NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.

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Designation: D217 − 17

Designation: 50/88

Standard Test Methods for

Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D217; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 1.2 None of the four procedures is considered suitable for

1.1 These test methods cover four procedures for measuring the measurement of the consistency of petrolatums by penetra-
the consistency of lubricating greases by the penetration of a tion. Test Method D937 should be used for such products.
cone of specified dimensions, mass, and finish. The penetration 1.3 The dimensions of the equipment described in these test
is measured in tenths of a millimetre. methods are given in SI units as the primary unit of measure
NOTE 1—The National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI)2 classified
with equivalent imperial units as accetpable alternatives where
greases according to their consistency as measured by the worked applicable. In cases where equivalent SI conversions are not
penetration. The classification system is as follows: known, notes are added for clarification. Temperatures and
NLGI Worked Penetration Range, other dimensions are given in the preferred SI units; the values
Consistency Number 25 °C (77 °F) shown in parentheses are provided for information.

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000 445 to 475
00 400 to 430 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
0 355 to 385 safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the

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1 310 to 340
2 265 to 295
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3 220 to 250 priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4 175 to 205 bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5
6 Document Preview
130 to 160
85 to 115
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.1.1 The procedures for unworked, worked, and prolonged
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
worked penetration are applicable to greases having penetra-
tions between 85 and 475, that is, to greases with consistency ASTM D217-17
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
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numbers between NLGI 6 and NLGI 000. An undisturbed
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
penetration test, described in Appendix X1, is similar to the
unworked penetration test. 2. Referenced Documents
1.1.2 The block penetration procedure is applicable to
2.1 ASTM Standards:3
greases that are sufficiently hard to hold their shape. Such
D937 Test Method for Cone Penetration of Petrolatum
greases usually have penetrations below eighty-five tenths of a
D1403 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating
millimetre.
Grease Using One-Quarter and One-Half Scale Cone
1.1.3 Unworked penetrations do not generally represent the
Equipment
consistency of greases in use as effectively as do worked
penetrations. The latter are usually preferred for inspecting 3. Terminology
lubricating greases.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 consistency, n—of lubricating grease, the degree of
1
resistance to movement under stress.
These test methods are the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum
Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and are the direct responsibility of
3.1.1.1 Discussion—The term consistency is used somewhat
Subcommittee D02.G0.02 on Consistency and Related Rheological Tests. In the IP, synonymously with penetration. Generally, consistency refers
these test methods are under the jurisdiction of the Standardization Committee. to the worked penetration of a grease.
These test methods were adopted as a joint ASTM-IP standard in 1969.
Current edition approved May 1, 2017. Published June 2017. Originally
3
approved in 1925. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D217 – 16. DOI: For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10.1520/D0217-17. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
National Lubricating Grease Institute, 4635 Wyandotte St., Kansas City, MO Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
64112-1596. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D217 − 17
3.1.2 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two
surfaces that reduces the friction or wear between them.
3.1.3 lubricating grease, n—a semi-fluid to solid product of
a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—The dispersion of the thickener forms a
two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by
surface tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients are
commonly included to impart special properties.
3.1.4 penetrometer, n—an instrument that measures the
consistency or hardness of semiliquid to semisolid materials by
measuring the depth to which a specified cone or needle under
a given force falls into the material.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—In this test method, either a standard
penetrometer 6.2 or an optional penetrometer cone A1.3 can be
used to determine the consistency of lubricating greases. The
penetration force is determined by the mass of the cone and the
shaft.
3.1.5 thickener, n—in lubricating grease, a substance com-
posed of finely divided particles dispersed in a liquid lubricant
to form the product’s structure.
3.1.5.1 Discussion—The thickener can be fibers (such as
various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain
non-soap thickeners) which are insoluble or, at most, only very
slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general require-
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ments are that the solid particles be extremely small, uniformly
dispersed, and capable of forming a relatively stable, gel-like

