This standard describes an apparatus that provides the versatility required to conduct oxidation or thermal stability tests on liquids using a wide variety of test conditions. It is sufficiently flexible so that new test conditions can be chosen in response to the changing demands of the marketplace.

Procedures using this apparatus are described in the following ASTM standard test methods: D 5763, D 5846, and D 6514. Other procedures may be in use, but they have not been developed as ASTM standard test methods.

1.1 This guide covers an apparatus used to measure the oxidation or thermal stability of liquids by subjecting them to temperatures in the range from 50 to 375°C in the presence of air, oxygen, nitrogen, or other gases at flow rates of 1.5 to 13 L/h, or in the absence of gas flow. Stability may be measured in the presence or absence of water or soluble or insoluble catalysts. Gases evolved may be allowed to escape, condensed and collected, or condensed and returned to the test cell.

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.