Degradation of fluid lubricants because of oxidation or thermal breakdown can result in fluid thickening or in the formation of acids or insoluble solids and render the fluid unfit for further use as a lubricant.

This test method can be used for estimating the oxidation stability of oils. It can function as a formulation screening tool, specification requirement, quality control measurement, or as a means of estimating remaining service life. It shall be recognized, however, that correlation between results of this test method and the oxidation stability of an oil in field service can vary markedly with field service conditions and with various oils.

This test method is designed to compliment Test Method D 5846 and is intended for evaluation of fluids which do not degrade significantly within a reasonable period of time at 135°C.

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for evaluating the oxidation of inhibited lubricants in the presence of air, copper, and iron metals.

1.2 This test method was developed and is used to evaluate the high temperature oxidation stability and deposit forming tendency of oils for steam and gas turbines. It has been used for testing other lubricants made with mineral oil and synthetic basestocks for compressors, hydraulic pumps, and other applications, but these have not been used in cooperative testing.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 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. Identified hazardous chemicals are listed in Section 7. Before using this test method, refer to suppliers' safety labels, Material Safety Data Sheets and other technical literature.