Low Temperature Testing
for ASTM D5133
Scanning Brookfield Technique (SBT)
SB Instruments
The SBT family of instruments (SB+2, SB+4, SB+8) are used to characterize the
low-temperature rheological performance of lubricating oils and other fluids.
The SBT provides the most complete analysis available on engine oil pumpability
in the critical sump-to-pump screen zone and is the only technique capable of
generating the Gelation Index and Gelation Index Temperatures.
The internally refrigerated, programmable bath delivers precise low-temperature
analysis at viscosities ranging from 1,000 cP to over 40,000 cP. One analysis
scans the entire temperature range from -5degrees C. to -50 degrees C. in a
relatively rapid test time (4 to 30 hours depending upon the oil). The SBT
Viscometers (Model TAV-II) manufactured by Brookfield Engineering are
specifically designed for the ASTM D5133 test method and exclusively sold
through Tannas.
Test cell alignment is quick and easy by using the patented SBT Tannas
Adapter which ensures concentricity between the metal Rotor and the Glass
Stator.
Computer automation controls the cooling process, analyzes the data, displays
the
temperature/viscosity curves during the test and prints graphical results with a
table of
values at the conclusion of the test.
The SBT is a required test for oils used in Ford Motor Company and Cummins
Engine Company products worldwide. The SBT is also required in the ILSAC GF-2
and forthcoming GF-3 specification.
Automation Features
The computer-driven system utilizes a special analog-to-digital
converter board and Tannas Applications software package to provide a continuous
(real-time) display of the sample’s viscosity/temperature relationship on the
computer monitor and generates printed graphs showing the results at the
completion of the test.
By using the real-time display, early signs of problem fluids are quickly
spotted as the
temperature drops and viscosity values increase. Upon completion of the
test, two graphs and three curves can be printed: Temperature vs. Viscosity, and
a MacCoull- Walther-Wright, log log Viscosity vs. log Temperature, which
includes the Gelation Curve displaying the Gelation Index and Gelation Index
Temperature.
The graphs are accompanied by a table of viscosity values and, to meet Ford
Motor
Specifications, the temperatures at which they occur. The Gelation Index and
Gelation
Index Temperature is also shown.
Scanning Brookfield Plus Two (SB+2)
(Click on picture to enlarge.)
This versatile low-temperature bath incorporates a viewing window, manual bath
controls, and easily replaceable bath lids (inserts) to serve as a cooling source for five
different low-temperature test methods. The SB+2 unit is capable of either scanning or
maintaining a full range of cooling cycles down to approximately -70C.
Scanning Brookfield Technique - D5133
Brookfield - D2983
Kinematic Viscosity - D445
Pour Point - D97
Stable Pour Point - FTM 203C
Scanning Brookfield Plus Four
(SB + 4)
The most cost-effective approach to precisely answer the need for a lower-cost
laboratory technique to measure viscosities of fluids over a broad temperature range
(down to approximately -45 degrees C). This compact, bench-top unit is capable of
testing up to four oil samples per cooling cycle and is designed to give precise
performance of ASTM D5133 to laboratories with minimal bench space and low to moderate D5133 testing requirements.
Scanning Brookfield Plus Eight
(SB+8)
This precision low-temperature instrument dramatically increases testing capacity by
accommodating up to eight SBT Viscometers.
Dedicated to ASTM D5 133 testing, this free standing wall or aisle unit can easily
be rolled to the lab testing area. The SB+8 unit is capable of achieving temperatures down to approximately
-70degrees C.
