Test Methods: ASTM D892, D6082
Heated AIR Baths for Foaming Characteristics of Petroleum Products
• Meet the requirements of ASTM D6082 150°C foaming test
• Meet the requirements of ASTM D892 for foaming characteristics
• Operating temperatures from +20° to +150°C
• Digital indicating PID temperature controller, ±0.5°C stability
• Rapid sample heat up
• Refrigerated option for rapid sample cool down
• Eliminates liquid bath medium for improved safety and cleanliness
• Two channel mass flow control of air flow
• Automatic test event sequencer


Model 323 is a four test position heated AIR bath for measuring the foaming tendencies of lubricating oils in the temperature range of +20 to +150°C. The use of heated air to heat the test samples improves the overall safety by eliminating the use of the potentially unsafe, smoking, dripping of, flammable, hot liquid bath medium. Conventional bath fluids darken and require frequent replacement. (Use of silicone oils is not recommended since only a few parts per million contamination will distort the foam results.)

Model 323 uses a digital indicating (0.1°C resolution) PID controller for controlling the air temperature in the chamber, with a stability of better than ±0.5°C over the operating range. Novel, sophisticated heating system and control allows the sample to reach test temperature in less than the 60 minutes specified by the method. Long temperature probes are provided for each of the 4 test positions for digital control and test sample temperature display and precise temperature control during the foaming process.

For improved consistency of results, two digital indicating mass air flow controllers are used for precisely measuring and controlling the amount of air delivered to the air diffuser. The air flow is controlled at either a rate of 94 or 200 ±5 mL/min. (depending if testing by ASTM D892 or D6082, respectively).

An automated, two channel sequencer automatically starts the air flow after the 5 minutes soak time, after 5 minutes stops the air flow and sounds an alarm, and again sounds an alarm after the 10 minutes settling period (other times are also available).

A touch screen allows the operator selection and full adjustment of all test parameters. All key test parameters are displayed during the test. Also displayed is the time remaining to the next test event requiring operator attention.

A multi-pane insulated window allows full view of the test cylinder for observation of the foam.

A chilled water/glycol mixture is required to maintain 24°C (75°F) in the air chamber for Sequence I and III testing. The chilled mixture is also helpful for rapid cool down of the air chamber for the next test. Model FM-16, refrigerated chiller suitable for this task is also available (see foam accessory section)

Model 323-G has the same performance characteristics as Model 323 but with the addition of a refrigeration system for very rapid cooling of the bath and sample from 93.5°C (or 150°C) to 24°C. This direct refrigerated cooling is far faster than if using an external chiller. This important new feature speeds the testing of the three Sequences of ASTM D892. Model 323-G is configured as a floor model with the refrigeration system in the base of the unit. Furthermore, the unit is at a more favorable height allowing easier insertion and removal of foam test cylinders, and still of a comfortable height for foam observation.

Model 323-H is identical to Model 323 with the exception that its temperature range is only 90°C to 150°C. It is suitable for ASTM D892 Sequence II only, and D6082 test methods.

Model 323-L is similar to the other 323 series baths but is designed specifically for +24'C. This model has a built in cooling coil that will require an external refrigeration system to control the air chamber at +24'C.

Model 399-4 is an AIR bath for measuring the foaming tendencies of lubricating oils at +24º C as per ASTM D892. It is internally refrigerated to assure a constant 24º C regardless of the laboratory environment. Long, certified temperature probes are provided for each of the 4 test positions to display test sample temperature.

Model 399-8 is a twin air chambers AIR bath for measuring the foaming tendencies of lubricating oils at +24ºC and at +93.5ºC as per ASTM D892. One chamber is controlled at 24ºC, and the other at 93.5ºC. Each chamber is independent of the other. The 24ºC chamber is internally refrigerated to assure a constant 24ºC regardless of the laboratory environment. Sophisticated control has been developed that speeds the cooling of the test sample when transferring from the higher temperature bath.