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structure with the liquid lubricant.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: FIG. 1 Penetrometer

etration at 25 °C (77 °F) determinedDocument

on the freshly prepared Preview
3.2.1 block penetration, n—of lubricating grease, the pen-

face of a cube cut from a sample that is sufficiently hard to hold 4. Summary of Test Method
its shape.
ASTM D217-17 4.1 For unworked penetration, the sample is brought to
3.2.2 penetration, n—of lubricating grease, the depth that 25 °C 6 0.5 °C (77 °F 6 1 °F) using a temperature bath. The
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the standard cone (see A1.1), enters the sample when released sample is then transferred with as little manipulation as
to fall under its own weight for 5 s. possible into a worker cup (or other suitable container), if not
3.2.3 penetrometer, n—an instrument (see Fig. 1) designed placed there before the temperature stabilization step. The cone
to measure the depth to which the standard cone falls into the assembly of the penetrometer is released and allowed to drop
grease. freely into the grease for 5 s 6 0.1 s. Three determinations are
made and averaged to give the reported result.
3.2.4 prolonged worked penetration, n—of lubricating
grease, the penetration of a sample after it has been worked 4.2 For worked penetration, the sample is brought to 25 °C
more than 60 double strokes in a standard grease worker at a 6 0.5 °C (77 °F 6 1 °F) and placed in the worker cup. The
temperature of 15 °C to 30 °C (59 °F to 86 °F). sample is subjected to 60 double strokes in the grease worker.
3.2.4.1 Discussion—After the prescribed number of double The penetration is determined immediately by releasing the
strokes, the worker and contents are brought to 25 °C (77 °F), cone assembly from the penetrometer and allowing the cone to
worked an additional 60 double strokes, and penetrated without drop freely into the grease for 5 s 6 0.1 s. Three determina-
delay. tions are made and averaged to give the reported result.
3.2.5 unworked penetration, n—of lubricating grease, the 4.3 For prolonged worked penetration, the sample is placed
penetration at 25 °C (77 °F) of a sample that has received only in the worker cup and subjected to a predetermined number of
minimum disturbance in transferring to a grease worker cup or double strokes in the grease worker. Following completion of
dimensionally equivalent rigid container. the prolonged working, the grease and worker assembly are
brought to 25 °C 6 0.5 °C (77 °F 6 1 °F) and the grease is
3.2.6 worked penetration, n—of lubricating grease, the pen- worked an additional 60 double strokes in the grease worker.
etration at 25 °C (77 °F), without delay, of a sample after 60 The penetration is determined immediately by releasing the
double strokes in a standard grease worker. cone assembly from the penetrometer and allowing the cone to
3.2.7 working, n—of lubricating grease, the subjection of a drop freely into the grease for 5 6 0.1 s. Three determinations
sample to the shearing action of the standard grease worker. are made and averaged to give the reported result.

