Designation: D6185 − 11

Standard Practice for

Evaluating Compatibility of Binary Mixtures of Lubricating
Greases1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6185; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and

1.1 This practice covers a protocol for evaluating the practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limita-
compatibility of one or three binary mixtures of lubricating tions prior to use. For specific safety information, see 7.2.3.
greases by comparing their properties or performance relative
2. Referenced Documents
to those of the neat greases comprising the mixture.
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
1.2 Three properties are evaluated in a primary testing
D217 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating
protocol using standard test methods: (1) dropping point by
Grease
Test Method D566 (or Test Method D2265); (2) shear stability
D566 Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease
by Test Methods D217, 100 000–stroke worked penetration;
D972 Test Method for Evaporation Loss of Lubricating
and (3) storage stability at elevated-temperature by change in
Greases and Oils
60-stroke penetration (Test Method D217). For compatible
D1092 Test Method for Measuring Apparent Viscosity of
mixtures (those passing all primary testing), a secondary
Lubricating Greases
(nonmandatory) testing scheme is suggested when circum-
D1263 Test Method for Leakage Tendencies of Automotive
stances indicate the need for additional testing.
Wheel Bearing Greases (Withdrawn 2010)3
1.3 Sequential or concurrent testing is continued until the D1264 Test Method for Determining the Water Washout
first failure. If any mixture fails any of the primary tests, the Characteristics of Lubricating Greases
greases are incompatible. If all mixtures pass the three primary D1403 Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating
tests, the greases are considered compatible. Grease Using One-Quarter and One-Half Scale Cone
1.4 This practice applies only to lubricating greases having Equipment
characteristics suitable for evaluation by the suggested test D1478 Test Method for Low-Temperature Torque of Ball
methods. If the scope of a specific test method limits testing to Bearing Grease
those greases within a specified range of properties, greases D1742 Test Method for Oil Separation from Lubricating
outside that range cannot be tested for compatibility by that test Grease During Storage
method. An exception to this would be when the tested D1743 Test Method for Determining Corrosion Preventive
property of the neat, constituent greases is within the specified Properties of Lubricating Greases
range, but the tested property of a mixture is outside the range D1831 Test Method for Roll Stability of Lubricating Grease
because of incompatibility. D2265 Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating
Grease Over Wide Temperature Range
1.5 This practice does not purport to cover all test methods
D2266 Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of
that could be employed.
Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method)
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as D2509 Test Method for Measurement of Load-Carrying
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this Capacity of Lubricating Grease (Timken Method)
standard. D2595 Test Method for Evaporation Loss of Lubricating
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all the safety Greases Over Wide-Temperature Range
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility D2596 Test Method for Measurement of Extreme-Pressure

