An American National Standard

Designation: D 6079 – 04e1

Standard Test Method for

Evaluating Lubricity of Diesel Fuels by the High-Frequency
Reciprocating Rig (HFRR)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6079; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

e1 NOTE—Editorial changes were made throughout in April 2005.

1. Scope* D 6078 Test Method for Evaluating Lubricity of Diesel

1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the lubricity of Fuels by the Scuffing Load Ball-On-Cylinder Lubricity
diesel fuels using a high-frequency reciprocating rig (HFRR). Evaluator (SLBOCLE)
1.2 This test method is applicable to middle distillate fuels, E 18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness and Rockwell
such as Grades Low Sulfur No. 1 D, Low Sulfur No. 2 D, No. Superficial Hardness of Metallic Materials
1 D, and No. 2 D diesel fuels, in accordance with Specification E 92 Test Method for Vickers Hardness of Metallic Mate-
D 975; and other similar petroleum-based fuels which can be rials
used in diesel engines 2.2 American Iron and Steel Institute Standard:3
AISI E-52100 Chromium Alloy Steel
NOTE 1—It is not known that this test method will predict the 2.3 American National Standards Institute Standard:4
performance of all additive/fuel combinations. Additional work is under-
ANSI B3.12 Metal Balls
way to further establish this correlation and future revisions of this test
method may be necessary once this work is complete.
3. Terminology
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
standard. 3.1.1 boundary lubrication, n—a condition in which the
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the friction and wear between two surfaces in relative motion are
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the determined by the properties of the surfaces and the properties
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- of the contacting fluid, other than bulk viscosity.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applicable 3.1.1.1 Discussion—Metal to metal contact occurs and the
regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warning statements chemistry of the system is involved. Physically adsorbed or
are given in Section 7. chemically reacted soft films (usually very thin) support
2. Referenced Documents contact loads. As a result, some wear is inevitable.
3.1.2 lubricity, n—a qualitative term describing the ability
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 of a fluid to affect friction between, and wear to, surfaces in
D 975 Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils relative motion under load.
D 4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and 3.1.2.1 Discussion—In this test method, the lubricity of a
Petroleum Products fluid is evaluated by the wear scar, in microns, produced on an
D 4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and oscillating ball from contact with a stationary disc immersed in
Petroleum Products the fluid operating under defined and controlled conditions.
D 4306 Practice for Aviation Fuel Sample Containers for
Tests Affected by Trace Contamination 4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A 2-mL test specimen of fuel is placed in the test
reservoir of an HFRR and adjusted to either of the standard
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on temperatures (25 or 60°C). The preferred test temperature is
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee 60°C, except where there may be concerns about loss of fuel
D02.E0 on Burner, Diesel, Non-Aviation Gas Turbine, and Marine Fuels.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2004. Published November 2004. Originally
because of its volatility or degradation of the fuel because of
approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D 6079–02. the temperature.
This test method was developed by ISO/TC22/SC7/WG6 and is a part of ISO
12156.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), 1140 Connecticut
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Ave., Suite 705, Washington, DC 20036.
4
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
the ASTM website. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

*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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 D 6079 – 04e1
4.2 When the fuel temperature has stabilized, a vibrator arm
holding a nonrotating steel ball and loaded with a 200-g mass
is lowered until it contacts a test disk completely submerged in
the fuel. The ball is caused to rub against the disk with a 1-mm
stroke at a frequency of 50 Hz for 75 min.
4.3 The ball is removed from the vibrator arm and cleaned.
The dimensions of the major and minor axes of the wear scar
are measured under 1003 magnification and recorded.

