ASTM D6417 - Estimation of Engine Oil Volatility by Capillary Gas Chromatography

Significance and Use  

5.1 The determination of engine oil volatility at 371 °C (700 °F) is a requirement in some lubricant specifications.

5.2 This test method is intended as an alternative to Test Methods D5800 and the Noack method for the determination of engine oil volatility (CEC L-40–93). The data obtained from this test method are not directly equivalent to Test Method D5800. The calculated results of the oil volatility estimation by this test method can be biased by the presence of additives (polymeric materials), which may not completely elute from the gas chromatographic column, or by heavier base oils not completely eluting from the column. The results of this test method may also not correlate with other oil volatility methods for nonhydrocarbon synthetic oils.

5.3 This test method can be used on lubricant products not within the scope of other test methods using simulated distillation methodologies, such as Test Method D6352.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers an estimation of the amount of engine oil volatilized at 371 °C (700 °F).

1.1.1 This test method can also be used to estimate the amount of oil volatilized at any temperature between 126 °C and 371 °C, if so desired.

1.2 This test method is limited to samples having an initial boiling point (IBP) greater than 126 °C (259 °F) or the first calibration point and to samples containing lubricant base oils with end points less than 615 °C (1139 °F) or the last n-paraffins in the calibration mixture. By using some instruments and columns, it is possible to extend the useful range of the test method.

1.3 This test method uses the principles of simulated distillation methodology.

1.4 This test method may be applied to both lubricant oil base stocks and finished lubricants containing additive packages. These additive packages generally contain high molecular weight, nonvolatile components that do not elute from the chromatographic column under the test conditions. The calculation procedure used in this test method assumes that all of the sample elutes from the column and is detected with uniform response. This assumption is not true for samples with nonvolatile additives, and application of this test method under such conditions will yield results higher than expected. For this reason, results by this test method are reported as area percent of oil.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are provided for information only.

Extracted, with permission, from ASTM D6417-15 - Estimation of Engine Oil Volatility by Capillary Gas Chromatography, copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428. A copy of the complete standard may be purchased from ASTM International, astm.org