ASTM D874

Sulfated Ash from Lubricating Oils and Additives

Applicability: ASTM D874 is a standard test method that determines the sulfated ash content of unused lubricating oils and additive concentrates. It is primarily used for quality control and analysis of these materials, helping to identify the presence and levels of metallic additives. The test method is applicable to oils containing additives such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, and other metals, as well as elements like sulfur, phosphorus, and chlorine.

Purpose: ASTM D874 determines the mass percentage of sulfated ash in lubricating oils. This is crucial because many lubricating oils contain metallic additives (like zinc, calcium, magnesium, etc.) that contribute to their performance.