 Available Models
Model No.
Temperature Range
Test Methods
Heating Medium
Cabinet Dimensions
Ship Weight lbs/cu.ft
323
+20ºC to +150ºC
ASTM D6082 and D892
(All Sequences)
Air
26x23x23
(69x66x99)
350/26
323-G
+20ºC to +150ºC
ASTM D6082 and D892
(All Sequences)
Air
26x23x55
(69x66x140)
400/32
323-H
+90ºC to +150ºC
ASTM D6082 and D892
(Sequences II Only)
Air
26x23x23
(69x66x99)
285/27
323-L
+24ºC
ASTM D892
(Sequences I & III Only)
Air
26x23x23
(69x66x99)
280/27
399-4
+24ºC
ASTM D892
(Sequences I & III Only)
Air
26x23x35
(69x66x88)
285/27
399-8
+24ºC and 93.5ºC
ASTM D892
(Sequences I, II & III )
Air
55x23x55
(137x75x140)
475/35


Model: FM-6
Test Tube Support Rack
Model: FM-16
Chiller
Model: FM14/15
Air Supply Assembly & Air Drying Tower

Accessories
Part No.
Description
FM-1
Flat bottomed glass 100mL graduated test cylinder starting at 10mL and continuing at 10mL increments
FM-3
Mott Metal cylindrical gas diffuser (Mott duffusers offer more uniform air bubbles and greater precision over Norton Stones)
FM-3MC
Certified Mott metal cylinder gas diffuser
FM-3NC
Certified Norton spherical gas diffuser
FM-4
Test assembly includes 1 of each:
FM-1 - 100mL graduated test cylinder
FM-3 - Mott metal cylindrical gas diffuser
FM-10 - glass air-outlet tube
FM-11 - air-inlet tube
FM-12 - sealing washer
FM-13 - two hole rubber stopper
FM-5
 Four position sample storage rack (cylinders not included)
FM-10
 Glass air-outlet tube (90º)
FM-11
 Chrome plated air-inlet tube
FM-13
 Rubber stopper (two holes)
Fm-14
 Air drying tower package with color indicating drying agent, 3" diameter by 12" tall
FM-15
 Air supply pump (oil-less diaphragm)
FM-14/15
 Air supply assembly mounted on a base with as air supply pump (FM-15) and with an air drying tower (FM-14). Overall dimensions: 9"x10"x14"
FM-16
 Mechanically refrigerated bath (12 liters) with a digital indicating controller. Operating temperature range is +10ºC to -35ºC. Designed for pumping cold liquid to cool Model 323 or323-H air foam bath. It allows Model 323 to operated at 24ºC as well as rapidly cool the air chamber to the lower temperature.
Overall dimensions: 14"x23"33"
FM-16L
 Flow cooler (used with Model 24 and 28 liquid baths). It is used to maintain the 24ºC bath when the ambient temperature in the laboratory is above 24ºC.
FM-17
 20 liters (5gal.) of Polyalphaolefin (PAO) bath medium oil, containing no silicones. PAO fluid has longer life at higher temperatures then conventional bath medium oils. 27 liters (7 gal.) need to fill each liquid bath. Replaces silicones as heated bath medium. Silicone fluids are not recommended. Even low levels (1 ppm and above) of silicone contamination interfere with test results.
FM-7.2
 Two channel digital indicating Mass Flow Controller, allowing two simultaneous foam tests
FM-9
 Automatic-sequencing controller, automatically starts air flow after the 5 minute period of soaking the diffuser, sounds alarm and automatically stops air flow after 5 minutes blowing period, and sounds alarm after 10 minute settling period. Also provided is a digital display time counter showing remaining seconds to the next even requiring operator attention. Available as a stand alone model or incorporated into any of the foam testing baths.
FM-20
 For improved consistency of results, two digital indicating mass flow controllers are used for precisely measuring and controlling the amount of air delivered to the air diffuser. The air flow is controlled at either a rate of 94 or 200 ±mL/min. (depending if the testing by ASTM D892 or D6082, respectively). An automated, two channel sequencer automatically starts the air flow after the 5 minutes soak times, after the 6 minutes stops the air flow and sounds an alarm, and again sounds an alarm after the 10 minutes settling period (other times are also available). A touch screen allows the operator selection and full adjustment of all test parameters. All key parameters are displayed during the test. Also displayed is the time remaining to the next event requiring operator attention.

Specifications subject to change without notice.
Lawler Manufacturing Corporation © 2005
IP146, DIN 51-566, NF T60-129, FTM 791-3213, Sequence I, Sequence  II, Sequence III, Sequence IV, Foam test, Crankcase Oils Foaming  Characteristics, Foaming Characteristics of Motor Oils, Foaming  Characteristics of ATF, Foaming Characteristics of Automatic Transmission  Fluid, Foaming Characteristics of Petroleum Products, Deutsche Norm, Federal  Test Method, Institute of Petroleum