2
 D217 − 17
4.4 For block penetration, a cube of the grease is prepared temperature-controlled metal block. If a water bath is to be
by slicing off a thin layer using the grease cutter. The cube of used for samples for unworked penetration, means should be
grease is brought to 25 °C 6 0.5 °C (77 °F 6 1 °F) and placed provided for protecting the grease surface from water and for
on the penetrometer table with the prepared face upward. The maintaining the air above the sample at test temperature. An air
penetration is determined by releasing the cone assembly from bath is preferred for bringing block greases to test temperature,
the penetrometer and allowing the cone to drop freely into the but a tightly sealed container placed in a water bath will suffice.
grease for 5 s 6 0.1 s. Three determinations are made and 6.6 Spatula, corrosion-resistant, having a stiff blade nomi-
averaged to give the reported result. nally 32 mm (1.25 in.) wide and at least 150 mm (6 in.) long.
5. Significance and Use 6.7 Temperature-Measuring Device, with a sheath length of
approximately 200 mm (8 in.) and a sheath diameter of ap-
5.1 These cone penetration tests not only evaluate the proximately 3.7 mm (0.145 in.) (small enough to fit through
consistency of lubricating greases over the full range of NLGI the vent cock). The temperature range of the device should be
numbers from 000 to 6, but also evaluate the consistency of wide enough to allow it to be immersed in grease at approxi-
stiff greases having penetration numbers less than 85. In mately 38 °C (100 °F) without damage. The scale should have
contrast, Test Method D937 is aimed at petrolatums and Test small enough divisions (or digital resolution) to allow the user
Method D1403 uses less precise one-quarter and one-half scale to read 60.5 °C (61 °F). A spacer can be applied to the upper
equipment intended for use when the sample quantity is portion of the sheath to hold the tip just above the perforated
limited. plate of the grease worker and in the bulk of the sample (see
5.2 Cone penetration test results provide one measure of the A1.3).
consistency of a grease. Worked penetration results are re- 6.8 Overflow Ring (optional), in accordance with A1.8, is a
quired to determine to which NLGI consistency grade a grease useful device for catching grease scraped from the sample
belongs. Undisturbed penetration results provide a means of surface as well as any grease forced by the penetrometer cone
evaluating the effect of storage conditions on grease consis- to overflow from the cup. This grease can be returned to the
tency. worker cup for subsequent testing.
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5.3 Although no correlation has been developed between
7. Reagents and Materials
cone penetration results and field service, the cone penetrations

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obtained by the four procedures are widely used for specifica-
7.1 Appropriate Volatile Gum-free Solvent, for example,
tion purposes, such as in users’ material specifications and
suppliers’ manufacturing specifications.
light petroleum naphtha.

6. Apparatus
Document Preview
7.2 Cloth or Paper Wiper, for wiping grease from the
penetrometer cone. The wiper should be soft, so as not to
scratch the cone.
6.1 Penetrometer, in accordance with A1.1. The instrument
ASTM D217-17
shall be capable of indicating depth in tenths of a millimetre. A 8. Sampling
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sketch of a generic penetrometer is shown in Fig. 1. 8.1 Sample Size—Sufficient sample (at least 0.45 kg
6.2 Standard Penetrometer Cone, in accordance with A1.2, (1.1 lb)) to overfill the cup of the standard grease worker is
is suitable for all penetrations. An optional penetrometer cone, required. If the sample size is insufficient and penetration
in accordance with A1.3, is suitable only for penetrations less ranges from NLGI 0 to 4, use Test Method D1403.
than 400. The optional cone should not be used to measure the 8.1.1 For block penetration, obtain a sufficient size sample
penetration of 00 and 000 grade greases. of the grease, which must be hard enough to hold its shape, to
permit cutting from it a 50 mm (2 in.) cube as a test specimen.
6.3 Grease Worker, comprising a grease cup, cover, and
plunger assembly, in accordance with A1.4, constructed for 8.2 Sample Preparation—Samples are prepared for the
either manual or mechanical operation. various cone penetration test methods as follows:
6.3.1 Grease Worker Drive, Manual, in accordance with 8.2.1 Unworked Penetration—Prior to performing the test,
A1.5, which allows for working the grease at a rate of 60 6 10 the grease sample (if necessary, in a suitable container or in the
double strokes per minute. worker cup) and the test equipment (worker cup and cone)
6.3.2 Grease Worker Drive, Motorized, in accordance with must all be at a standard temperature of 25 °C 6 0.5 °C (77 °F
A1.6, which allows for working the grease at a rate of 60 6 10 6 1 °F). This can be achieved by the use of a temperature bath
double strokes per minute. This apparatus is essential for the (6.5) or a combination of different temperature baths, It is
working step of the prolonged worked penetration procedure. important to allow sufficient time for the grease and test
equipment to reach 25 °C 6 0.5 °C (77 °F 6 1 °F). Additional
6.4 Grease Cutter, in accordance with A1.7, is used for time will be required to achieve a consistent temperature of
preparation of samples for block penetration. 25 °C 6 0.5 °C (77 °F 6 1 °F) if the sample is larger than
6.5 Temperature Bath, capable of controlling the bath tem- 0.45 kg (1.1 lb), or if the initial sample temperature differs
perature at 25 °C 6 0.5 °C (77 °F 6 1 °F) and designed to from 25 °C by more than about 8 °C (15 °F). If the grease
bring the assembled grease worker to test temperature conve- sample and equipment are already at the correct temperature
niently. Examples of suitable temperature baths include a water before the sample is placed into the worker cup, there is no
bath, air bath, constant temperature test room, or a need to further stabilize the sample once it has been placed in

