In-Service Diesel Lubricating Oil Monitoring

Fee: $558

Schedule: March, July, November

Sample amount distributed each test month: 250 ml of in-service diesel engine lubricating oil and approximately 20 ml of new oil from the same diesel engine source

• About the Program
• Program Schedule
• Why Should You Participate?
• Test Parameters
• Distribution of Samples
• Program Sponsor
• Program Registration Form

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

ASTM International's In-Service Oil Interlaboratory Crosscheck Program is a statistical quality assurance tool enabling labs to compare, improve, and maintain a high level of performance in conducting tests per ASTM Intl. methods or other methods used by the lab.

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

Conducted three times annually, this program provides (for each test cycle) a 250 ml container of in-service diesel engine lubricating oil, data reports forms, and test instructions. A different in-service diesel engine lubricating oil will be used for each test cycle. Labs perform the tests that are normally conducted within their facility. Labs are encouraged to use the ASTM International methods, as written, however, the program will allow labs to use other methods. The other methods utilized, or any deviations from the ASTM Intl. method, must be documented with the data report form.

Single determinations by each laboratory are required since the program does not allow the reporting of averages of replicate determinations.

Test data and related information returned to ASTM Intl. will be used in generating statistical summary reports that are returned electronically to each lab. Reports contain:

• Coded laboratory test results
• Statistical analysis of test data
• Charts plotting test results versus lab code
• Other information

Samples, test instructions, and data report forms are distributed to each lab during the beginning of each testing month. Labs will have approximately five weeks to return test data to ASTM International with final summary reports electronically distributed from ASTM Intl. approximately 20-25 business days following the deadline date for receipt of all data.

The In-Service Oil will be conducted in March, July, and November. Annual Fee is $558

WHY SHOULD YOUR LABORATORY PARTICIPATE?

You will receive compiled test results, available only to participating labs, providing:

• Periodic comparison of your test results and calculated statistical parameters with other laboratories worldwide
• An objective means of assessing and demonstrating the reliability of the data your lab is producing
• A comparison of test data for a given quality parameter against laboratories using different methods

TEST PARAMETERS

* Labs unable to follow a specific ASTM Intl. method will be required to identify and describe those areas where the method deviations occur.

* Labs using alternative methods will be required to identify and generically describe method(s) used.

DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES

Test samples are prepared and distributed for ASTM International by Clark Labs in Jefferson Hills, PA. Program Registration fees include the cost of shipping test samples to Continental U.S. participants.

IMPORTANT: Non-continental U.S. participants have the following options for receipt of samples:

• Ship through a third party shipping agent. Provide ASTM Intl. with the complete address and phone number of your designated U.S. Trans-Shipping Agent who will be responsible for shipping samples from the U.S. to your facility. Participants are responsible for making financial and shipping arrangements to receive samples directly with your shipping agent.
• Ship directly from sample distributor via UPS, DHL, or FEDEX. Provide ASTM with your shipping account number to cover shipping charges. Check that your carrier will deliver test materials to your location.

PROGRAM SPONSOR

Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants, consisting of over 1,500 members and developer of nearly 670 ASTM Intl. standards, provides the technical direction for the program. Test information generated through the program is utilized by Committee D02 to determine if modifications to ASTM Intl. methods or new methods are warranted and to analytically review program test results. (All data and related information generated from the program is coded to maintain lab confidentiality.)