1 2
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcom- contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
mittee D02.G0.01 on Chemical and General Laboratory Tests. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved July 1, 2011. Published August 2011. Originally the ASTM website.
3
approved in 1997. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D6185–10. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/D6185-11. www.astm.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D6185 − 11
Properties of Lubricating Grease (Four-Ball Method) free oil or the formation of cracks that occur in lubricating
D3336 Test Method for Life of Lubricating Greases in Ball greases during storage in containers is most often due to
Bearings at Elevated Temperatures syneresis.
D3337 Test Method for Determining Life and Torque of 3.1.6 thickener, n—in a lubricating grease, a substance
Lubricating Greases in Small Ball Bearings (Withdrawn composed of finely divided particles dispersed in a liquid
2009)3 lubricant to form the product’s structure.
D3527 Test Method for Life Performance of Automotive
3.1.6.1 Discussion—The thickener can be fibers (such as
Wheel Bearing Grease
various metallic soaps) or plates or spheres (such as certain
D4049 Test Method for Determining the Resistance of
non-stop thickeners) which are insoluble or, at most, only very
Lubricating Grease to Water Spray
slightly soluble in the liquid lubricant. The general require-
D4170 Test Method for Fretting Wear Protection by Lubri-
ments are that the solid particles be extremely small, uniformly
cating Greases
dispersed, and capable of forming a relatively stable, gel-like
D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum, Petroleum
structure with the liquid lubricant. D217
Products, and Lubricants
D4290 Test Method for Determining the Leakage Tenden- 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
cies of Automotive Wheel Bearing Grease Under Accel- 3.2.1 compatibility, n— of lubricating greases, the charac-
erated Conditions teristic of lubricating greases to be mixed together without
D4425 Test Method for Oil Separation from Lubricating significant degradation of properties or performance.
Grease by Centrifuging (Koppers Method) 3.2.1.1 Discussion—When a mixture of two greases has
D4693 Test Method for Low-Temperature Torque of Grease- properties or performance significantly inferior to both of the
Lubricated Wheel Bearings neat, constituent greases, then the two greases are incompat-
D4950 Classification and Specification for Automotive Ser- ible. If the properties are inferior to those of one neat grease but
vice Greases not inferior to those of the other, then such is not necessarily
D5706 Test Method for Determining Extreme Pressure considered an indication of incompatibility. To be considered
Properties of Lubricating Greases Using a High- significantly inferior, the property of the mixture would be
Frequency, Linear-Oscillation (SRV) Test Machine worse than the poorer of the two neat greases by an amount
D5707 Test Method for Measuring Friction and Wear Prop- exceeding the repeatability of the test method used to evaluate
erties of Lubricating Grease Using a High-Frequency, the property (see pass and fail). Incompatibility most often is
Linear-Oscillation (SRV) Test Machine manifested by a degradation in physical properties rather than
2.2 Federal Standard: in chemical properties, although, occurrence of the latter is not
Federal Test Method 3467.1 (Standard 791C), Storage Sta- unknown.
bility of Lubricating Grease4 3.2.2 borderline compatibility, n—of lubricating greases,
the characteristic of lubricating greases to be mixed together
3. Terminology with only slight degradation of properties or performance.
3.1 Definitions: 3.2.2.1 Discussion—Slight degradation means that the
3.1.1 bleed (bleeding), n—of lubricating greases, the sepa- properties or performance of the mixture is poorer than those of
ration of a liquid lubricant from a lubricating grease for any the two neat greases but by an amount less than the repeatabil-
cause. ity of the test method used to evaluate the property. (See
3.1.2 lubricant, n—any material interposed between two borderline pass.)
surfaces that reduces the friction or wear between them. D4175 3.2.3 primary compatibility tests, n—of lubricating greases,
3.1.3 lubricating grease, n—a semifluid to solid product of those test methods employed first to evaluate compatibility.
a dispersion of a thickener in a liquid lubricant. 3.2.3.1 Discussion—The test methods considered the most
3.1.3.1 Discussion—The dispersion of the thickener forms a significant in the evaluation of grease compatibility, insofar as
two-phase system and immobilizes the liquid lubricant by they provide the most information with the least expenditure of
surface tension and other physical forces. Other ingredients testing resources, include tests for dropping point, consistency
imparting special properties are often included. D217 (usually softening) after shearing conditions, and consistency
3.1.4 spatulate, v—to mix or blend by spreading and folding change after storage at elevated temperatures.
with a flat thin, usually metal, tool. 3.2.4 secondary compatibility tests, n—of lubricating
3.1.5 syneresis, n—of lubricating greases, the separation of greases, those test methods used to evaluate compatibility
liquid lubricant from a lubricating grease due to shrinkage or when the primary compatibility tests are insufficient or incon-
rearrangement of the structure. clusive.
3.1.5.1 Discussion—Syneresis is a form of bleeding caused 3.2.4.1 Discussion—Such tests are driven by the critical
by physical or chemical changes of the thickness. Separation of features of a given application. For example, if the application
subjects the grease to water contamination, water washout or
water spray-off tests and, perhaps, corrosion tests would be
4
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4, Section D, used for additional evaluation. Secondary compatibility tests
700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111–5094, Attn: NPODS. are suggested, but not required, by this practice.