3
 D217 − 17
air by packing with the spatula. Jar the cup from time to time
as it is being packed to remove any air inadvertently entrapped.
Assemble the worker and, with the vent cock open, depress the
plunger to the bottom.
If an air bath or water bath is used to bring grease and
equipment to 25 °C 6 0.5 °C (77 °F 6 1 °F) after assembly,
then insert a thermometer through the vent cock so that its tip
is in the center of the grease. Place the assembled worker in the
temperature bath maintained at 25 °C 6 0.5 °C (77 °F 6 1 °F)
(Note 2) until the temperature of the worker and its contents is
25 °C 6 0.5 °C as indicated by the thermometer. If the initial
sample temperature differs from 25 °C by more than about
8 °C (15 °F), or if an alternative method of bringing the sample
to 25 °C is used, allow sufficient additional time to ensure that
the specimen is at 25 °C 6 0.5 °C before proceeding. Testing
FIG. 2 Preparing Sample for Penetration Measurement may proceed when the specimen is at a uniform temperature of
25 °C 6 0.5 °C. Remove the worker from the bath. If a water
bath was used, wipe any excess water from the outer surfaces
the cup. Testing may proceed if the specimen is at a uniform of the worker. Remove the thermometer and close the vent
temperature of 25 °C 6 0.5 °C. Transfer the specimen, prefer- cock.
ably in one lump, to overfill the cup of the grease worker or 8.2.2.1 Working—Subject the grease to 60 full (63 mm to
other container. Make this transfer in such a manner that the 71.5 mm (27⁄16 in. to 213⁄16 in.)) double strokes of the plunger,
grease will be worked as little as possible. completed in about 60 s, and return the plunger to its top
8.2.1.1 Preparing Sample for Measurement—Jar the cup to position. Open the vent cock, remove the cover and plunger,
iTeh Standards
drive out trapped air and pack the grease with the spatula, with
as little manipulation as possible, to obtain a cupful without air
and return to the cup as much of the grease clinging to the
plunger as can readily be removed.

