A Petroleum and Synthetic Fluid Water Separation Tester designed for GB/T 7305 and ASTM D1401 standards is used to evaluate the demulsibility (water separation ability) of petroleum-based and synthetic oils.
Key Features of the Tester
✅ Test Standards: Complies with ASTM D1401 (Standard Test Method for Water Separability of Petroleum Oils and Synthetic Fluids) and GB/T 7305 (Chinese equivalent for testing demulsibility).
✅ Temperature Control: Precisely heats the sample to 54°C (130°F) or 82°C (180°F) depending on oil type.
✅ Stirring Mechanism: Uses a standard motor-driven stirrer (1,500 ± 25 RPM for 5 minutes) to mix oil and water.
✅ Graduated Cylinders: Measures water separation efficiency based on volume separation over a set period.
✅ Glassware & Accessories: Typically includes 100 mL graduated cylinders, stirrer assemblies, and temperature-controlled baths.
How the Test Works
- Oil & Water Mixing: The sample (40 mL oil + 40 mL water) is stirred for 5 minutes.
- Settling Period: The mixture is left undisturbed at the set temperature.
- Observation: Water separation is recorded at 5-minute intervals until clear separation occurs, usually within 30 to 60 minutes.
- Results: Reported as Oil/Water/Emulsion in mL (e.g., 40/38/2 means 40 mL oil, 38 mL water, and 2 mL emulsion).
Popular Test Equipment Brands
- Koehler Instrument – K39200 Water Separability Tester
- Anton Paar – PetroOxy Series
- Tanaka Scientific – Oil Demulsibility Tester
- Normalab – NTD 1401 Water Separability Tester
Applications of Petroleum and Synthetic Fluid Water Separation Testing
The GB/T 7305 & ASTM D1401 water separability test is critical for industries that rely on lubricating oils, hydraulic fluids, and turbine oils. The test ensures that water contamination does not affect equipment performance or lead to failures.
1. Turbine Oils (Power Generation, Aviation, Marine)
- Application: Used in steam, gas, and hydroelectric turbines to lubricate bearings and gears.
- Why It Matters:
✅ Water contamination can lead to corrosion, oxidation, and foaming.
✅ Poor water separation can cause sludge formation and reduce lubrication efficiency.
2. Hydraulic Fluids (Industrial Machinery, Aircraft, Automotive)
- Application: Hydraulic systems in construction, mining, aviation, and manufacturing equipment.
- Why It Matters:
✅ Water can cause hydraulic failure, cavitation, and reduced fluid performance.
✅ Ensures the stability and longevity of hydraulic oils.
3. Gear Oils (Heavy Equipment, Wind Turbines, Marine)
- Application: Gear systems in wind turbines, marine vessels, and industrial machinery.
- Why It Matters:
✅ Prevents premature wear due to water-induced emulsions.
✅ Enhances gear protection by maintaining oil film strength.
4. Compressor Oils (Refrigeration, Air Compressors, Industrial Gas Systems)
- Application: Lubrication of compressors in HVAC, industrial gas plants, and refrigeration systems.
- Why It Matters:
✅ Prevents moisture-related failures in compressors.
✅ Ensures proper lubrication and prevents rust formation.
5. Marine & Offshore Lubricants (Ship Engines, Offshore Drilling Equipment)
- Application: Used in marine engines, thrusters, and offshore drilling platforms.
- Why It Matters:
✅ Exposure to seawater makes water separability crucial.
✅ Prevents oil-water emulsions that could cause equipment failures.
6. Transformer & Insulating Oils (Electrical Equipment, Power Grids)
- Application: Used in transformers, circuit breakers, and switchgear.
- Why It Matters:
✅ Water contamination reduces the dielectric strength of insulating oils.
✅ Prevents electrical discharge failures and enhances insulation properties.
Why This Test Is Important
🔹 Extends Equipment Life – Prevents corrosion, oxidation, and wear.
🔹 Improves Efficiency – Ensures oils maintain their lubricating properties.
🔹 Reduces Downtime & Maintenance Costs – Minimizes unexpected failures due to water contamination.
🔹 Ensures Compliance – Meets industry regulations and specifications for oil quality.