. Fig. 6 shows the calibration curves used by the laboratory reporting the data in Table 3. 12. Procedure 12.1 Run-In: 12.1.1 Turn on “Heat Control” switch and heat test lubricant to 120 6 5°F (51.7 6 3°C); then turn off the switch. 12.1.2 Remove slack from assembly by moving the ratchet wheel by hand. At this setting the torque gage should read zero, FIG. 4 Calibration Curve for 4500-lb Gage, Using 37-39 HB Copper Coupon FIG. 5 Schematic Drawing of Calibration Accessories for Falex Pin and Vee Block Test Machines D 3233 5 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. or be adjusted to zero. 12.1.3 Actuate the motor, engage the automatic loading ratchet, and increase the load to a gage load equivalent to 300-lbf (1334-N) true load (264-lbf direct load), as determined in 8.1. Disengage the loading ratchet, start the timer, and allow the machine to run at this loading for a 5-min run-in period. NOTE 8—Maintain load at near constant by taking up the load manually or automatically by means of the ratchet wheel if necessary. 12.2 Test: 12.2.1 Re-engage the automatic loading ratchet and leave it engaged until failure (Note 9) or until the highest indicated actual gage reading is reached. Stop the motor at failure or at the highest indicated actual gage load when no failure is obtained. Record the gage load at failure. Record 4500 lbf (20 000 N) if no failure is obtained. NOTE 9—Failure is indicated by (a) breakage of shear pin or test pin, or (b) inability to take up the load automatically by means of the ratchet wheel. 12.2.2 Using the calibration curves prepared in Sections 9 and 10, determine and record the true load failure equivalent to the actual gage load failure, or, if no failure, the true load equivalent to the highest indicated actual gage load, with a plus ( + ) sign after the true load value. NOTE 10—To convert actual gage load to true load, locate the gage load on the actual gage load curve. Through this point draw a vertical line to intersect the true load curve. Through this point of intersection draw a horizontal line to the left-hand or right-hand load scale and read the true load value. TEST METHOD B 13. Determination of Actual Gage Load for Run-In and 250-lbf (1112-N) True Load Increments 13.1 The procedure, Section 14, requires a run-in at an actual gage load equivalent to 300-lbf (1334-N) true load (264-lbf direct load), and testing at incremental gage loadings equivalent to 250-lbf (1112-N) true load (224-lbf direct load) over the range from 500 to 4500-lbf (2224 to 20 000-N) true load (412 to 2885-lbf direct load). Determine the equivalent actual gage loads as prescribed in Section 8, and Test Method A. Record on a suitable reporting form, such as shown in Table 3. 14. Procedure 14.1 Run-In—Use same procedure as prescribed in 12.1, Test Method A. 14.2 Test: 14.2.1 Re-engage the automatic loading ratchet and leave it engaged until the actual gage reading is equivalent to 500-lbf TABLE 3 Suggested Report Form, Test Methods A and B, Showing Data Operator: Laboratory A Test Sample: L-XI-1-2-E Gage Type: Calibration Indentation Results: 500 lbf = 2.13 mm 1000 lbf = 2.90 mm 1500 lbf = 3.53 mm 2000 lbf = 4.06 mm TEST METHOD A Run-In: 5 min at 520 lbf actual gage load, equivalent to 300 lbf true load. Actual Gate Load, lbf, at Failure Equivalent True Load, lbf at Failure Test No. 1 2600 2100 Test No. 2 2400 1925 TEST METHOD B Run-In: 5 min at 520 lbf actual gage load, equivalent to 300 lbf true load. True Load, lbf Equivalent ActualGage Load, lbf Test No. 1 Test No. 2 500 800 pass pass 750