Lubricating Oil Air Release Value Tester
A Lubricating Oil Air Release Value Tester measures the ability of lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, and turbine oils to release entrained air. This property is critical for preventing foam formation, maintaining lubrication performance, and ensuring reliable operation in high-speed machinery.
Test Standards
✅ ASTM D3427 – Standard Test Method for Air Release Properties of Petroleum Oils
✅ ISO 9120 – Petroleum Oils and Synthetic Fluids – Air Release Testing
Principle of the Test
The test determines how quickly an oil can release entrained air bubbles when exposed to aeration. This is measured in minutes until the air content in the oil is reduced to 0.2% volume at a specified temperature.
How It Works
1️⃣ Sample Preparation: The oil sample is heated to a test temperature, typically 25°C, 50°C, or 75°C, depending on the application.
2️⃣ Aeration: A controlled flow of air is injected into the oil for a set period (e.g., 7 minutes at 75 mL/min).
3️⃣ Settling Time Measurement: The time required for the air content to drop to 0.2% by volume is recorded as the air release value (ARV) in minutes.
Key Applications
🔹 Turbine Oils (Power Plants, Aviation, Marine) – Ensures efficient operation and prevents cavitation in turbines.
🔹 Hydraulic Fluids (Industrial Machinery, Construction Equipment, Aircraft) – Prevents system failure due to air entrainment.
🔹 Gear Oils (Automotive, Wind Turbines, Heavy Machinery) – Reduces foaming and gear wear.
🔹 Compressor & Engine Oils (Automotive, Marine, Industrial Engines) – Prevents oxidation, foaming, and lubricant degradation.
Popular Testing Equipment Brands
- Anton Paar – ARV-9120 Air Release Tester
- Koehler Instrument – K88500 Air Release Value Tester
- Normalab – NARV-9120 Air Release Value Tester
- Tanaka Scientific – ARA-100 Air Release Analyzer
Industries Using Lubricating Oil Air Release Value Testing
The ASTM D3427 & ISO 9120 Air Release Value Test is crucial in industries where lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, and turbine oils are exposed to aeration. Proper air release ensures system efficiency, prevents malfunctions, and extends equipment lifespan.
1. Power Generation (Turbine Oils & Transformers)
🔹 Applications: Steam turbines, gas turbines, hydroelectric power plants
🔹 Why It Matters:
✅ Prevents cavitation in turbine bearings and hydraulic circuits
✅ Ensures stable lubrication in high-speed rotating equipment
✅ Reduces oxidation & foaming, which degrade turbine oils
2. Aviation & Aerospace (Hydraulic & Engine Oils)
🔹 Applications: Aircraft hydraulic systems, jet engines, aerospace lubricants
🔹 Why It Matters:
✅ Prevents air bubbles that can cause hydraulic system failure
✅ Ensures responsive control systems in aircraft landing gear & actuators
✅ Reduces compressibility issues in aviation oils
3. Automotive & Heavy Machinery (Hydraulic & Gear Oils)
🔹 Applications: Construction equipment, mining trucks, wind turbine gearboxes
🔹 Why It Matters:
✅ Prevents gear wear & foaming in transmissions and differentials
✅ Improves power transmission efficiency in hydraulic systems
✅ Ensures stable performance in high-load and high-speed conditions
4. Marine & Offshore (Engine & Hydraulic Oils)
🔹 Applications: Marine engines, ship propulsion systems, offshore drilling rigs
🔹 Why It Matters:
✅ Prevents loss of lubrication in diesel engines and ship turbines
✅ Reduces air-lock issues in hydraulic steering and winch systems
✅ Ensures smooth operation of offshore drilling equipment
5. Industrial Manufacturing (Hydraulic & Compressor Oils)
🔹 Applications: CNC machines, injection molding, air compressors
🔹 Why It Matters:
✅ Prevents pressure fluctuations in hydraulic presses
✅ Ensures consistent lubrication in high-precision manufacturing machines
✅ Improves compressor efficiency by reducing entrained air in oils
6. Wind Energy (Gear & Hydraulic Oils)
🔹 Applications: Wind turbine gearboxes, hydraulic braking systems
🔹 Why It Matters:
✅ Prevents air-induced cavitation in wind turbine gearboxes
✅ Ensures longer oil service life in extreme environmental conditions
✅ Improves lubrication stability in offshore and onshore turbines
Why Air Release Value Testing Is Important
✔ Prevents Equipment Failure – Avoids air-induced cavitation, foaming, and pressure loss.
✔ Improves Lubrication Efficiency – Ensures oils maintain their protective film.
✔ Reduces Maintenance Costs – Minimizes unexpected downtime and costly repairs.
✔ Ensures Industry Compliance – Meets ASTM, ISO, and OEM specifications for lubricants.