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Penetration
Test Methods
Penetration of Bituminous Materials ASTM D5; IP 49; DIN 52010
Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease ASTM D217; IP 50;
ISO 2137; DIN 51804; FTM 791-311, FTM 791-313
Cone Penetration of Petrolatum ASTM D937; IP 179;
ISO 2137; DIN 51580
Needle Penetration of Petroleum Waxes ASTM D1321;
IP 376; DIN 51579
Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease Using One-Quarter and
One-Half Scale Cone Equipment ASTM D1403; IP 310; ISO 2137;
DIN 51804
Yield Stress of Heterogeneous Propellants by Cone Penetration
Method ASTM D2884
Roll Stability of Lubricating Grease ASTM D1831

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0-23-30_2_Penetration_Layout 1 10/24/12 10:56 AM Page 24

Penetration
Penetration of Bituminous Materials
Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease
Cone Penetration of Petrolatum
Needle Penetration of Petroleum Waxes
Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease Using
One-Quarter and One-Half Scale Cone Equipment
Yield Stress of Heterogeneous Propellants by
Cone Penetration Method

Test Method
Penetration tests are performed on petroleum products to determine
consistency and shear stability (lubricating greases) for design, quality
control and identification purposes. A standard cone or needle is released
from a penetrometer and allowed to drop freely into the sample for
5 seconds (or a different specified interval) at constant temperature. The
depth of penetration of the cone or needle into the sample is measured in
tenths of a millimeter by the penetrometer.

Penetrometer
• Conforms to ASTM and related specifications for penetrometers
• Suitable for laboratory or field use
Designed for ASTM penetration tests on petroleum products and for
consistency tests on a wide range of food products, cosmetics, pastes and
other solid to semi-solid products. Precision machined and assembled to
exacting specifications, and ruggedly constructed to insure long service life
in both laboratory and field applications. Features a full penetration range
of 0-62.0mm with 1⁄10mm subdivisions (0-620 penetration scale).
Accommodates cones and needles to perform all of the ASTM tests on
lubricating greases, asphalts, petroleum waxes and petrolatums. Compact
design facilitates transport for field use. Head assembly adjusts for accurate
K19500 Penetrometer with K20800 Penetration Cone placement of the tip of the needle or cone on the surface of the sample.
Sturdy cast iron base provides excellent support and has a built-in spirit level
and leveling screws to insure proper alignment of the penetrometer during
Ordering Information testing. Supplied with 50 and 100 gram weights and standard 47.5g
Catalog No. plunger assembly. Order test cones, needles and lightweight plunger
K19500 Penetrometer (where applicable) separately.
Accessories
K19552 Calibration Kit Specifications
Consists of 0.500, 1.000 and 2.000" gauge blocks with Conforms to the specifications of:
calibration certificate traceable to NIST ASTM D5, D217, D937, D1321, D1403, D2884, D4950, D5329; IP 49, 50,
K19553 Calibration Kit, Metric 179, 310; ISO 2137; DIN 51579, 51580, 51804; FTM 791-311, 791-312,
Consists of 12.5mm, 25mm and 45mm gauge blocks with 791-313; AOCS Cc 16-60; AACC 58-14; NFT 60-119, 60-123, 60-132,
calibration certificate traceable to NIST 66-004
K19520 Plunger, 15g
For use with K20200, K19800 and K20300 Cones Included Accessories
K20910 Plunger, 6.9g Plunger, 47.5g
For use with K20900 Cone Weights, 50 and 100g
K19525 Plunger, 47.5g
K19510 Auxiliary Weight Set Dimensions lxwxh,in.(cm)
Includes one each 2.5g, 5g and 10g weights 6x6x18 (15x15x46)
and two 20g weights Net Weight: 12 lbs (5.4kg)
K19535 Loading Weight, 50g
K19536 Loading Weight, 100g Shipping Information
Shipping Weight: 15 lbs (6.8kg)
Dimensions: 1.7 Cu. ft.

