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: D4304 − 17

Standard Specification for

Mineral and Synthetic Lubricating Oil Used in Steam or Gas
Turbines1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4304; 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.

1. Scope* 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-

1.1 This specification covers mineral and synthetic (API dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
group I, II, III, or IV) oils used in steam and gas turbine ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
lubrication systems where the performance requirements de- Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mand highly refined mineral or synthetic base oils compounded mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
with rust and oxidation inhibitors plus selected additives as Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
needed to control foam, wear, demulsibility, and so forth. This
standard may also be applied to “combined cycle” turbine 2. Referenced Documents
systems, where a single lubricant circulating system is used to 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
supply oil to a steam and gas turbine configured in tandem D92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland
either on a single or separate shaft for enhanced energy Open Cup Tester
efficiency. D97 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products
1.2 This specification is intended to define the properties of D130 Test Method for Corrosiveness to Copper from Petro-
mineral and synthetic oil-based turbine lubricating oils that are leum Products by Copper Strip Test
functionally interchangeable with existing oils of this type, are D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
compatible with most existing machinery components, and and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos-
with appropriate field maintenance, will maintain their func- ity)
tional characteristics. D664 Test Method for Acid Number of Petroleum Products
by Potentiometric Titration
1.3 This specification is intended to define only new lubri- D665 Test Method for Rust-Preventing Characteristics of
cating oil before it is installed in the machinery. Inhibited Mineral Oil in the Presence of Water
1.4 This specification is intended to be used as a guide. It is D892 Test Method for Foaming Characteristics of Lubricat-
possible that oils that do not meet this specification may ing Oils
perform satisfactorily in some turbines. D943 Test Method for Oxidation Characteristics of Inhibited
1.5 This specification does not include API Group V fluids. Mineral Oils
For polyol ester fluids used to lubricate land-based gas D974 Test Method for Acid and Base Number by Color-
turbines, the user is referred to the current version of military Indicator Titration
specification MIL-PRF-23699 for fluid performance require- D1401 Test Method for Water Separability of Petroleum Oils
ments. For phosphate ester fluids used as turbine lubricants or and Synthetic Fluids
steam turbine electro-hydraulic control (EHC) fluids, the user D1500 Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products
is referred to the current version of Specification D4293 for (ASTM Color Scale)
fluid performance requirements. D2272 Test Method for Oxidation Stability of Steam Tur-
bine Oils by Rotating Pressure Vessel
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as D2422 Classification of Industrial Fluid Lubricants by Vis-
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this cosity System
standard. D3339 Test Method for Acid Number of Petroleum Products
by Semi-Micro Color Indicator Titration
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
2
Subcommittee D02.C0.01 on Turbine Oil Monitoring, Problems and Systems. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 1, 2017. Published June 2017. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D4304 – 13. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D4304-17. the ASTM website.