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 D6185 − 11
3.2.5 pass, n—in compatibility testing of grease mixtures, a at–do not mix greases under any circumstances. Despite this
test result that is equal to or better than that of the poorer of the admonition, grease mixing will occur and, at times, cannot be
two constituent greases. avoided. In such instances, it would be useful to know whether
3.2.6 borderline pass, n— in compatibility testing of grease the mixing of two greases could lead to inadequate lubrication
mixtures, a test result that is inferior to that of the poorer of the with disastrous consequences. Equipment users most often do
two constituent greases by an amount not exceeding the not have the resources to evaluate grease compatibility and
repeatability of the test method used for the evaluation. must rely on their suppliers. Mixing of greases is a highly
3.2.6.1 Discussion—Borderline pass, borderline fail, bor- imprudent practice. Grease and equipment manufacturers alike
derline compatible, and borderline incompatible are synony- recognize such practices will occur despite all warnings to the
mous terms. contrary. Thus, both users and suppliers have a need to know
the compatibility characteristics of the greases in question.
3.2.7 fail, n—in compatibility testing of grease mixtures, a
test result that is inferior to that of the poorer of the two 5.2 There are two approaches to evaluating the compatibil-
constituent greases by an amount exceeding the repeatability of ity of grease mixtures. One is to determine whether such
the test method used for the evaluation. mixtures meet the same specification requirements as the
constituent components. This approach is not addressed by this
3.2.8 50:50 mixture, n—a uniform blend of 50 mass % of
practice. Instead, this practice takes a specification-
each of two component greases.
independent approach; it describes the evaluation of compat-
3.2.9 10:90 mixture, n—a uniform blend of 10 mass % of ibility on a relative basis using specific test methods.
one grease with 90 mass % of a second grease. 5.2.1 Three test methods are used because fewer are not
3.2.10 90:10 mixture, n—a uniform blend of 90 mass % of sufficiently definitive. For example, in one study, using
one grease with 10 mass % of a second grease. 100 000-stroke worked penetration for evaluation, 62 % of the
mixtures were judged to be compatible.5 In a high-temperature
4. Summary of Practice storage stability study, covering a broader spectrum of grease
4.1 Option 1—A 50:50 mixture of two greases to be types, only one-third of the mixtures were compatible.5 These
evaluated for compatibility is prepared by spatulating. This studies used different criteria to judge compatibility.
mixture and the two neat, constituent greases are tested using 5.2.2 Compatibility cannot be predicted with certainty from
the primary compatibility tests (dropping point, 100 000-stroke foreknowledge of grease composition. Generally, greases hav-
worked penetration, and change in 60-stroke penetration due to ing the same or similar thickener types will be compatible.
high-temperature storage). Depending on the performance of Uncommonly, even greases of the same type, although nor-
the mixture, relative to those of the constituent greases, 10:90 mally compatible when mixed, can be incompatible because of
and 90:10 mixtures may need to be tested in addition. incompatible additive treatments. Thus, compatibility needs to
Alternatively, Option 2 can be used. Instead of testing mixtures be judged on a case-by-case basis.
in sequential order, 10:90 and 90:10 mixtures are tested at the 5.3 Two constituent greases are blended in specific ratios. A
same time the 50:50 mixture is evaluated. If all mixtures pass 50:50 mixture simulates a ratio that might be experienced when
the primary compatibility tests, or if the application requires one grease (Grease A) is installed in a bearing containing a
the evaluation of specific properties, secondary compatibility previously installed, different grease (Grease B), and no
tests can be employed for further evaluation. Such tests can be attempt is made to flush out Grease B with Grease A. The 10:90
run concurrently, if desired. and 90:10 ratios are intended to simulate ratios that might
occur when attempts are made to flush out Grease B with
5. Significance and Use Grease A.
5.1 The compatibility of greases can be important for users NOTE 1—Some companies evaluate 25:75 and 75:25 ratio mixtures
of grease-lubricated equipment. It is well known that the instead of 10:90 and 90:10 ratio mixtures. But, the latter two ratios, which
mixing of two greases can produce a substance markedly are prescribed by this practice, are considered more representative of the
inferior to either of its constituent materials. One or more of the flushing practice described in 5.3.
following can occur. A mixture of incompatible greases most 5.3.1 Incompatibility is most often revealed by the evalua-
often softens, sometimes excessively. Occasionally, it can tion of 50:50 mixtures. However, in some instances 50:50
harden. In extreme cases, the thickener and liquid lubricant will mixtures are compatible and more dilute ratios are incompat-
completely separate. Bleeding can be so severe that the mixed ible. (See Appendix X1 and Meade.6)
grease will run out of an operating bearing. Excessive syneresis 5.4 Compatibility information can be used in product infor-
can occur, forming pools of liquid lubricant separated from the mation literature supplied with specific greases. It can be used
grease. Dropping points can be reduced to the extent that also in literature describing lubrication practices and equip-
grease or separated oil runs out of bearings at elevated ment maintenance.
operating temperatures. Such events can lead to catastrophic
lubrication failures.
5.1.1 Because of such occurrences, equipment manufactur- 5
Myers, E. H., “Incompatibility of Greases,” NLGI Spokesman, April 1983, p.
ers recommend completely cleaning the grease from equipment
24.
before installing a different grease. Service recommendations 6
Meade, F. S., “Compatibility of Greases,” Rock Island Arsenal Laboratory
for grease-lubricated equipment frequently specify the cave- Report, No. 56-2405, PB 121731, Aug. 20, 1956.