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pockets. Scrape off the excess grease extending over the rim,
creating a flat surface, by moving the blade of the spatula, held NOTE 2—If it is desired to immerse the worker into a water bath, above
the joint between the cup and cover, take care that the joint is watertight
inclined toward the direction of motion at an angle of approxi-
Document Preview
in order to prevent the entrance of water to the worker.
mately 45°, across the rim of the cup (Fig. 2). This excess
grease will be retained to repair the surface for the second and 8.2.2.2 Preparing Sample for Measurement—Jar the cup
third determinations. Do not perform any further leveling or sharply on the bench or floor and pack the grease down with a
smoothing of the surface throughout the determination of spatula to fill the holes left by the plunger and to remove any
ASTM D217-17
unworked penetration and determine the measurement imme- air pockets (Note 3). Scrape off the excess grease extending
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diately. over the rim, creating a flat surface, by moving the blade of the
8.2.1.2 The penetrations of soft greases are dependent upon spatula, held inclined toward the direction of motion at an
the diameter of the container. Therefore, greases having un- angle of approximately 45°, across the rim of the cup (Fig. 2),
worked penetrations greater than 265 should be tested in retaining the portion removed (Note 4).
containers having the same diameter limitations as those of the
worker cup. The results on greases having penetrations less NOTE 3—The jarring should be only as vigorous as required to remove
the entrapped air without splashing the specimen from the cup. In
than 265 are not significantly affected if the diameter of the performing these operations, a minimum of manipulation should be used,
container exceeds that of the worker cup. as any agitation of the grease may have the effect of increasing the
8.2.2 Worked Penetration—Prior to performing the test, the working beyond the specified 60 strokes.
grease sample (if necessary, in a suitable container or in the NOTE 4—Particularly when testing soft greases, retain the grease
worker cup) and the test equipment (worker cup, plunger and removed from the cup in scraping to provide a full cup for subsequent
cone) must all be at a standard temperature of 25 °C 6 0.5 °C tests. Keep the outside of the rim of the cup clean so that the grease forced
by the penetrometer cone to overflow the cup may be returned to the cup
(77 °F 6 1 °F). This can be achieved by the use of a prior to preparing the specimen for the next test.
temperature bath (6.5) or a combination of different tempera-
ture baths. Additional time will be required to achieve a 8.2.3 Prolonged Worked Penetration—Fill a clean grease
consistent temperature of 25 °C 6 0.5 °C (77 °F 6 1 °F) if the worker cup and assemble the worker as described in 8.2.2.2.
sample is larger than 0.45 kg (1.1 lb), or if the initial sample Subject the grease specimen to the prescribed number of
temperature differs from 25 °C by more than about 8 °C double strokes (Note 5). Immediately after the working is
(15 °F). If the grease sample and equipment are already at the concluded, use a temperature bath to bring the test specimen to
correct temperature before the sample is placed into the worker 25 °C 6 0.5 °C (77 °F 6 1 °F) within 1.5 h. Remove the
cup, there is no need to further stabilize the sample once it has grease and worker from the temperature bath and subject the
been placed in the cup. Transfer sufficient specimen to the cup grease to a further 60 full (63 mm to 71.5 mm (27⁄16 in. to
of the clean grease worker to fill it heaping full (mound up 213⁄16 in.)) double strokes of the plunger, completed in about
about 13 mm (0.5 in.) at the center), avoiding the inclusion of 60 s, and return the plunger to its top position. Open the vent

4
 D217 − 17

FIG. 3 Preparing Block Sample for Penetration Measurement

cock, remove the cover and plunger, and return to the cup as 9. Preparation of Apparatus
much of the grease clinging to the plunger as can readily be 9.1 Cleaning Penetrometer Cone—Clean the penetrometer
removed. cone carefully before each test with a soft cloth or paper wiper.
8.2.3.1 Preparing Sample for Measurement—Jar the cup The wiper can be dampened with an appropriate volatile
sharply on the bench or floor and pack the grease down with a gum-free solvent, when necessary, to remove any grease
spatula to fill the holes left by the plunger and to remove any remaining on the cone. The solvent should have no effect on
air pockets (Note 3). Scrape off the excess grease extending the cone surface. While cleaning, do not rotate the cone, as this