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Penetration
Microprocessor Based Digital Penetrometer
• Tests the consistency of lubricating greases, petroleum waxes, bitumens,
pastes, creams and other solid to semi-solid products
• Automatically timed operator programmable penetration measurements
• Motorized placement of penetrator on sample surface
• Large LCD to display all functions
• RS232 port for data transfer
• Full measurement range of 0-620 in 1⁄10mm scale or 1⁄100mm scale
• Rechargeable battery or AC operation
• Large, removable base accommodates grease worker cups and other
ASTM and non-standard sample containers
• Complete selection of penetrometer cones, needles and accessories for
petroleum products testing and for a wide range of other applications
• Conforms to all ASTM, IP, ISO 9001 and related specifications for
penetrometers
Microprocessor based penetrometer loaded with advanced features to provide
ease of operation and highly reproducible consistency measurements of
petroleum products. Microprocessor control provides a full range of
measurement and reporting options, and operation is simplified by four
user programmable presets that facilitate lowering the penetrator tip to
the sample surface.
Automatically timed penetrations—The penetrometer defaults to the
standard ASTM interval of 5.0 seconds, or the operator may conveniently
program a different interval in the range between 0.1 and 9999.9 seconds
(in 0.1 second increments). A curing or temperature stabilization period K95500 Digital Penetrometer
may also be programmed by the operator (to delay the release of the
penetrator into the sample) and for added convenience all selected Specifications
parameters are retained in memory and automatically repeated in Conforms to the specifications of: ASTM D5, D217, D937, D1321, D1403,
subsequent tests until changed by the operator. Separate keypad controls D2884, D4950, D5329; IP 49, 50, 179, 310; ISO 2137; DIN 51579, 51580,
for each parameter simplify operation. Penetration and delay intervals 51804; FTM 791-311, 791-312, 791-313; AOCS Cc 16-60; AACC 58-14;
count down on a large, easy to read LCD on the head of the unit. NFT 60-119, 60-123, 60-132, 66-004
Convenient measurement and reporting options—Penetration measurements Penetration Range: 0-62.0mm (0-620 penetration scale) in 1⁄10mm or 1⁄100mm
in the full range of 0 - 620 in 1⁄10mm scale are reported in either 1⁄10mm or 1⁄100mm Penetration Interval: Operator variable from 0.1 to 9999.9 seconds
increments at the operator’s option. For quality control testing, a penetration with automatic repeat function and 5.0 second default
range can be entered into memory prior to testing. If a test result falls outside
of the programmed range, an audible signal and visual error message alert the Electrical Requirements: Included Accessories
operator of a failed sample. Test results are displayed in digital format on a 115V 60Hz Standard Plunger, 47.5g
large LCD readout on the head of the penetrometer and can be communicated 220-240V 50/60Hz Weights, 50 and 100g
to a printer or computer via a built-in RS232 interface. Dimensions lxwxh,in.(cm) Shipping Information
Simplified penetrator tip placement—Correct placement of the penetrator tip Base: 121⁄2x14 (31.7x35.6) Shipping Weight: 27 lbs (12.3kg)
on the sample surface is essential for accurate penetration test results. The Overall: 121⁄2x14x18 (31.7x35.6x45.7) Dimensions: 2 Cu. ft.
Koehler Digital Penetrometer has four operator programmable presets that Net Weight: 21 lbs (9.5kg)
lower the penetrator to the sample surface height at the touch of a button,
greatly simplifying the process to ensure reproducibility. A fine adjustment Ordering Information
button permits slight adjustments as needed. Full manual operation is also Catalog No. Order Qty
available with the use of coarse and fine push button controls and built-in
K95500-00000 Digital Penetrometer, 115V, 60Hz 1
magnifier and illuminator arms. When testing electrically conductive samples,
K95590-00000 Digital Penetrometer, 220-240V, 50/60Hz
a built-in circuit senses the sample surface for automatic placement. After
testing, the penetrometer head returns to a raised position at the touch of a Accessories
button to facilitate cleaning of the penetrator and changing of the sample. K19552 Calibration Kit - Consists of 0.500, 1.000 and 2.000"
gauge blocks with calibration certificate traceable to NIST
More convenience features—The detachable machined base provides a large
platform to accommodate a wide range of sample containers and constant K19553 Calibration Kit, Metric - Consists of 12.5mm, 25mm and
temperature cylinders. It removes easily to permit the head assembly to be 45mm gauge blocks with calibration certificate traceable
reversed (for use with a constant temperature bath) or mounted directly to a to NIST
bath housing or other location. A built-in rechargeable battery pack permits K95573-00000 Plunger, 15g - For use with K20200, K19800 and
field operation and provides back-up in the event of power interruption. K20300 Cones
Battery recharges automatically during operation of the penetrometer on K95519-00000 Plunger, 6.9g - For use with K20900 Cone
standard AC electrical service. K95577 Standard Plunger, 47.5g
K19587 Loading Weight, 50g
For NIST traceable certified thermometers, please refer to the ASTM Thermometer section on
K19588 Loading Weight, 100g
pages 184 through 191.

