1.1 This test method covers a procedure for the determination of basic constituents in petroleum products and new and used lubricants. This test method resolves these constituents into groups having weak-base and strong-base ionization properties, provided the dissociation constants of the more strongly basic compounds are at least 1000 times than that of the next weaker groups. This test method covers base numbers up to 250.
1.2 In new and used lubricants, the constituents that can be considered to have basic properties are primarily organic and inorganic bases, including amino compounds. This test method uses hydrochloric acid as the titrant, whereas Test Method D 2896
1.3 When testing used engine lubricants, it should be recognized that certain weak bases are the result of the service rather than having been built into the oil. This test method can be used to indicate relative changes that occur in oil during use under oxidizing or other service conditions regardless of the color or other properties of the resulting oil. The values obtained, however, are intended to be compared with the other values obtained by this test method only; base numbers obtained by this test method are not intended to be equal to values by other test methods. Although the analysis is made under closely specified conditions, this test method is not intended to, and does not, result in reported basic properties that can be used under all service conditions to predict performance of an oil; for example, no overall relationship is known between bearing corrosion or the control of corrosive wear in the engine and base number.
1.4 This test method was developed as an alternative for the former base number portion of Test Method D 664
1.4.1 Colorimetric test methods for base number are Test Method D 974
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 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 appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
New and used petroleum products can contain basic constituents that are present as additives. The relative amount of these materials can be determined by titration with acids. The base number is a measure of the amount of basic substances in the oil always under the conditions of the test. It is sometimes used as a measure of lubricant degradation in service. However, any condemning limit shall be empirically established.
5.2 As stated in 1.2, this test method uses a weaker acid to titrate the base than Test Method D 2896
5.3 Particular care is required in the interpretation of the base number of new and used lubricants.
5.3.1 When the base number of the new oil is required as an expression of its manufactured quality, Test Method D 2896
5.3.2 When the base number of in-service or at-term oil is required, this test method is preferred because in many cases, especially for internal combustion engine oils, weakly basic degradation products are possible. Test Method D 2896
5.3.3 When the loss of base number value, as the oils proceed in service, is the consideration, this test method is to be preferred and all values including the unused oil shall be determined by this test method. Base numbers obtained by this test method shall not be related to base numbers obtained by another test method such as Test Method D 2896
5.3.4 In ASTM Interlaboratory Crosscheck Programs for both new and used lubricants, historically Test Method D 2896
SDO | ASTM: ASTM International |
Document Number | D4739 |
Publication Date | Feb. 1, 2008 |
Language | en - English |
Page Count | 8 |
Revision Level | 08 |
Supercedes | |
Committee | D02.06 |