Lubricating Oils Foaming Characteristics Tester Manufacturer

Understanding Foam Behavior with the Lubricating Oils Foaming Characteristics Tester

Introduction
Foaming in lubricating oils can impair fluid circulation, reduce heat transfer, and lead to cavitation in pumps. The Lubricating Oils Foaming Characteristics Tester from Changsha Friend Experimental Analysis Instrument Co., Ltd. provides a systematic method to measure both foam formation and collapse under controlled conditions, guiding formulators in selecting effective antifoam additives and ensuring reliable equipment operation.

Testing Principle
Based on international standards such as ASTM D892 and ISO 6247, this tester evaluates two key parameters:

1. Foam Tendency

• An oil sample is placed in a transparent cylinder immersed in a constant-temperature bath (24 °C).

• Air is sparged at a defined rate (10 mL/min) for 5 minutes through a sintered diffuser at the bottom.

• The maximum foam volume generated is recorded immediately upon completion of sparging.

2. Foam Stability

• Without additional air, the foam column is observed for 10 minutes, and the remaining foam volume is measured.

• This collapse measurement indicates how quickly foam dissipates under quiescent conditions.

Technical Design Features

• Dual‑Zone Thermostatic Baths: Maintains test temperatures at 24 °C and 93.5 °C with ±0.5 °C accuracy for both low‑ and high‑temperature assessments.

• Precision Mass‑Flow Controller: Regulates airflow to ±0.1 mL/min, ensuring reproducible foam generation.

• Graduated Cylinders with Optical Sensors: Ultrasonic or photoelectric sensors detect foam heights with ±1 mm resolution, eliminating manual reading errors.

• Automated Timing and Data Logging: Software sequences sparging and collapse intervals, logs results in a database, and generates standardized reports.

Key Applications

• Gearbox and Bearing Oils: Prevent aeration and cavitation in high‑circulation systems.

• Hydraulic Fluids: Maintain consistent actuator response and heat rejection.

• Compressor Oils: Avoid foaming that can lead to gas entrainment and reduced volumetric efficiency.

Best Practices

1. Sample Degassing: Pre‑remove dissolved air by applying vacuum or mild heating (50 °C for 30 minutes) to the sample before testing.

2. Clean Diffusers and Cylinders: Rinse with solvent and dry thoroughly between tests to avoid residual antifoam carry‑over.

3. Air Supply Quality: Use oil‑ and moisture‑free compressed air to prevent contaminants from altering foam behavior.

4. Replicate Measurements: Conduct at least two runs per sample and calculate the average foam volume and collapse percentage for consistent data.