≥ Software compatible, inquire

with Koehler Customer Service.

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Penetration
Penetrometer Cones, Needles and Accessories Needle Penetration of Petroleum Waxes
• Precision machined cones and needles for ASTM and related methods
• Sample containers Test Method Standards
• Constant temperature baths ASTM D1321; IP 376; DIN 51579
• Grease workers and accessories
• Roll stability testers K17700 Needle, Stainless Steel, 2.5g
• USDA and AOCS penetrometer cones K17770 Needle, Stainless Steel, 2.5g, NIST Certified
K17710 Wax Specimen Container
Use together with K19500 and K95500 series penetrometers to determine Brass cylinder with base plate
the consistency of petroleum products. Please call or write for information conforming to ASTM D1321 specifications
on non-petroleum test applications. K95600 Penetration Bath, 115V, 60Hz
K95690 Penetration Bath, 230V, 50/60Hz

K20800

K17700 K20500

K20000 Brass Cone K20090 Aluminum Cone

Penetration of Bituminous Materials Cone Penetration of Lubricating Greases

Test Method Standards Test Method Standards

ASTM D5; IP 49; DIN 52010 ASTM D217; IP 50; ISO 2137; DIN 51804; FTM 791-311, FTM 791-313

K20500-00000 Needle. K20800 Cone, Magnesium

Stainless steel with brass ferrule, 2.5g With hardened stainless steel tip, 102.5g
K20570-00000 Needle. Standard cone per ASTM D217
Similar to K20500, NIST certified, 2.5g K20000 Cone, Brass
K20600-00000 Needle. With hardened stainless steel tip, 102.5g
Stainless steel with stainless steel ferrule, 2.5g Optional cone per ASTM D217
K18100 Grease Worker series. Refer to page 28 for
K20670-00000 Needle.
specifications and ordering information
Similar to K20600, NIST certified, 2.5g
K19100 Grease Cutter
388-001-003 Sample Container, For ‘block penetration’ tests
55mm dia. x 35mm depth for penetrations below 200
K95600 Penetration Bath, 115V, 60Hz
388-001-006 Sample Container, K95690 Penetration Bath, 230V, 50/60Hz
70mm dia. x 45mm depth for penetrations
between 200 to 350
357-000-001 Transfer Dish
Please inquire with Koehler Customer Service about accessories
Submerges sample container per ASTM specifications
K95600 Penetration Bath, 115V, 60Hz
for food, cosmetics, paints, soaps, and other consistency
K95690 Penetration Bath, 230V, 50/60Hz
measurement applications utilizing the Penetrometer.

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Penetration
Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease Using
One-Quarter and One-Half Scale Cone Equipment
Test Method Standards
ASTM D1403; IP 310; ISO 2137; DIN 51804

K20900 Quarter-Scale Cone, Aluminum, 2.48g

K95519-00000 Plunger, 6.9g
For use with K95500 series Digital Penetrometer
K20910 Plunger, 6.9g
For use with K19500 series Penetrometer
K21000 Quarter-Scale Grease Worker
Consists of cup and cover assembly with
plunger plate, shaft, handle and valve
K21002 Retaining Base Plate
Mounts on bench or wall to retain
Quarter-Scale Grease Worker
when working heavy greases.
K21001 Blank Lid
With seal, for Quarter-Scale Grease Worker.
Use when heating samples prior to test.
K20200 Half-Scale Cone. Stainless Steel, 22.5g
K95573-00000 Plunger, 15g
For use with K95500 series Digital Penetrometer
K20200 K20210 K21000 K20900 K19520 Plunger, 15g
For use with K19500 Penetrometer
K20210 Half-Scale Grease Worker
Cone Penetration of Petrolatum K95600 Penetration Bath, 115V, 60Hz
K95690 Penetration Bath, 230V, 50/60Hz
Test Method Standards
ASTM D937; IP 179; ISO 2137; DIN 51580
K20800 Cone, Magnesium
With hardened stainless steel tip, 102.5g
K20700 Sample Container
With cover, conforms to ASTM D937 specifications
K95600 Penetration Bath, 115V, 60Hz
K95690 Penetration Bath, 230V, 50/60Hz