*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
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Apr 14 16:20:29 EDT 2020
1
Downloaded/printed by
TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY (TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D4304 − 17
D3427 Test Method for Air Release Properties of Hydrocar- characteristic. Type I oils are generally satisfactory for turbine
bon Based Oils sets where bearing temperatures do not exceed 110 °C.
D4052 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API 3.1.2 Type II mineral or synthetic oils, n—oils for steam,
Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter gas, or combined cycle turbine lubricating systems where the
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and machinery requires enhanced load carrying capacity.
Petroleum Products 3.1.2.1 Discussion—Type II oils usually are available in
D4293 Specification for Phosphate Ester Based Fluids for ISO VG 32, 46, 68, 100, and 150. These oils are similar to Type
Turbine Lubrication and Steam Turbine Electro-Hydraulic I but contain additional anti-wear additives for use in turbines
Control (EHC) Applications equipped with a gearbox. Type II oils are generally satisfactory
D4310 Test Method for Determination of Sludging and for turbine sets where bearing temperatures do not exceed
Corrosion Tendencies of Inhibited Mineral Oils 110 °C. Oils ISO VG 68 and above have been used in marine,
D5182 Test Method for Evaluating the Scuffing Load Ca- hydro, or water turbines.
pacity of Oils (FZG Visual Method)
3.1.3 Type III mineral or synthetic oils, n—oils for heavy
D6304 Test Method for Determination of Water in Petro-
duty gas or combined cycle turbine lubricating systems where
leum Products, Lubricating Oils, and Additives by Cou-
the lubricant shall withstand higher temperatures and exhibit
lometric Karl Fischer Titration
higher thermal stability than Type I or Type II oils.
D6439 Guide for Cleaning, Flushing, and Purification of
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Type III oils usually are available in
Steam, Gas, and Hydroelectric Turbine Lubrication Sys-
ISO VG 32 and 46. Such oils are normally comprised of a
tems
highly refined mineral or synthetic base oil (API group I, II, III,
D7155 Practice for Evaluating Compatibility of Mixtures of
or IV) with suitable rust and oxidation inhibitors in addition to
Turbine Lubricating Oils
other additives as needed to meet specified performance
D7546 Test Method for Determination of Moisture in New
characteristics. Type III oils are formulated for use in turbine
and In-Service Lubricating Oils and Additives by Relative
sets where bearing temperatures may exceed 110 °C. The
Humidity Sensor
turbine lubrication systems using Type III oils may be
D7547 Specification for Hydrocarbon Unleaded Aviation
equipped with a gearbox that may require the selection of oils
Gasoline
that contain additional anti-wear additives to impart the speci-
D7647 Test Method for Automatic Particle Counting of
fied load carrying capacity.
Lubricating and Hydraulic Fluids Using Dilution Tech-
niques to Eliminate the Contribution of Water and Inter- 3.1.4 functional properties, n—those properties of the min-
fering Soft Particles by Light Extinction eral or synthetic lubricating oil that are required for satisfactory
operation of the machinery. These properties are listed in
2.2 ISO Standards:3
Section 5.
ISO 4406–99 Particle Count Analysis
ISO 6072 Rubber—Compatibility Between Hydraulic Flu- 4. Sampling, Testing, and System Preparation
ids and Standard Elastomeric Materials 4.1 Sampling—Generally, take all oil samples in accordance
ISO 8068 Lubricatns, Industrial Oils and Related Products with Practice D4057.
(Class L)—Family T (Turbines)—Specification for Lubri-
cating Turbines 4.2 Use the ASTM and other test methods described in
Tables 1-3.
2.3 Military Standards:
MIL-PRF-23699G Performance Specification Lubricating 4.3 Test Method D6439 should be referenced for turbine
Oil, Aircraft Turbine Engine, Synthetic Base, NATO Code flushing guidance.
Numbers: O-152, O-154, O-156, and O-1674 4.4 Practice D7155 should be referenced to confirm oil to
oil compatibility.
3. Terminology
5. Functional Property Requirements
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Type I mineral or synthetic oils, n—oils for steam, gas, 5.1 Mineral and synthetic lubricating oils conforming to the
or combined cycle turbine lubricating systems where the specification shall meet the functional property limits specified
machinery does not require lubricants with enhanced load in 5.2 – 5.4 and Tables 1-3. The significance of these properties
carrying capacity. is discussed in Appendix X1.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Type I oils usually are available in ISO 5.2 Requirements for Type I oils are shown in Table 1.
VG 32, 46, 68 and 100 (see Classification D2422). Such oils 5.3 Requirements for Type II oils are shown in Table 2.
normally contain rust and oxidation inhibitors in addition to
5.4 Requirements for Type III oils are shown in Table 3.
other additives as required to meet the specified performance
6. Keywords
3
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
6.1 combined cycle turbine oil; gas turbine oil; mineral oil;
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org. R and O oils; steam turbine oil; synthetic turbine oil; turbine
4
Available from US Military document web site, http://quicksearch.dla.mil/ lubricating oils; turbine lubrication systems