5. Significance and Use

FIG. 1 Schematic Diagram of HFRR (not including
5.1 Diesel fuel injection equipment has some reliance on instrumentation)
lubricating properties of the diesel fuel. Shortened life of
engine components, such as diesel fuel injection pumps and TABLE 1 Test Conditions
injectors, has sometimes been ascribed to lack of lubricity in a Fluid volume 2 6 0.20 mL
diesel fuel. Stroke length 1 6 0.02 mm
Frequency 50 6 1 Hz
5.2 The trend of HFRR test results to diesel injection system Fluid temperature 25 6 2°C
pump component distress due to wear has been demonstrated or
60 6 2°C
in pump rig tests for some fuel/hardware combinations where Relative humidity > 30 %
boundary lubrication is believed to be a factor in the operation Applied load 200 6 1 g
of the component.5 Test duration 75 6 0.1 min
Bath surface area 6 6 1 cm2
5.3 The wear scar generated in the HFRR test is sensitive to
contamination of the fluids and test materials and the tempera-
ture of the test. Lubricity evaluations are also sensitive to trace
contaminants acquired during test fuel sampling and storage. 6.3 Control Unit, for controlling stroke length, frequency,
5.4 The HFRR and Scuffing Load Ball on Cylinder Lubric- test reservoir temperature, friction force, electrical contact
ity Evaluator (SLBOCLE, Test Method D 6078) are two potential, and test duration, with an electronic data acquisition
methods for evaluating diesel fuel lubricity. No absolute and control system.6
correlation has been developed between the two test methods. 6.4 Microscope, capable of 1003 magnification in gradua-
5.5 The HFRR may be used to evaluate the relative effec- tions of 0.1 mm and incremented in divisions of 0.01 mm.
tiveness of diesel fuels for preventing wear under the pre- 6.4.1 Glass Slide Micrometer, with a scale ruled in 0.01 mm
scribed test conditions. Correlation of HFRR test results with divisions.7,8
field performance of diesel fuel injection systems has not yet 6.5 Cleaning Bath, ultrasonic seamless stainless steel tank
been determined. with adequate capacity and a cleaning power of 40 W or
5.6 This test method is designed to evaluate boundary greater.
lubrication properties. While viscosity effects on lubricity in 6.6 Desiccator, containing a drying agent, capable of stor-
this test method are not totally eliminated, they are minimized. ing test disks, balls, and hardware.

6. Apparatus 7. Reagents and Materials

6.1 High-Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR) , (see Fig. 6,7 7.1 Acetone, reagent grade (Warning—Extremely flam-
1) capable of rubbing a steel ball loaded with a 200-g mass mable. Vapors may cause flash fire).
against a stationary steel disk completely submerged in a test 7.2 Compressed Air, containing less than 0.1 ppmv hydro-
fuel. The apparatus uses a 1-mm stroke length at a frequency of carbons and 50 ppmv water. (Warning—Compressed gas
50 Hz for 75 min. Complete operating conditions are listed in under high pressure. Use with extreme caution in the presence
Table 1. of combustible material.)
6.2 Test Reservoir, capable of holding a test disk in a rigid 7.3 Gloves, clean, lint-free, cotton, disposable
manner beneath the test fuel. The temperature of this reservoir, 7.4 Reference Fluids:
and consequently the test fuel contained in it, is maintained by 7.4.1 Fluid A—High lubricity reference9 (Warning—
means of a closely attached electrically controlled heater pad. Flammable). Store in clean, borosilicate glass with an alumi-
num foil-lined insert cap or a fully epoxy-lined metal container.
Store in dark area.

5
Nikanjam, M., Crosby, T., Henderson, P., Gray, C., Meyer, K, and Davenport,
N., “ISO Diesel Fuel Lubricity Round Robin Program,” SAE, Paper No. 952372,
8
SAE Fuels and Lubricants Meeting, Oct. 16-19, 1995, Toronto, Canada. The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
6
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time is Catalog No. 31-16-99 from Bausch & Lomb World Headquarters, One Bausch &
is PCS Instruments, 5 Warple Mews, London W3 ORF, England. Lomb Place, Rochester, NY 14604-2701. A certificate of traceability from the
7
If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to National Institute of Standards and Technology is available.
9
ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consider- Reference Fluids A and B are available from ASTM Test Monitoring Center,
ation at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1 which you may attend. 6555 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15026–4489.