iTeh Standards
over the rim, creating a flat surface, by moving the blade of the can cause wear on the release mechanism. Bending of the cone
spatula, held inclined toward the direction of motion at an shaft can be avoided by holding the cone securely in its raised
angle of approximately 45°, across the rim of the cup (Fig. 2), position while cleaning.
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retaining the portion removed (Note 4).
9.2 Cleaning Penetrometer Shaft—The penetrometer shaft
NOTE 5—In order to minimize leakage during working, special atten-
should be cleaned periodically with a soft cloth or paper wiper
Document Preview
tion should be paid to the seal in the worker cover.
8.2.3.2 Temperature—Maintain the temperature of the room
dampened with an appropriate volatile gum-free solvent to
remove any oil, grease, or dirt buildup. Foreign materials on
used for the test within the range from 15 °C to 30 °C (59 °F to the penetrometer shaft can cause drag on the shaft assembly,
86 °F). No further control of the worker temperature is
ASTM D217-17possibly causing erroneous results.
necessary; but, before starting the test, the grease should have
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been in the room for sufficient time to bring its temperature
9.3 Any other cleaning or adjustments to the apparatus
should be done in accordance with the equipment manufactur-
within the range from 15 °C to 30 °C.
er’s recommendations.
8.2.4 Block Grease—By means of the specified grease
cutter, cut as a test specimen from the sample at room 10. Calibration and Standardization
temperature a cube about 50 mm (2 in.) on the edge (Fig. 3(a)).
While holding this specimen so that the unbeveled edge of the 10.1 Proper operation of a grease penetrometer can be
cutter is toward it (Fig. 3(b)), slice off a layer about 1.5 mm checked by running periodic tests with a grease of known
( ⁄16 in.) in thickness from each of the three faces adjacent to a
1 consistency. NLGI2 reference grease has been found to be
single corner, which can be truncated for identification (Fig. suitable for this purpose, since multiple laboratories run tests
3(c) and Note 6). Take care not to touch those portions of the on this material to generate the data reported for it. Data on this
newly exposed faces which are to be used for testing or to set material is provided by NLGI with the purchase of the grease.
a prepared face against the base plate or guide of the cutter. Alternatively, the same grease sample (different specimens)
Bring the temperature of the prepared specimen to 25 °C 6 can be tested on multiple penetrometers and the results
0.5 °C (77 °F 6 1 °F) by placing it in a temperature bath obtained can be compared.
maintained at 25 °C (77 °F) for at least 1 h. If the initial sample
11. Procedure
temperature differs from 25 °C by more than about 8 °C
(15 °F), or if an alternative method of bringing the sample to 11.1 Unworked Penetration—Place the cup on the pen-
25 °C is used, allow sufficient additional time to ensure that the etrometer table, making certain that it cannot teeter. Set the
specimen is at 25 °C 6 0.5 °C (77 °F 6 1 °F) before proceed- mechanism to hold the cone in the zero position, and adjust the
ing. apparatus carefully so that the tip of the cone just touches the
surface at the center of the test specimen. Watching the shadow
NOTE 6—The testing of three faces is intended to equalize in the final
value the effect of fiber orientation in testing fibrous greases. Smooth- of the cone tip, from a low angle with backlighting, is an aid to
textured, nonfibrous greases can be tested on one face only, when agreed accurate setting. For greases with penetrations over 400, the
upon between the interested parties. cup must be centered to within 0.3 mm (0.01 in.) of the tip of