Roll Stability of Lubricating Grease

Test Method Standard
ASTM D1831
K18300 Roll Stability Tester series (page 156)
K20900 Cone Penetration Test Equipment,
One-Quarter or One-Half Scale series

Additional Penetration Cones

K19800 Magnesium Cone, 15g
For ASTM D2884 testing of Heterogeneous Propellants
K19900 Aluminum Cone, 45g
For AOCS CC 16-60 testing of fats, butter, margarine
K20090 Aluminum Cone, 35g
For USDA testing of pastes
K20300 Aluminum Micro-Cone, 5g
For lubricating greases, cosmetic creams. Use together
with K20310 Sample Cup and Collar
K20300 Aluminum Micro Cone K19900 Aluminum Cone

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Penetration
Grease Workers
• Conform to ASTM D217 and related specifications
• Mechanical and manually operated types
• Single and double-unit models
Mechanical Grease Workers–For “worked penetration’’ and “prolonged
worked penetration” tests to determine consistency of lubricating greases.
Consists of single or dual steel ASTM grease workers mounted on a sturdy
base and driven by a powerful gear reduction motor. Meets ASTM
specifications for stroke length and rate. Equipped with a presetting
electronic counter that automatically shuts off the drive motor after any desired
number of strokes up to 99,999. Steel grease workers have threaded cup and
cover, and steel plunger plate with shaft and handle that connects to eccentric
cam on drive unit. Accessory dial thermometer inserts in plated vent cock.
Spring loaded tightening clamps hold grease workers securely on base, and
steel pins in base facilitate disassembly of grease workers after testing.

Manually Operated Grease Worker–Hand lever operated grease working

machine designed for short duration ‘’worked penetration” tests on lubricating
greases. Consists of one steel ASTM grease worker with hand lever
mechanism mounted on a sturdy steel base. Spring loaded tightening clamps
K18190 Mechanical Grease Worker hold grease worker securely on base, and steel pins in hand lever upright
support facilitate disassembly of grease worker. Base plate is drilled at corners
Ordering Information to allow for bolting to table top.
Catalog No.
Specifications
Mechanical Grease Workers Conforms to the specifications of:
K18100 Single-Unit Model, 115V 60Hz ASTM D217, D4950; IP 50; ISO 2137; DIN 51804; FTM 791-311, 791-313*
K18110 Single-Unit Model, 220-240V 50Hz *Requires substitution of 270-hole grease worker (K18030)
K18119 Single-Unit Model, 220-240V 60Hz Drive Motor: fan cooled gear reduction type, 1⁄3hp (single-unit model)
K18190 Double-Unit Model, 115V 60Hz or 1⁄2 hp (dual-unit model)
K18191 Double-Unit Model, 220-240V 50Hz Electrical Requirements:
K18192 Double-Unit Model, 220-240V 60Hz Mechanical Grease Workers:
Manually Operated Model 115V 60Hz, Single Phase, 3A
K18000 Grease Working Machine 220-240V 50/60Hz, Single Phase, 1.5A
For Quarter-Scale and Half-Scale Grease Workers, refer to page 27.
Included Accessories
Accessories Mechanical ASTM Steel Grease Worker (1 or 2)
K18022 Dial Thermometer
Inserts in petcock of steel grease worker. Dimensions lxwxh,in.(cm)
Supplied with adapter. Mechanical Grease Workers:
K18021 Overflow Ring Single-Unit: 10x131⁄2 x143⁄4 (25x34x37)
Collects displaced grease during Double-Unit: 14x131⁄2 x143⁄4 (36x34x37)
penetration measurements. Manually Operated Grease Worker: 30x10x151⁄2 (76x25x39)
K18020 Steel Grease Worker Net Weight:
Complete per ASTM specifications. Mechanical Single-Unit: 106 lbs (48.1kg)
Consists of cup, cover, plunger and vent cock. Mechanical Double-Unit: 1391⁄2 lbs (63.3kg)
K18030 Steel Grease Worker Manual: 21 lbs (9.6kg)
Similar to K18020 above, but with 270-hole plunger
plate per FTM 791-313 (AN-G-15) specifications. Shipping Information
K18028 Cover Assembly Shipping Weight: Single-Unit: 141 lbs (64.0kg)
Replacement cover assembly for steel grease worker. Mechanical Double-Unit: 171 lbs (77.6kg)
Includes vent cock, plunger plate, shaft and handle. Manual: 28 Ibs (12.7kg)
K18029 Grease Cup Dimensions: Mechanical: 4.2 Cu. ft.; Manual: 2.7 Cu. ft.
K18023 Blank Lid, with seal
For ASTM Steel Grease Worker.
Use when heating samples prior to test.