2
 D 6079 – 04e1
7.4.2 Fluid B—Low lubricity reference9 (Warning— 10. Test Apparatus Inspection and Verification
Flammable. Vapor harmful). Store in clean, borosilicate glass
10.1 Temperature—Check the temperature control of the
with an aluminum foil-lined insert cap or a fully epoxy-lined
test reservoir using a calibrated temperature measuring device.
metal container. Store in a dark area.
10.2 Frequency—Check the frequency of the vibrator unit
7.5 Test Ball, (Grade 24 per ANSI B3.12) of AISI E-52100
with a calibrated frequency meter.
steel, with a diameter of 6.00 mm, having a Rockwell hardness
“C” scale (HRC) number of 58 - 66, in accordance with Test 10.3 Stroke Length—Check the stroke length by measuring
Methods E 18, and a surface finish of less than 0.05 µm Ra.9 the wear scar on the test disk, using a calibrated microscope,
7.6 Test Disk, 10 mm disk of AISI E-52100 steel machined after running a test on reference Fluid B. Subtract the width of
from annealed rod, having a Vickers hardness “HV 30,” in the wear scar from the length of the wear scar to give the actual
accordance with Specification E 92, a scale number of 190- stroke length.
210, turned, lapped, and polished to a surface finish of less than 10.4 Run Time—Check the run time with a calibrated
0.02 µm Ra.9 stopwatch (optional).
7.7 Toluene, reagent grade (Warning—Flammable. Harm- 10.5 Test Apparatus—Verify test apparatus performance
ful if inhaled). and accuracy at least every 20 tests by testing each reference
7.8 Wiper, wiping tissue, light-duty, lint-free, hydrocarbon- fluid in accordance with this section. Perform two tests with
free, disposable. each reference fluid at the test temperature to which the test
apparatus is being verified. If the difference between the two
8. Sampling and Sample Containers wear scar diameters (WSDs) for either fluid is greater than 80
µm, then further tests or corrective action to verify the test
8.1 Unless otherwise specified, samples shall be taken by apparatus performance and accuracy will be required. Further
the procedure described in Practice D 4057 or Practice D 4177. tests or corrective action to verify the test apparatus perfor-
8.2 Because of the sensitivity of lubricity measurements to mance and accuracy is also required if the average of the two
trace materials, sample containers shall be only fully epoxy- tests differs by more than 80 µm from the average WSD values
lined metal, amber borosilicate glass, or polytetrafluorethylene provided with Fluid A and Fluid B at 25°C and 60°C.
(PTFE), cleaned and rinsed thoroughly at least three times with
the product to be sampled before use, as specified under 11. Procedure
Containers for Lubricity Testing in Practice D 4306.
8.3 New sample containers are preferred, but if not avail- 11.1 Table 1 summarizes the test conditions.
able, the Containers for Lubricity Testing section of Practice 11.2 Strict adherence to cleanliness requirements and to the
D 4306 gives guidance on suitable cleaning procedures for specified cleaning procedures is required. During handling and
each type of container. installation procedures, protect cleaned test parts (disks, balls,
reservoir, and fixtures) from contamination by using clean
9. Preparation of Apparatus forces and wearing clean cotton gloves.
9.1 Test Disks, (as received): 11.3 Using forceps, place the test disk into the test reservoir,
shiny side up. Secure the test disk to the test reservoir and the
9.1.1 Upon receipt, new discs must be stored under toluene
test reservoir to the test apparatus. Ensure the unit’s thermo-
for at least 12 h before cleaning, as described in 9.1.2 through
couple is properly placed in the reservoir. Ensure the relative
9.1.5.
humidity in the test laboratory is greater than 30 %.
9.1.2 Remove disks from toluene and place discs in a clean
11.4 Using forceps, place the test ball into the holder and
beaker. Transfer a sufficient volume of toluene into the beaker
attach the holder to the end of the vibrator arm. Ensure the
to completely cover the test disks.
holder is horizontal before fully securing the unit.
9.1.3 Place beaker in ultrasonic cleaner and turn on for 7
11.5 Using a pipette, place 2 6 0.2 mL of the test fuel into
min.
the bath.
9.1.4 Handle all clean test pieces with clean forceps. Re-
move the test discs and repeat the above cleaning procedure 11.6 Set the temperature controller to the desired test
from 9.1.2 with acetone for 2 min. temperature (25°C or 60°C, preferably 60°C, see 4.1) and
switch on the heater. Set the stroke length to 1 mm. Set the
9.1.5 Dry and store in desiccator.
vibration frequency to 50 Hz.
NOTE 2—Drying operations can be accomplished using compressed air 11.7 When the temperature has stabilized, lower the vibrator
jet at 140 to 210 kPa-pressure. arm and suspend a 200-g weight from the arm. Start the
9.2 Test Balls, (as received)—The test balls are to be vibrator unit.
cleaned following the same procedure, 9.1.1 to 9.1.5, as for the 11.8 Operate the test for 75 min. At the completion of the
test disks. test, switch off the vibrator unit and the heater. Lift up the
9.3 Hardware—All hardware and utensils that come into vibrator arm and remove the test ball holder.
contact with the test disks, test balls, or test fuel, shall be 11.9 Rinse the test ball (still in the holder) in cleaning
cleaned by washing thoroughly with toluene, dried, and rinsed solvents and dry with a tissue. Using a permanent marker,
with acetone. Dry and store in a desiccator. circle the wear scar on the ball.

