Test Method

• Lubricating oil must separate from water and resist emulsification, especially in applications exposed to water contamination and turbulence.
• Therefore, the test evaluates water separability by stirring equal volumes of oil and water at a controlled temperature.
• Next, the method measures the time required for the emulsion to separate into distinct phases.
• This procedure applies to both petroleum-based oils and synthetic fluids.

Features and Benefits

First, the system evaluates the emulsion characteristics of lubricating oils. Additionally, it accommodates up to seven samples simultaneously.

Moreover, a movable digital stirrer with microprocessor control improves flexibility and ease of operation. Meanwhile, a clear, illuminated heating bath ensures excellent sample visibility. Furthermore, microprocessor temperature control includes a digital display and built-in safety protections.

Finally, the system complies with ASTM, ISO, and related water separability standards. An optional sensor also enables direct measurement of sample temperature.

K39200 Water Separability Tester

The K39200 tester provides full visibility and microprocessor control for all test functions. As a result, it enables simplified and accurate testing of up to seven samples simultaneously. Accordingly, laboratories use it for new oil specification and in-service oil monitoring.

Seven-Position Heating Bath

The transparent bath immerses seven 100 mL cylinders at ASTM- and ISO-specified depths. Stainless steel supports then secure each cylinder firmly inside the bath. Meanwhile, a microprocessor-controlled circulator maintains bath temperature within ±1 °C accuracy.

The system operates reliably across a temperature range of 25 °C to 150 °C. Large LED displays show setpoint and actual temperatures in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Typically, samples reach 54 °C or 82 °C within ten minutes after placement.

Additionally, the clear Pyrex™ bath includes backlighting for improved separation visibility. Safety cut-off circuits protect against low liquid levels and over-temperature conditions. Integrated handles also simplify cover removal during filling or cleaning.

Microprocessor Sample Stirrer

To prevent movement, the stirrer pivots precisely to each test position and locks securely. Consequently, the stirrer maintains correct alignment with each 100 mL sample cylinder.

The digital interface allows easy adjustment of stirring speed and duration. Operating speed and countdown time appear clearly on a backlit LCD display.  A wide speed range of 60–1800 rpm supports customised testing with ±1 rpm accuracy. Operators may also select stirring times up to 99.99 minutes.

After completion, the stirrer automatically stops and signals the settling period. For convenience, the system stores test parameters for repeat use.

K39200-SFW Water Separability Software

The test-intelligent software guides operators through each step with sequential prompts. Additionally, it automatically times separation and calculates ASTM-format results. The Windows®-based interface offers intuitive navigation and minimal system resource usage. An integrated timer and stopwatch support general laboratory tasks.

Advanced zoom, pan, and trace tools allow detailed graph analysis. The software exports data, graphs, and parameters directly to Microsoft® Excel. Alternatively, users export ASCII files for LIMS or other spreadsheet systems. Users may also print ISO-compliant test reports directly.

Finally, the database stores results for averages, standard deviations, and ASTM repeatability analysis.

Computer Requirements

• PC Processor: Intel® Pentium II or similar (minimum)
• Processor Speed: 500 MHz or higher
• Operating System: Windows ® 98 SE, 2000, NT, ME, XP
• Memory (RAM): 64 Mb RAM (128 Mb RAM recommended)
• Hard Disk Space: 15 Mb free space (minimum)
• Other Software: Microsoft ® Excel (97 or above)