New DIN 51830-2 Standard Introduces Advanced RSSOT for Thermo-Oxidative Grease Failure Characterization

Greases are essential for more than just lubrication – they function as seals, corrosion inhibitors, and shock absorbers, playing a vital role in equipment performance. However, their effectiveness is limited by both physical and chemical degradation, particularly oxidation. Measuring oxidation stability is crucial to ensuring reliable lubrication throughout a grease's service life.

Anton Paar delivers a cutting-edge solution with the RapidOxy 100, a fully automated instrument designed to accelerate the oxidation process by applying elevated temperatures up to 180 °C and oxygen pressure. Utilizing the Rapid Small-Scale Oxidation Test (RSSOT), RapidOxy 100 already enables quick and precise oxidation stability testing of greases in accordance with ASTM D8206 and DIN 51830-1. This method effortlessly evaluates antioxidant effectiveness and formulation stability, ensuring optimal performance.

The newly published DIN 51830-2 standard introduces an advanced evaluation technique using Oxidation Induction Time (OIT). This innovation allows for fully automated oxidation stability testing, incorporating contact with catalytically active metals – steel and brass – to simulate real-world conditions more accurately. As an officially standardized test method by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), this breakthrough delivers even greater precision in grease longevity assessment.

With the enhanced RSSOT method in DIN 51830-2, oxidation stability is evaluated under real-world conditions, factoring in exposure to catalytically active materials. The method also enables Arrhenius plot calculations, determining activation energy to estimate grease service life under various temperature conditions. Additionally, it facilitates the estimation of Remaining Useful Life (RUL) for used greases, helping industries implement proactive maintenance and replacement strategies.

For in-depth oxidation analysis, the OxyLogger 100 desktop software offers automatic oxygen consumption calculations, shelf-life estimations, and other advanced features. These tools empower users to optimize grease formulations, enhance predictive maintenance strategies, and ensure long-term product stability.

The adoption of DIN 51830-2 is progressing toward international standardization, further solidifying its impact on the industry. With RapidOxy 100, Anton Paar continues to set new benchmarks in grease testing technology – delivering accuracy, efficiency, and real-world applicability.