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 D 6079 – 04e1
11.10 Remove the test reservoir and properly dispose of the 14.1.4 Description of the test fuel and date sample taken.
fuel. Remove the test disk and wipe it clean. Place the disk in 14.1.5 Identification of test specimens.
a storage receptacle (plastic bag) marked with the unique test 14.1.6 Date of testing.
reference. 14.1.7 Any deviations from the test conditions given in
11.11 Place the test ball holder under the microscope and Table 1.
measure the wear scar diameter in accordance with Section 12
11.12 Upon completion of the wear scar measurement, 15. Precision and Bias 10
remove the test ball from the holder and place the ball together 15.1 Precision—The precision was developed for fuels with
in storage with the test disk. wear scar diameters between 143 and 772 µm at 25°C (175 and
1000 µm at 60°C). The precision data were developed in a
12. Measure of the Wear Scar 1995 cooperative testing program involving both United States
12.1 Turn on the microscope light and position the test ball and European testing laboratories. There were nine distinct
under microscope at 1003 magnification. fluids and each laboratory was given 18 fluids to test. The fluids
12.2 Focus the microscope and adjust the stage such that the were blind coded so that replicate samples were not known to
wear scar is centered within the field of view. the operator. A randomized test sequence was provided and
12.3 Align the wear scar to a divisional point of reference each laboratory was requested to use the same operator and
on the numerical scale with the mechanical stage controls. equipment for all 18 samples. Nine laboratories tested the
Measure the major axis to the nearest 0.01 mm. Record the HFRR at 25°C and ten laboratories tested the HFRR at 60°C.
readings on the data sheet. 15.1.1 The difference between two test results obtained by
12.4 Align the wear scar to a divisional point of reference the same operator with the same apparatus under constant
on the numerical scale with the mechanical stage controls. operating conditions on identical test material would, in the
Measure the minor axis to the nearest 0.01 mm. Record the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the test
readings on the data sheet. method, exceed the following value in only one case in twenty:
12.5 Record the condition of the wear area if different from Repeatability at 25°C = 62 µm
the reference standard test, that is, debris color, unusual Repeatability at 60°C = 80 µm
particles or wear pattern, visible galling, and so forth, and 15.1.2 The difference between two single and independent
presence of particles in the test reservoir. results obtained by different operators working in different
laboratories on identical test material would, in the long run, in
13. Calculation the normal and correct operation of the test method, exceed the
13.1 Calculate the wear scar diameter as follows: following value in only one case in twenty:
WSD 5 ~M 1 N!/2 · 1000 Reproducibility at 25°C = 127 µm
Reproducibility at 60°C = 136 µm
where: 15.2 Bias—The procedure in this test method has no bias
WSD = wear scar diameter, µm, because lubricity is not a fundamental and measurable fluid
M = major axis, mm, and property and thus is evaluated in terms of this test method.
N = minor axis, mm.
16. Keywords
14. Report
16.1 boundary lubrication; diesel fuel; friction; lubricity;
14.1 Report the following information: wear
14.1.1 Major axis and minor axis to the nearest 0.01 mm,
and wear scar diameter to the nearest 10 µm.
14.1.2 Description of the wear scar area. 10
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
14.1.3 Fuel temperature. be obtained by requesting Research Report RR: D02-1411.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee D02.E0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D 6079–02) that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Revised 7.4.1 and 7.4.2 to allow the use of epoxy-lined

metal containers for fluid storage.

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 D 6079 – 04e1
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