ASTM Petroleum Committee Approves New Standard to Test for Glycols in Motor Oil

W. CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., October 23, 2014—The presence of ethylene glycol in in-service motor oil indicates that antifreeze coolant has leaked into the crankcase of an internal combustion engine. Such leakage leads to engine wear problems. A new ASTM International standard will be used to effectively determine whether glycols are present in motor oil.

The new standard is D7922, Test Method for Determination of Glycol for In-Service Engine Oils by Gas Chromatography. The standard will be used for ethylene glycol detection by many types of companies that use large industrial engines, including:

• Trucks;
• Earth moving machinery;
• Railway trains;
• Ocean-going ships;
• Military vehicles; and
• High performance race cars.

The test method describes an analysis for ethylene glycol that looks for a single component buried in the complex matrix of engine oil. A dirty used oil sample is directly reacted with a chemical that will derivatize the ethylene glycol to form another compound, ethylene glycol phenylboronate, or EG-PBA. This method is more specifically geared toward engine coolants than any previous oil testing method.

D7922 was developed cooperatively by Subcommittees D02.04.0L on Gas Chromatography Methods and D02.96 on In-Service Lubricant Testing and Condition Monitoring Services. Both subcommittees are part of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels and Lubricants.

“D02.96 contributed its expertise on analysis of in-service engine oils as well as knowledge of the in-service lubricants laboratory industry, and D02.04.0L contributed its expertise on the use of gas chromatography for this application,” says ASTM D02.04.0L chairman Frank P. DiSanzo, ExxonMobil Research and Engineering. “The collaborative efforts of the two subcommittees resulted in D7922.”

To purchase standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (tel +1.877.909.ASTM; [email protected]). ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.

Helping our world work better
Over 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally. Defined and set by us, they improve the lives of millions every day. Combined with our innovative business services, they enhance performance and help everyone have confidence in the things they buy and use – from the toy in a child’s hand to the aircraft overhead.

Working across borders, disciplines, and industries we harness the expertise of over 30,000 members to create consensus and improve performance in manufacturing and materials, products and processes, systems and services. Understanding commercial needs and consumer priorities, we touch every part of everyday life: helping our world work better.

For more news in this sector, visit www.astm.org/sn-energy or follow us on Twitter @ASTMEnergy.

ASTM Committee D02 Next Meeting: Dec. 7-11, 2014, San Diego, Calif.
Technical Contact: Frank P. DiSanzo, Ph.D., ExxonMobil Research and Engineering, Annandale, N.J., Phone: +1.908.730.2815; [email protected]
ASTM Staff Contact: Alyson Fick, Phone: +1.610.832.9710; [email protected]
ASTM PR Contact: Barbara Schindler, Phone: +1.610.832.9603; [email protected]