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Apr 14 16:20:29 EDT 2020
2
Downloaded/printed by
TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY (TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D4304 − 17
TABLE 1 Requirements for Type I Turbine Oils
NOTE 1—The nature of some turbine oil tests are such that they are not necessarily run on each batch of lubricant. The values are only recommended
values. A turbine oil that has been shown to perform successfully in the intended application may be suitable for use even if all values or limits in Table
1 have not been satisfied.
Physical Test Method Limits
ISO—viscosity grade D2422 32 46 68 100
ASTM Color, rating D1500 report report report report
Specific Gravity at 15.6/15.6 °C D4052 report report report report
Flash point, °C, min D92 180 180 180 180
Pour point, °C, max D97A −6 −6 −6 −6
Water Content, m%, max D6304 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02
Viscosity, cSt (mm2/s) 40 °C D445 28.8–35.2 41.4–50.6 61.2–74.8 90–110
Visual examination at 20 °C ... clear and bright
Chemical:
Total Acid Number, mg KOH/g, max D974B report report report report
Performance
Emulsion characteristics: D1401C
at 54 °C, minutes to 3 mL emulsion, max 30 30 30 N/A
at 82 °C, minutes to 3 mL emulsion, max N/A N/A N/A 60
Foaming characteristics: D892
Sequence I, tendency/stability, mL, max 50/0 50/0 50/0 50/0
Air release, 50 °C, minutes max D3427 5 5 8 17
Rust preventing characteristics D665, Procedure B Pass Pass Pass Pass
Copper corrosion, 3 h at 100 °C, max D130 1 1 1 1
Oxidation stability:D
Hours to neut. No. 2.0, min D943D 2000 2000 1500 1000
Minutes to 175 kPa drop, min D2272 350 350 175 150
1000–h TOST Sludge, mg, max D4310C 200 200 200 ...
1000–h TOST, Total acid number, mg KOH/g, max D4310 report report report ...

Elastomer Compatibility SRE NBR1, or ISO 6072E –4 to 15 –4 to 15 –4 to 15 N/A

SRENBR- 28P or SRE-NBR-28PX
(168 h ± 2 h at 100 °C ± 1 °C) volume change
% minimum to maximum

Elastomer Compatibility SRE NBR 1, or ISO 6072E –8 to 8 –8 to 8 –8 to 8 N/A

SRENBR- 28P or SRE-NBR-28PX
(168 h ± 2 h at 100 °C ± 1 °C),
hardness change minimum to maximum

Cleanliness as filled into turbine, rating, max ISO 4406–99F 18/16/13 18/16/13 18/16/13 18/16/13
A
Lower pour point may be required for some applications.
B
Test Method D664 may be used as an alternative test method.
C
Applies only to steam turbine oils and combined cycle turbine oils, for example, turbine oils with exposure to water.
D
Test Method D943 is the accepted test method for oxidation stability of new steam turbine oils. It is recognized that Test Method D943 is a lengthy procedure. Test Method
D2272 is a shorter test for quality control. See X1.3.6 for significance of Test Method D2272.
E
Test limits based on ISO 8068 guidance for turbine oils.
F
Systems where the turbine oil is used as the control oil may require lower particle counts, suggest 16/14/11.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Apr 14 16:20:29 EDT 2020
3
Downloaded/printed by
TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY (TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D4304 − 17
TABLE 2 Requirements for Type II Turbine Oils
NOTE 1—The nature of some tests are such that they are not necessarily run on each batch. The values are only recommended values. An oil that has
been shown to perform successfully in the intended application may be suitable for use even if all values in Table 2 have not been satisfied.
Physical Test Method Limits
ISO—viscosity grade D2422 32 46 68 100 150
ASTM Color, rating D1500 report report report report report
Specific Gravity at 15.6/15.6 °C D4052 report report report report report
Flash point, °C, min D92 180 180 180 180 210
Pour point, °C, max D97A –5 –5 −5 −5 −5
Water Content, m%, max 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02
Viscosity, cSt, 40 °C (mm2/s) D445 28.8–35.2 41.4–50.6 61.2–74.8 90–110 135–165
Visual examination at 20 °C ... clear and bright
Chemical:
Total Acid Number, mg KOH/g, max D974B 0.2 0.2 0.2 report report
Performance:
Emulsion Characteristics:C D1401
at 54 °C, minutes to 3 mL emulsion, max 30 30 30 ... ...
at 82 °C, minutes to 3 mL emulsion, max ... ... ... 60 60
Foaming characteristics: D892
Sequence I, tendency/stability, mL, max 50/0 50/0 50/0 50/0 50/0
Air release, 50 °C minutes max D3427 5 5 10 17 25
Rust preventing characteristics D665, Procedure B pass pass pass pass pass
Copper corrosion, 3 h at 100 °C, max D130 1 1 1 1 1
Oxidation stability:D
Hours to neut. No. 2.0, min D943D 3500 3000 2500 1000 1000
Minutes to 175 kPa drop, min D2272 350 350 175 150 150

