ASTM International

Standard Guide for Microscopic Characterization of Particles from In-Service Lubricants
 N D7684

Annotation

This guide covers the classification and reporting of results from in-service lubricant particulate debris analysis obtained by microscopic inspection of wear and contaminant particles extracted from in-service lubricant and hydraulic oil samples. This guide suggests standardized terminology to promote consistent reporting, provides logical framework to document likely or possible root causes, and supports inference associated machinery health condition or severity based on available debris analysis information.

This guide shall be used in conjunction with an appropriate wear debris analysis sample preparation and inspection technique including, but not limited to, one of the following:

Ferrography using linear glass slides,

Ferrography using rotary glass slides,

Patch analysis using patch makers (filtration through membrane filters),

Filter debris analysis,

Magnetic plug inspection, or

Other means used to extract and inspect particulate debris from in-service lubricants.

This standard is not intended to evaluate or characterize the advantage or disadvantage of one or another of these particular particle extraction and inspection methods.

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

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.