3
 D6185 − 11
6. Apparatus 7.2.4 When 10:90 and 90:10 mixtures are to be tested,
prepare fresh mixtures of these proportions in the same
6.1 The equipment and materials required for this practice
fashion. The weighing tolerance shall be 61 % of each neat
shall be those required by the test methods used to evaluate
grease.
compatibility. At the least, this will include those required by
the primary compatibility Test Methods D217 and D566 (or 7.3 Option 1 (see A1.1)—Use the primary test protocol to
D2265) and a laboratory oven. test the Constituent Greases A and B and the 50:50 mixture. If
6.1.1 Dropping Point Equipment, grease cup, test tube, resources permit, the dropping points, shear stability, and
thermometer, temperature bath, and accessories as described in storage stability tests can be run concurrently. Otherwise, any
Test Method D566, or dropping point assembly, aluminum sequence of these tests can be used.
block oven, and peripheral equipment as described in Test 7.3.1 Dropping Point— Determine and record the dropping
Method D2265. points as described in Test Method D566 or D2265.
6.1.2 Penetration Equipment, penetrometer with standard 7.3.1.1 Compare dropping point of the mixture with those of
cone, grease worker with motorized drive, temperature bath, constituent greases. If the dropping point of the mixture is
and peripheral equipment as described in Test Methods D217. equal to or greater than that of either constituent grease, record
as compatible or pass. If the dropping point of the mixture is
6.1.3 High-Temperature Storage Test Equipment:
less than the lower of the constituent greases by an amount
6.1.3.1 Laboratory Oven, static-air or stirred-air type, ca- equal to or less than repeatability of the test method (see 9.1.1
pable of maintaining the test temperature within 63°C and for repeatability values), record as a borderline compatible or
equipped with one or more grill-type, wire shelves. borderline pass. If the dropping point of the mixture is less
6.1.3.2 Penetration Equipment, full-scale, as described in than the lower of the constituent greases by an amount greater
6.1.2; or 1⁄2-scale penetrometer, cone, and worker, as described than repeatability of the test method, record as incompatible or
in Test Method D1403. fail.
7.3.1.2 If the mixture is incompatible (fail), no further
7. Procedure testing need be done. If the mixture is compatible or borderline
7.1 Either of two similar testing options can be used–the compatible (pass or borderline pass), further tests are required.
sequential testing protocol described in Option 1 (A1.1), or the If not yet run, test the mixture and the neat greases for shear
concurrent testing protocol described in Option 2 (A1.2). Using stability (100 000-stroke worked penetration) or high tempera-
Option 1, a 50:50 mixture and the two constituent greases are ture storage stability, or both (7.3.2 and 7.3.3, respectively).
tested using three primary tests. If this mixture is found 7.3.2 Shear Stability—Determine the 100 000-stroke
compatible, 10:90 and 90:10 mixtures are tested. Using Option worked penetrations as described in Test Methods D217.
