ASTM D665
Standard Test Method for Rust-Preventing Characteristics of Inhibited Mineral
Oils in the presence of Water
ASTM D665 is the standard method that evaluates the rust-preventing characteristics of inhibited mineral oils particularly steam-turbine oils, when they come mixed with water. Other oils, like hydraulic and circulating oils can also be tested by the ASTM D665 standard. Provisions are specified for heavier-than-water fluids as well as for the chemical resistance of holders and beakers in the testing of synthetic fluids like phosphate esters.
Corrosion is a serious threat to the integrity of installations and equipment of the Oil and Gas Industries. Conservative estimates from the World Corrosion Organization (WCO), the annual cost in maintenance and shutdowns amount to 2.5 billion dollars worldwide”. Its management involves monitoring pipelines, equipment and installations by remote visual inspection, ultrasound, digital radiography, electromagnetic methods and the direct analysis of streams, materials and lubricants. Additives and surface coatings are used in a widespread of formulations to mitigate the problem. Despite the big economic impact of the corrosiveness of products and materials, the methods are characterized by having a subjective operator’s visual rating with a considerable biased appreciation. The method revision and development strive to improve the precision and reduce bias as possible, so the automatic digital detection imaging rating technique is amply justified. (Aaron Mendez Ph.D.)
ASTM D665 Method Summary:
Mix 300 mL of the oil with 30 mL of distilled water or synthetic sea water, at a temperature of 60 ± 1°C with a cylindrical steel test rod totally immersed in the vessel. The mineral oil rust prevention test is run for 4 h; however, this time might change depending on contract agreements. At the end of the mineral oil rust prevention test, the specimen is inspected for signs and degrees of rusting.
Significance and Use:
Lubricants in normal operation, can get in contact with steam and water affecting both the lubricity and the inherent resistance of them to oxidize pipelines and equipment. In the final formulations, certain proprietary dosage of rust inhibitors is added to control corrosion more efficiently. This method is widely used for the determination of specification of fresh products and for the monitoring of the performance of in-service oils.
Automatic Procedure for Digital Detection Imaging Rating:
ASTM D665 for testing mineral oil rust prevention is strictly adhered to as described in the Standard’s Last Revision.