Federal Test Method 3021.5 is
intended for use in the determination of the emulsifying tendencies of
lubricating oils. The test consists of
placing 40 ml each of the
test oil and
of either distilled
water or a one per cent
salt solution in a 100 ml
graduated cylinder. The cylinder
is then placed in
a bath regulated to
either 130 0r 180 degree F
and the
contents stirred with a paddle
at 1500 rpm for
5 minutes. Following this, while still
maintaining the cylinder at
the test temperature , the time required for
the emulsion to break
is noted.
In the
case of circulating oils where
the lubricant may become
contaminated with water, a firm
emulsion would interfere
with both circulation and lubrication. Therefore, under such conditions
of operation, oils
which show little
tendency to emulsify
are desirable.
