What Is ASTM?
The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) is, at 100 years
old, one of the largest voluntary standards development systems in
the world. ASTM is a not-for-profit organization which provides a
forum for producers, users, ultimate consumers, and those having general
interest (representatives of government and academia) to meet on common
ground and write standards for materials, products, systems and services.
ASTM Section D-2 is the primary source of standards used in the petroleum
world. D-2 is further divided into Subcommittees, staffed by volunteers
from industry that have an interest in ensuring we have standards
by which we perform analysis today, and into the future.
Why Use ASTM Standards?
Analysis performed under strict ASTM protocols give you, the end-user,
assurance that the results are within known repeatability and reproducibility
criteria. This means that you could take the same sample to another
reputable laboratory performing the same ASTM test, and expect to
receive results that are within a known range with at least a 95%
confidence level.
If you are buying, selling, producing or formulating lubricants or
fuels, ASTM is a must. If you are testing in-service lubricants under
special quality programs, or expect the results to be used in litigation,
ASTM protocols are necessary to ensure a high level of confidence
and industry acceptance.
Using In-House Methods
Oil analysis programs providing “trend data” for operating
machinery have historically used modified ASTM protocols to provide
rapid, affordable information to industry. Another reason to develop
or use established “in-house” methods is to fill a gap
when there are no ASTM methods available to measure the parameters
of interest.
Beware Of False Claims
On occasion an oil analysis laboratory will claim to perform strict
ASTM testing when in fact the protocols have been modified. This is,
of course, unethical; however, it does happen. The result of this
practice is you do not get the service for which you thought you were
paying. Laboratories that compete with these unethical practices don’t
have a chance of securing your business based on price. A sure sign
of something wrong is when one laboratory offers a price 10 times
lower than everyone else’s for the same ASTM test.
Uncompromising Quality
Our ISO-9002 Quality Assurance Program uncompromising commitment to
quality. More than half of the nuclear power stations in the United
States put their faith in the analysis provided by Herguth Laboratories
under our Nuclear Grade, 10-CFR50 Appendix “B” Quality
Assurance Program. Below there is a link to a list of testing protocols
with the related method designations. If it is ASTM, you can be assured
it is strict ASTM protocols; if it has a HL or a MOD designation,
it is either a Herguth in-house method or a modification to an existing
ASTM method.
Getting Started Is Easy
To select the right method for your application, or to discuss your
testing needs, simply call our free technical help line at 1-888-HERGUTH
and discuss your situation with an expert. They’ll guide you
through the process of ordering sampling supplies and setting up a
program that meets your needs.
Testing Protocols - Available Test Procedures
For more information call 1-888-HERGUTH (437-4884)
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