ASTM D4683-20 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Viscosity of New and Used Engine Oils at High Shear Rate and High Temperature by Tapered Bearing Simulator Viscometer at 150 °C

1.1 This test method covers the laboratory determination of the viscosity of engine oils at 150 °C and 1.0·10⁶ s⁻¹ using a viscometer having a slightly tapered rotor and stator called the Tapered Bearing Simulator (TBS) Viscometer.2

1.2 The Newtonian calibration oils used to establish this test method range from approximately 1.2 mPa·s to 7.7 mPa·s at 150 °C. The precision has only been determined for the viscosity range 1.47 mPa·s to 5.09 mPa·s at 150 °C for the materials listed in the precision section.

1.3 The non-Newtonian reference oil used to establish the shear rate of 1.0·10⁶ s⁻¹ for this test method has a viscosity closely held to 3.55 mPa·s at 150 °C by using the absolute viscometry of the TBS.

1.4 Manual, semi-automated, and fully automated TBS viscometers were used in developing the precision statement for this test method.

1.5 Application to petroleum products such as base oils and formulated engine oils was determined in preparing the viscometric information for this test method.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.