Elastomer Compatibility SRE NBR1, ISO 6072E –4 to 15 –4 to 15 –4 to 15 N/A N/A

or SRE-NBR-28P or SRE-NBR-28PX
(168 h ± 2 h at 100 °C ± 1 °C) volume change
% minimum to maximum

Elastomer Compatibility SRE NBR 1, or ISO 6072E –8 to 8 –8 to 8 –8 to 8 N/A N/A

SRE-NBR-28P or SRE-NBR-28PX
(168 h ± 2 h at 100 °C ± 1 °C),
hardness change minimum to maximum

Cleanliness as filled into turbine, rating, max ISO 4406–99F 18/16/13 18/16/13 18/16/13 18/16/13 18/16/13
Load carrying capacity:
FZF Scuffing fail stage, min D5182G 8 8 8 9 9
A
Lower pour point may be required for some applications.
B
Test Method D664 may be used as alternative method.
C
Applies only to steam turbine oils and combined cycle turbine oils, for example, turbine oils with exposure to water.
D
Test Method D943 is the accepted test method for oxidation stability of new steam turbine oils. It is recognized that Test Method D943 is a lengthy procedure. Thus, Test
Method D2272 is a suggested shorter test for quality control. See X1.3.6 for significance of Test Method D2272.
E
Test limits based on ISO 8068 guidance for turbine oils.
F
Systems where the turbine oil is used as the control oil may require lower particle counts, suggest 16/14/11. Confirm OEM specific guidance.
G
Higher values may be required for some applications.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Apr 14 16:20:29 EDT 2020
4
Downloaded/printed by
TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY (TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D4304 − 17
TABLE 3 Requirements for Type III Turbine Oils
NOTE 1—The nature of some turbine oil tests is such that they are not necessarily run on each batch of lubricant. The values are only recommended
values. A turbine oil that has been shown to perform successfully in the intended application may be suitable for use even if all values or limits in Table
3 have not been satisfied.
Physical Test Method Limits
ISO—viscosity grade D2422 32 46
ASTM Color, rating D1500 report report
Specific Gravity at 15.6/15.6 °C D4052 report report
Flash point, °C, min D92 200 200
Pour point, °C, max D97A −6 −6
Water Content, m %, max D6304 0.02 0.02
Viscosity, cSt (mm2/s) 40 °C D445 28.8–35.2 41.4–50.6
Visual examination at 20 °C ... clear and bright
Chemical:
Total Acid Number, mg KOH/g, max D974B report report
Performance:
Emulsion characteristics: D1401C
at 54 °C, minutes to 3 mL emulsion, max 30 30
Foaming Characteristics: D892
Sequence I, tendency/stability, mL, max 50/0 50/0
Air release, 50 °C, minutes max D3427 5 5
Rust preventing characteristics D665, Procedure B Pass Pass
Copper corrosion, 3 h at 100 °C, max D130 1 1
Oxidation stability:D
Hours to neut. No. 2.0, min D943D 5000 5000
RPVOT, minutes to 175 kPa drop, min D2272 750 750
RPVOT, retention after nitrogen treatment, % , min D2272, modifiedE 85 85
1000-h TOST sludge, mg, max D4310C 200 200
1000-h TOST, total acid number, mg KOH/g, max D4310 report report