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Penetration
Penetrometer Bath
• Conforms to ASTM and related specifications
• Conditions petroleum samples and others requiring close temperature
control prior to or during testing
• For use with manual and microprocessor penetrometer models
• Digital temperature control with low-liquid and overtemperature
safety cut off
Constant temperature water bath for conditioning samples prior to a
penetration test. Full visibility bath has a large shelf to accommodate a wide
range of sample containers, including all containers used in ASTM tests.
Sample containers can be left in the bath during the penetration test if required.
The base of the Koehler manual penetrometer can be placed directly on the
shelf of the bath, or the head assembly of the digital automatic model can be
reversed to overhang the bath. Microprocessor digital temperature control
maintains bath liquid temperature with ±0.05°C stability throughout the
operating range. A large LED provides bath temperature readout in switchable
°C/°F format and a dual-speed circulating pump assures temperature
uniformity. The bath is protected by a separate adjustable overtemperature
K95600 Penetrometer Bath thermostat and a low liquid cut-off. A built-in cooling coil is provided for
circulating a refrigerated coolant or tap water if needed.

Specifications
Conforms to the specifications of:
Ordering Information ASTM D5, D217, D937, D1321, D1403, D2884, D5329
Catalog No. Temperature Range: Ambient to 70°C
K95600 Penetrometer Bath, 115V 60Hz Temperature Stability: 0.05°C (0.1°F)
K95690 Penetrometer Bath, 230V 50/60Hz Electrical Requirements:
115V 60Hz, Single Phase, 9A
Accessories 220-240V 50/60Hz, Single Phase, 4.5A
250-000-17F ASTM 17F Thermometer
Range: 66 to 80°F Dimensions lxwxh,in.(cm)
250-000-17C ASTM 17C Thermometer 18x131⁄8x81⁄2 (45.7x33x21.6)
Range: 19 to 27°C Net Weight: 6 lbs (2.7kg)
250-000-63F ASTM 63F Thermometer
Range: 18 to 89°F Shipping Information
250-000-63C ASTM 63C Thermometer Shipping Weight: 10 lbs (4.5kg)
Range: –8 to +32°C Dimensions: 1.2 Cu. ft.
250-000-64F ASTM 64F Thermometer
Range: 77 to 131°F
250-000-64C ASTM 64C Thermometer
Range: 25 to 55°C

Please inquire with Koehler Customer Service about Stainless

Steel Bath option.
For NIST traceable certified thermometers, please refer to the ASTM Thermometer section on
pages 184 through 191.

29
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Additional Accessories
Additional equipment, materials and/or reagents are required to perform some
of the test procedures in the preceding pages. Please refer to the applicable
test method for further information, or contact Koehler for assistance.

Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease ................................Page 26

ASTM D217; IP 50; ISO 2137; DIN 51804; FTM 791-311, FTM 791-313

Spatula
Paper
Light Petroleum Naphtha

Needle Penetration of Petroleum Waxes...............................Page 26

ASTM D1321; IP 376; DIN 51579

Glycerin

Cone Penetration of Petrolatum..............................................Page 27

ASTM D937; IP 179; ISO 2137; DIN 51580

Laboratory Oven

Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease Using One-Quarter

and One-Half Scale Cone Equipment .....................................Page 27

ASTM D1403; IP 310; ISO 2137; DIN 51804

Spatula

30