2, all mixtures (10:90, 50:50, and 90:10) and the two constitu- 7.3.2.1 Compare the 100 000-stroke worked penetration of
ent greases are tested concurrently. the mixture with those of constituent greases. If the penetration
7.1.1 With either option, the test procedures (that is, drop- of the mixture is equal to or between those of the constituent
ping point, shear stability, or storage stability tests) can be run greases, record as compatible or pass. If the penetration of the
concurrently or sequentially in any order. The test procedures mixture is less than the lower of the constituent grease or
are presented in the order of the time required to run an greater than the higher of the constituent grease by an amount
individual test. equal to or less than repeatability of the test method (see 9.1.2),
record as a borderline compatible or borderline pass. If the
7.2 Preparation of Mixtures—Regardless of whether one or penetration of the mixture is less than the lower of the
three mixtures of differing ratios are to be tested sequentially or constituent grease or greater than the higher of the constituent
concurrently, they shall be prepared in similar fashion. grease by an amount greater than repeatability of the test
7.2.1 Prepare a fresh 50:50 mixture of the two greases to be method (see 9.1.2), record as incompatible or fail.
evaluated for compatibility. (For convenience, the neat, con- 7.3.2.2 If the mixture is incompatible (fail), no further
stituent greases are called A and B.) The amounts to be mixed testing need be done. If the mixture is compatible or borderline
shall be determined from the amount of grease required by the compatible (pass or borderline pass), further tests are required.
tests. Prepare at least 10 % more mixture than is actually If not yet run, test the mixture and the neat greases for dropping
needed for the tests. Do not prepare more than can be used or high temperature storage stability, or both (7.3.1 and 7.3.3,
immediately, that is no more than about 4 h should elapse respectively.
between mixture preparation and the start of any test. 7.3.3 High-Temperature Storage Stability—The following
7.2.2 Weigh equal amounts 61 % of each neat grease and variation of Federal Test Method 3467.1 shall be followed.
transfer to a hard, flat, impervious surface such as a glass or Determine the 60-stroke penetrations of the neat, constituent
stainless steel plate. About a 400 mm-square surface is conve- greases and the blends. Test Methods D217 is preferred, but
1⁄2-scale equipment (Test Method D1403) may be substituted.
nient.
7.2.3 With a suitable spatula, fold and blend the two greases One-quarter-scale equipment is considered generally unsuit-
into each other until a uniform blend is produced. (Warning— able. Record the test method (Test Methods D217 or Test
Great care should be taken to minimize the occlusion of air.) Method D1403) used.
(Warning—Do not use any other mixing equipment to prepare NOTE 2—Variations from Federal Test Method 3467.1 include oven
grease mixtures.) requirements, sample containers, allowance of 1⁄2-scale measurements,