Elastomer Compatibility SRE NBR1, or ISO 6072F –4 to 15 –4 to 15

SRE-NBR-28P or SRE-NBR-28PX
(168 h ± 2 h at 100 °C ± 1 °C) volume change
% minimum to maximum

Elastomer Compatibility SRE NBR 1, or ISO 6072F –8 to 8 –8 to 8

SRE-NBR-28P or SRE-NBR-28PX
(168 h ± 2 h at 100 °C ± 1 °C), hardness change
minimum to maximum

Cleanliness as filled into turbine rating, max ISO 4406–99G 18/16/13 18/16/13
Load carrying capacity: (optional)
H
FZG Scuffing, fail stage, min D5182 report report
A
Lower pour point may be required for some applications.
B
Test Method D664 may be used as an alternative test method.
C
Applies only to steam turbine oils and combined cycle turbine oils, for example, turbine oils with exposure to water.
D
Test Method D943 is the accepted test method for oxidation stability of new steam turbine oils. It is recognized that Test Method D943 is a lengthy procedure. Test Method
D2272 is a shorter test for quality control. See X1.3.6 for significance of Test Method D2272.
E
Test Method D2272 is performed after the treatment of oil at 121 °C by bubbling clean and dry nitrogen for 48 h at the rate of 3 l/h. The result is expressed as the percent
of life versus the sample without treatment.
F
Test limits based on ISO 8068 guidance for turbine oils.
G
Systems where the turbine oil is used as the control oil may require lower particle counts, suggest 16/14/11. Confirm OEM specific guidance.
H
FZG scuffing test may be required for some geared applications. The required value should be negotiated with the end user.

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. SIGNIFICANCE OF FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF TURBINE OILS