5
 D217 − 17
the cone. One way to center the cup accurately is to use a TABLE 1 Repeatability and Reproducibility
centering device (Fig. 1). Release the cone shaft rapidly, and Penetration
Repeatability, One Reproducibility,
allow it to drop for 5.0 s 6 0.1 s. The release mechanism Penetration Operator and Different Operators
Range
Apparatus and Apparatus
should not drag on the shaft. Lock the shaft in position at the
Unworked 85 to 475 8 units 22 units
end of the 5 s period. Gently depress the indicator shaft until Worked 130 to 475 7 units 23 units
stopped by the cone shaft and read the penetration from the Prolonged worked 130 to 475 8 unitsA 29 unitsA
indicator. Block under 85 7 units 11 units
A
11.1.1 Additional Tests—After the first measurement, use Determined at 100 000 double strokes within 15 °C to 30 °C (59 °F to 86 °F)
ambient temperature range.
the excess grease (retained from the initial surface preparation)
to replace the grease lost to the cone, jarring the cup to remove
any trapped air and repairing the surface of the specimen as
described in 8.2.1.1 and shown in Fig. 2. It is important to 11.4.1 Additional Tests—Repeat the procedure described in
minimize working of the specimen. Clean the penetrometer 11.4 on each of the other prepared faces of the specimen.
cone to remove the adhered grease as described in 9.1. After Report one third of the sum of the averages for the three faces,
the second measurement, repeat this procedure to obtain a third to the nearest 0.1 mm as the block penetration of the specimen.
measurement. Make a total of three tests on the same specimen
(using the same cup), and report the average of the three tests, 12. Report
to the nearest 0.1 mm, as the unworked penetration of the 12.1 Report the following information:
specimen. 12.1.1 Unworked Penetration—Report the average value
11.2 Worked Penetration—Determine the penetration of the obtained in 11.1.1 as the unworked penetration of the grease
specimen in accordance with 11.1. under test.
11.2.1 Additional Tests—After the first measurement is 12.1.2 Worked Penetration—Report the average value ob-
made, replace the grease lost to the penetration cone with some tained in 11.2.1 as the worked penetration of the grease under
of the grease sample previously removed with the spatula test.
(8.2.2.2 and Note 4). Then remove any trapped air and repair 12.1.3 Prolonged Worked Penetration—Report the average
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the surface of the specimen as described in 8.2.2.2 and shown
in Fig. 2. Clean the penetrometer cone to remove the adhered
value obtained in 11.3.1 as the prolonged worked penetration
of the grease under test. The number of double strokes to which

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grease as described in 9.1. After the second measurement,
repeat this procedure to obtain a third measurement. Report the
the grease was subjected during the prolonged working shall
also be reported.

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average of the three tests, to the nearest 0.1 mm, as the worked 12.1.4 Block Penetration—Report the average value ob-
penetration of the specimen. tained in 11.4.1 as the block penetration of the grease under
11.3 Prolonged Worked Penetration—Determine the pen- test.
etration of the specimen in accordance with 11.1.
ASTM D217-1713. Precision and Bias4
11.3.1 Additional Tests—After the first measurement is
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made, replace the grease lost to the penetration cone with some 13.1 Precision—The precision of these test methods has
of the grease sample previously removed with the spatula been obtained in accordance with the requirements of Com-
(8.2.3.1 and Note 4). Then remove any trapped air and repair mittee D02, RR:D02-1007, Manual on Determining Precision
the surface of the specimen as described in 8.2.3.1 and shown Data for ASTM Test Methods on Petroleum Products and
in Fig. 2. Clean the penetrometer cone to remove the adhered Lubricants.5
grease as described in 9.1. After the second measurement, 13.2 The precision of these test methods as determined by
repeat this procedure to obtain a third measurement. Report the statistical examination of interlaboratory results is as follows:
average of the three tests, to the nearest 0.1 mm, as the 13.2.1 Repeatability—The difference between two test re-
prolonged worked penetration of the specimen. sults obtained by the same operator with the same apparatus
11.4 Block Penetration—Place the test specimen on the under constant operating conditions on identical test material
penetrometer table with one of the prepared faces upward, and would, in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of
press it down by the corners to make it rest level and firmly on the test method, exceed the values in Table 1 in only one case
the table so that it cannot teeter during the test. Set the in twenty.
mechanism to hold the cone in the zero position, and adjust the 13.2.2 Reproducibility—The difference between two single
apparatus carefully so that the tip of the cone just touches the and independent results obtained by different operators work-
surface at the center of the test sample. Determine the ing in different laboratories on identical test material would, in
penetration in accordance with 11.1. Make a total of three tests the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the test
on the exposed face of the specimen, locating the tests at least method, exceed the values in Table 1 in only one case in
6 mm (1⁄4 in.) from the edge and as far apart as possible without twenty.
impinging on any touched portion, air hole, or other apparent
flaw in the surface. If the result of one of these tests differs 4
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
from the others by more than three units, make additional tests be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1689.
until three values agreeing within three units are obtained. 5
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
Average these three values for the face being tested. be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1007.