4
 D6185 − 11
and specified storage conditions. 7.8 Option 2 (see A1.2)—Follow the flowchart for Option 2
NOTE 3—According to Test Method D1403, 1⁄2-scale measurements are (A1.2) using the procedures described for sequential testing
converted to full-scale values; the appropriate repeatability is applied as
described.
(7.3 – 7.3.3.5).
7.8.1 If all of the mixtures pass all three primary tests and
7.3.3.1 Place test samples in worker cups or suitably sized the selected secondary tests, the greases shall be reported as
glass or steel containers; loosely cap or cover with aluminum compatible. If any mixture passes all primary tests but fails one
foil. Place containers on the wire shelf located about midway to or more secondary tests, the greases shall be reported as
upper third of the laboratory oven preheated to 120 63°C. generally compatible but incompatible in certain applications.
Maintain 120 63°C for 70 6 1⁄4 h. The failed tests shall be reported as well as the applications
7.3.3.2 Greases having low dropping points (less than suggested by these tests.
125°C); for example, hydrated calcium greases, cannot be
tested under these conditions. When testing compatibility of 8. Report
such greases, the storage stability test shall be run at 75 63°C
for 1400 6 4 h. 8.1 Report the following information:
7.3.3.3 Remove samples from the oven and allow to cool. 8.1.1 Identity of the constituent greases and the mix-ratios
Determine 60-stroke worked penetration in accordance with of the mixtures tested,
Test Methods D217 (or Test Method D1403). Calculate change 8.1.2 Whether the greases were found compatible or
in 60-stroke worked penetrations. incompatible, and
7.3.3.4 Compare the change in 60-stroke worked penetra- 8.1.3 If found incompatible, report the mixing ratio(s) found
tion of the mixture with the penetration changes of the incompatible and in which test(s).
constituent greases. If the penetration change of the mixture is 8.2 If secondary testing procedures were used, report 8.1.1
equal to or between those of the constituent greases, record as – 8.1.3 and, in addition, report the test methods used in
compatible or pass. If the penetration change of the mixture is secondary testing and whether the greases were found compat-
less than that of the lower of the constituent grease or greater ible or incompatible.
than that of the higher of the constituent grease by an amount 8.2.1 If found incompatible, report the mixing ratio(s) found
equal to or less than repeatability of the test method (9.1.2), incompatible and in which test(s).
record as a borderline compatible or borderline pass. If the
penetration change of the mixture is less than that of the lower 9. Precision and Bias
of the constituent grease or greater than that of the higher of the
constituent grease by an amount greater than repeatability of 9.1 Repeatability Limits for Primary Test Methods:
the test method (9.1.2), record as incompatible or fail. NOTE 4—For complete precision and bias statements see the pertinent
7.3.3.5 If the mixture is incompatible (fail), no further test methods. Inasmuch as compatibility testing is not usually a specifi-
testing need be done. If the mixture is compatible or borderline cation requirement, reproducibility is not applicable.
compatible (pass or borderline pass), further tests are required. 9.1.1 Dropping Point—Refer to precision statements in Test
If not yet run, test the mixture and the neat greases for dropping Methods D566 and D2265.
point or shear stability, or both (7.3.1 and 7.3.2, respectively). 9.1.2 Penetration—Refer to precision statements in Test
7.4 If all the primary tests show the 50:50 mixture to be Methods D217 and D1403.
compatible, prepare 10:90 and 90:10 mixtures in a fashion 9.2 Reproducibility Limits for Primary Test Methods—
similar to that described in 7.3.1 – 7.3.3. The weighing Inasmuch as this practice is intended for internal use by
tolerance shall be 61 % of each neat grease. individual companies and not intended for specifications,
7.5 Run these mixtures in the primary tests (7.3.1 – 7.3.3.4). reproducibility is not applicable.
7.6 If all of the mixtures pass all three primary tests, the 9.3 Bias—Inasmuch as this practice is intended for internal
greases shall be reported as compatible. If any mixture fails use by individual companies and not intended for
any primary test, the greases shall be reported as incompatible specifications, bias is not applicable. In addition, there is no
(or borderline compatible if such is the case; see 7.3.3.4). bias for the test methods cited herein because the values for
7.7 For greases determined to be compatible in primary dropping point and penetration can be defined only in terms of
testing, the user, or by agreement, the user and supplier, should the respective test methods.
determine whether additional testing is required. Depending on
the criticality of the specification requirements, selection 10. Keywords
should be made from the secondary compatibility tests listed in 10.1 binary mixtures; compatibility; incompatibility; lubri-
Appendix X2. cating grease; mixtures