X1.1 Physical Properties X1.1.2 Flash Point, Test Method D92—Flash point is the
X1.1.1 ISO-Viscosity Grade, Classification D2422—The In- temperature at which the fluid contained in a test cup and
ternational Standards Organization has established a viscosity heated at a constant rate will flash but not continue to burn
classification system for industrial fluid lubricants. Such lubri- when a flame is passed over the cup. It is indirectly a measure
cants are classified by grades designated as ISO-VG based on of both the volatility of the oil and the flammability of these
their viscosities in centistokes at 40 °C. The choice of viscosity volatiles contained therein. This is mainly of value as a quality
grade for use in a particular turbine should comply with the control test and for regulatory reasons.
turbine manufacturer’s recommendations.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Apr 14 16:20:29 EDT 2020
5
Downloaded/printed by
TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY (TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D4304 − 17
X1.1.3 Pour Point, Test Method D97—The pour point is an X1.2.2 Acid Number by Semi-micro Color-Indicator
indication of the lowest temperature at which the oil will flow Titration, Test Method D3339—This test method, which can be
by gravity. The fluid viscosity must allow the system to start up used in cases in which the amount of sample available to be
and operate at low temperatures. As a practical rule, the fluid analyzed is too small to allow accurate analysis by Test Method
should have a pour point 10 °C below the minimum expected D974, is an alternative to Test Method D974. Test Methods
ambient temperature. D974 and D3339 correlate within the precision for the two test
X1.1.4 Viscosity, Test Method D445—The viscosity of a methods.
turbine oil determines its ability to flow in a lubrication system X1.3 Performance Properties
and to support bearing loads, transfer heat, and operate
hydraulic controls. X1.3.1 Emulsion Characteristics, Test Method D1401—
This test method is used to measure the ability of an oil to
X1.1.5 Visual Examination and ASTM Color, Test Method separate gross amounts of water. Water in turbine systems can
D1500—In the manufacture, distribution, and use of turbine promote oil oxidation, reduce oil stability, promote sludge
oils, fresh oils should be examined for appearance and clarity formation, promote foaming, form emulsions, promote rusting
as a check against contamination. Oils may be compared to a and corrosion, reduce additive concentration, impede
standard reference sample. lubrication, alter fluid viscosity, reduce filter life, and foster
X1.1.6 Cleanliness Test Methods—Insoluble contaminants, bacterial growth.
including metallic and nonmetallic materials, can cause abra- X1.3.2 Foaming Characteristics, Test Method D892—In oil
sive wear of bearings, pumps, and seals; faulty control func- systems having high circulation rates, it is important that air
tioning; plugged oil lines; and reduced filter life. There are introduced through seals or at the reservoir tank is rapidly
several recommended standards for lubrication system clean- released from the fluid without collecting as foam. Foam can
liness published by technical societies and equipment manu- produce cavitation and impede proper oil circulation. Test
facturers. Method D892 measures the tendency of the oil to form foam
X1.1.6.1 Insolubles particles may be evaluated by different and the stability of such foam. There are three sequences:
techniques, such as microscopic particle analysis and counting Sequence I at 24 °C; Sequence II at 93.5 °C; and Sequence III
or electronic particle counting according to ISO 4406–99, is at 24 °C, using the same sample tested in Sequence II.
recommended. (No standard test method is identified.)
X1.3.3 Air Release, Test Method D3427—Agitation of lu-
X1.1.6.2 Automatic Particle Counting, Test Method D7647 bricating oil with air in equipment may produce a dispersion of
for lubricating and hydraulic fluids using dilution techniques to finely divided air bubbles in the oil. If the residence time in the
eliminate the contribution of water and interfering soft particles reservoir is too short to allow air bubbles to rise to the surface,
by light extinction. a mixture of air and oil will circulate through the lubrication
X1.1.7 Water Content—Knowledge of the water content of system. This may result in the loss of oil pressure, incomplete
turbine oils is important for assessing quality during transfer oil films in contact zones, and if the oil is used in a hydraulic
and use. system, poor system performance. This test method measures
X1.1.7.1 Test Method D6304—This test method covers the the time for entrained air content to fall to the relatively low
direct determination of water in the range of 10 mg ⁄kg to value of 0.2 % volume under standardized test conditions, and
25 000 mg ⁄kg entrained water in petroleum products. Alterna- hence permits the comparison of the oil’s capacity to separate
tive methods suitable for determining trace amounts of water entrained air over a period of time.
may also be used. X1.3.4 Rust Preventive Characteristics, Test Method
X1.1.7.2 Test Method D7546—For determining the mois- D665—This test method measures the ability of an oil to
ture in new and in-service lubrication oils and additives by prevent rusting of steel surfaces when water is present.
relative humidity sensor. Distilled water is used with Procedure A and synthetic sea
X1.1.8 Specific Gravity, Test Method D4052—For shipping water with Procedure B. Procedure A, distilled water, is
and handling logistics, specific gravity, which is the ratio of the typically reserved for testing of in-service oils, where Proce-
mass of a given volume to the mass of an equal volume of dure B, synthetic sea water, is typically utilized in new oil
water, is used. Therefore, specific gravity is dimensionless. The testing.
specific gravity of mineral oils generally varies from 0.83 to X1.3.5 Copper Corrosion, Test Method D130—This test
0.98. method indicates the relative tendency of oils to corrode copper
and copper alloys that may be present in the lubrication system.
X1.2 Chemical Properties X1.3.6 Oxidation Stability—Several laboratory tests are
X1.2.1 Acid Number by Color–Indicator Titration, Test used to indicate oxidation stability of mineral oils, and there is
Method D974—The total acid number is the milligrams of a continuing search to correlate these test results with field
potassium hydroxide (KOH) required to neutralize the acidic experience. The test methods referenced in this document are
constituents in a gram of sample. The initial acid number is Test Methods D943 and D2272.
influenced by base oil and additives. Oils in service oxidize to X1.3.6.1 Test Method D943 reports the time in hours for the
form acids. Thus changes in acid number can be used to acidity to reach 2.0 mg of KOH per gram of sample in a sample
monitor the progress of oxidation of the oil. of oil containing water, in the presence of a steel and copper