5
 D6185 − 11
ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. FLOWCHARTS FOR PRIMARY TESTING FOR COMPATIBILITY OF BINARY GREASE MIXTURES

A1.1 Option 1—Testing of constituent Greases A and B and

a 50:50 mixture, to be followed by testing of 10:90 and 90:10
mixtures, if necessary. See Fig. A1.1.
A1.2 Option 2—Testing of constituent Greases A and B and
10:90, 50:50, and 90:10 mixtures. See Fig. A1.2.

FIG. A1.1 Flowchart for Sequential Testing (Option 1)

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 D6185 − 11

FIG. A1.2 Flowchart for Concurrent Testing (Option 2)

APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. EXAMPLE OF BINARY GREASE MIXTURES COMPATIBLE AT 50:50 RATIO BUT

INCOMPATIBLE AT OTHER RATIOS4

X1.1 Fig. X1.1 illustrates binary grease mixture compatibil-

ity.

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 D6185 − 11

FIG. X1.1 Atypical Incompatibility of Binary Grease Mixtures at

Dilute-Mix Ratios

X2. TEST METHODS RECOMMENDED FOR SECONDARY TESTING

X2.1 In the lists that follow (X2.2 – X2.6), test methods are Test Short Description
suggested for consideration for evaluating compatibility of D2266 Four-ball wear
D2509 Timken load-carrying capacity
grease mixtures in specification-driven applications. Compat- D2596 Four-ball EP
ibility testing with these test methods should be applied D4170 Fretting wear
D5706 Extreme pressure properties by SRV
cautiously as full testing is resource taxing and can take D5707 Friction and wear properties by SRV
considerable test time.
X2.4 For Long-Term Machine Applications:
X2.1.1 The primary test methods are not included in these
Test Short Description
listings. Also, not listed, are test methods that define properties D972 Evaporation loss
not affected by incompatibility, regardless of their importance D1831 Roll stability
D2266 Four-ball wear
to the application. Many of the listed test methods have little D2509 Timken load-carrying capacity
potential for defining or being affected by incompatibility. D2595 Evaporation loss
Those that have greater potential for being affected by incom- D2596 Four-ball EP
D3336 Ball-bearing life at elevated temperatures
patibility are shown in boldface type. D3337 Life and torque in small bearings
X2.1.1.1 Note that some grease mixtures can cause perfor- D4170 Fretting wear
D4425 Oil separation by centrifuge
mance problems even though the mixture may be compatible. D5706 Extreme pressure properties by SRV
For example, a mixture of two greases could be compatible D5707 Friction and wear properties by SRV
when testedin accordance witth this practice. But if they have X2.5 For Applications at Temperature Extremes:
widely differing base oil viscosities, the mixture may not
Test Short Description
provide adequate tribological performance in particular appli- D972 Evaporation loss
cations. D1092 Apparent viscosity
D1263 Wheel bearing leakage
D1478 Low-temperature torque in ball bearings
X2.2 For Automotive Service Applications (Classification D1742 Oil separation during storage
and Specification D4950). D1831 Roll stability
D2595 Evaporation loss
Test Short Description D3336 Bal-bearing life at elevated temperatures
D1264 Water washout D3337 Life and torque in small bearings
D1742 Oil separation D3527 Life of wheel bearing grease
D1743 Rust protection D4290 Accelerated wheel bearing leakage
D2266 4-Ball wear D4425 Oil separation by centrifuge
D2596 4-Ball EP D4693 Low-temperature torque in wheel bearings
D3527 High-temperature life
D4170 Fretting wear
D4290 Leakage
D4693 Low-temperature torque

X2.3 For Tribological Applications:

8
 D6185 − 11
X2.6 For Applications with Potential for Aqueous Con-
tamination:
Test Short Description
D1264 Water washout
D1743 Rust protection
D4049 Water spray resistance

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in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

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