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Apr 14 16:20:29 EDT 2020
6
Downloaded/printed by
TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY (TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D4304 − 17
wire coiled together and maintained at a temperature of 95 °C at 95 °C (203 °F) for 1000 h. The test is performed using the
(203 °F) with oxygen passing through. This test method Test Method D943 test apparatus. The weight of insoluble
includes the following statements: material is determined gravimetrically by filtration of the
“This method is widely used for specification purposes and oxidation tube contents through a 5-µm pore size filter disk.
is considered of value in estimating the oxidation stability of The determination of the acid number at 1000 h also provides
lubricants, especially those that are prone to water contamina- some indication of the degree to which the oil has become
tion.” oxidized.
“It should be recognized, however, that correlation between (1) Test Method D4310 is most applicable to systems prone
results of this test method and the oxidation stability of a to water ingression, that is, steam turbines. In the case of
lubricant in field service may vary markedly with field service standalone gas turbine systems, excessive water ingress is
conditions and with various lubricants.” abnormal. A modification of Test Method D4310 without water
“Furthermore, in the course of testing a lubricant by this test together with a higher test temperature might be considered. It
method, other signs of deterioration, such as sludge formation should be recognized that no correlation has been established
or catalyst coil corrosion, may appear which are not reflected in between results of this test method and actual field service,
the calculated oxidation lifetime. For cases when it is desired to which may vary markedly with turbine operating conditions
measure sludge formation or catalyst coil corrosion, Test and with various lubricants. Oil samples have exhibited accept-
Method D4310 should be used.” able Test Method D4310 results, and yet some turbine systems
X1.3.6.2 In Test Method D2272, the test oil, water, and have encountered sludge and varnish deposits that can cause
copper catalyst coil, contained in a covered glass container, are unplanned trips or control device failures.
placed in a pressure vessel equipped with a pressure gage. The X1.3.6.4 The correlation of oxidation laboratory test results
pressure vessel is charged with oxygen to a pressure of 90 psi with field service is a difficult one. The tests used and the
(620 kPa), placed in a constant-temperature oil bath set at values given in this specification are a representation of the
150°C, and rotated axially at 100 r/min at an angle of 30° from present state of the art.
the horizontal. The time for the test oil to react with a given
volume of oxygen is measured, completion of the time being X1.3.7 Load Carrying Capacity Test Method D5182—This
indicated by a specific drop in pressure. This test method test method measures the scuffing load capacity of a turbine oil
includes the following statements: in a four square-type gear rig. An FZG Gear Test Machine
“This test method utilizes an oxygen-pressured vessel to (A/83/90°C) is operated at constant speed for a fixed period at
evaluate the oxidation stability of new and in-service turbine successively increasing loads until a predetermined level of
oils having the same composition (base stock and additives). gear scuffing and scoring is reached.
This estimation of oxidation stability is useful in controlling X1.3.8 ISO 6072 Rubber—Compatibility between hydraulic
the continuity of this property. For batch acceptance of fluids and standard elastomeric materials. Rubber articles
production lots having the same composition. It is not intended resembling NBR1 may deteriorate during exposure to turbine
that this test method be a substitute for Test Method D943 or be oil which may affect the performance of the rubber part and
used to compare the service lives of new oils of different may result in partial failure. Utilizing the limits established in
compositions. This test method is also used to assess the ISO 8068 Specification for turbine lubricating oils ASTM
remaining oxidation life of in-service oils.” D4304 attempts to simulate service conditions through con-
X1.3.6.3 Sludge Tendency—Test Method D4310 is used to trolled accelerated testing. However this may not give any
evaluate the tendency of inhibited mineral oil based steam direct correlation with actual part performance, since service
turbine oils and anti-wear hydraulic oils to form sludge during conditions vary too widely. It yields comparative data on which
oxidation in the presence of oxygen, water, and metal catalysts to base judgment as to expected service quality.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee D02.C0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D4304 – 13) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved June 1, 2017.)

(1) Revised subsection 1.5; added Specification D4293 and

MIL-PRF-23699G to Section 2.

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Apr 14 16:20:29 EDT 2020
7
Downloaded/printed by
TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY (TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
 D4304 − 17
ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/

Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Apr 14 16:20:29 EDT 2020
8
Downloaded/printed by
TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY (TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.