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AEROSPACE ARP6255
RECOMMENDED
Issued 2013-03
PRACTICE

Aviation Lubricant Tribology Evaluator (ALTE) Method to Determine

the Lubricating Capability of Gas Turbine Lubricants

RATIONALE

The Aviation Lubricant Tribology Evaluator (ALTE) is a device designed to assess the relative lubricating performance of
aviation turbine oils. The aim of the ALTE is to produce test conditions which allow lubricants to be evaluated on a
laboratory scale, in a timely manner without deviating greatly from representative wear mechanisms.

1. SCOPE

Employing ‘ball-on-cylinder’ philosophy, a non-rotating steel ball is held in a vertically mounted chuck and using an applied
load is forced against an axially mounted steel cylinder. The test cylinder is rotated at a fixed speed while being partially
immersed in a lubricant reservoir. This maintains the cylinder in a wet condition and continuously transports a lubricating
film of test fluid to the ball and cylinder interface. The diameter of the wear scar generated on the test ball is used as a
measure of the fluid’s lubricating properties.

The apparatus can be used, by adjusting the operating conditions, to reproduce two different wear mechanisms; mild and
severe wear, the ALTE therefore has the ability to assess a lubricant’s performance in that regard. These mechanisms are
described below.

1.1 Mild Wear

As the test cylinder rotates, the lubricant is continuously transported to the ball and cylinder interface. At this interface
under abrasive wear conditions, there is an elastohydrodynamic/boundary layer of lubricant which only allows contact of
the surface asperities of the ball and cylinder. Due to the difference in hardness of these asperities and motion of one
surface relative to the other, abrasion and hence mild wear occurs (two body abrasive wear). Hard wear debris carried
from the cylinder to the wear scar area can result in three body abrasive wear of the softer surface. Abrasive wear gives a
characteristic surface topography consisting of long parallel grooves in the sliding direction.

1.2 Severe Wear

At a specific load, a transition from mild to severe wear can be observed, at this transition, a reduction and subsequent
breakdown of boundary lubrication and film thickness occurs. This results in full metal-to-metal contact of the sliding
surfaces, leading to adhesive wear and a large wear scar. If loading is increased beyond this transition point then
localized welding and eventual seizure will occur.

It should be noted that the mild and severe wear mechanisms described above are entirely different tribological
phenomena where a transition of lubricating film thickness gives a change in the amount of metal surface contact.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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2. APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

The following publications form a part of this document to the extent specified herein. The latest issue of SAE publications
shall apply. The applicable issue of other publications shall be the issue in effect on the date of the purchase order. In the
event of conflict between the text of this document and references cited herein, the text of this document takes
precedence. Nothing in this document, however, supersedes applicable laws and regulations unless a specific exemption
has been obtained.

2.1 AIR4978, Temporary Methods for Assessing the Load Carrying Capacity of Aircraft Propulsion System Lubricating
Oils.

2.2 Aviation Lubricant Tribology Evaluator (MkII), Operating Manual

2.3 Aviation Lubricant Tribology Evaluator (MkIII), Installation & Operation Manual, Validata Limited, 23 Harewood
Road, Allestree, Derby, DE22 2JP, UK

2.4 ASTM D5001, Measurement of Lubricity of Aviation Turbine Fuels by Ball-On-Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator (BOCLE).

2.5 ARP5088, Test Method for the Determination of Total Acidity in Polyol Ester and Diester Gas Turbine Lubricants by
Automatic Potentiometric Titration.

2.6 ASTM D6304, Standard Test Method for Determination of Water in Petroleum Products, Lubricating Oils, and
Additives by Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration.

3. WARNING

This document may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This document does not purport to address
all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this document to establish
appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

4. METHOD SUMMARY

4.1 Test Conditions

TABLE 1

Parameter Mild Wear Severe Wear

Oil Temperature (°C) 150 ± 2 150 ± 2
Ball Load (kg) 4 to 20 30 to 100 [1]
Test Duration (minutes) 30 ± 0.10 1 ± 0.05
Rotation Speed (rpm) 220 ± 5 220 ± 5
Test Lubricant Volume (ml) 40 ± 1 40 ± 1
[1] The applied ball load must not exceed the maximum safe capacity of the rig defined by
the manufacturer. In order to perform the full range of testing required, this safe capacity
should be at least 100 kg as specified in 5.1.

4.2 Test Operation

A measured volume of the test lubricant is placed in the apparatus oil bath, the bath is then positioned such that the test
ring is partially submerged in the lubricant. The lubricant is maintained at 150 °C throughout the test period. A load is
applied to the pivot arm such that the required ball load is achieved; the load arm and support are arranged with a
moment such that the ball load is four times that applied to the arm. The test ring is rotated and the ball is lowered to
contact the ring surface throughout the test period.
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4.3 Assessment

The diameter of the wear scar generated at a given ball load is measured. Testing can be carried out to determine the
load at which a specific wear scar diameter is obtained or conversely the wear scar diameter formed at a specific load.

5. APPARATUS

5.1 Aviation Lubricant Tribology Evaluator MkII or Validata MkIII to the specifications tabulated below, these values
represent the required upper limit of the equipment, the ALTE however will also be required to operate below these
values depending on the specific test requirements. The tabulated values have been found to enable the user to
determine the load required to generate a 1.5 mm wear scar diameter for the majority of current gas turbine
lubricants.

TABLE 2

Requirement
Test Ring Rotation Speed (rpm) ≥ 220
Oil Temperature (°C) ≥ 150
Oil Heater Power (Watts) ≥ 400
Arm Load Capacity (kg) ≥ 25
Ball Load Capacity (kg) ≥ 100
Timer Range (s) 0 to ≥ 3600

5.2 A set of calibrated test weights (1 to 20 kg).

5.3 Desiccator, dedicated solely for this test, filled with a suitable desiccant.

5.4 A travelling microscope or an optical microscope in conjunction with suitable measurement software. The
microscope used should be capable of 100 times magnification (minimum) and calibrated to ensure measurement
to the nearest 0.01 mm can be achieved.

5.5 Ultrasonic bath suitable for cleaning components.

6. CONSUMABLES

6.1 Test balls to the following specification:

TABLE 3

Material Chrome Alloy AISI 52100 Steel

Hardness 64-66 HRC
Surface finish Grade 5-10 EP (extra polish)
Dimensions 12.7 mm diameter

The balls are described in ISO 3290-1:2008. The HRC shall be 64 to 66, a closer limit than is found in the ISO
requirement.
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6.2 Test rings to the following specification:

TABLE 4

Material SAE 8270 Steel

Hardness 58-62 HRC
Surface finish 0.56-0.71 µm rms
Metallurgical Treatment Carburized Steel
Dimensions 49.25 +0.00/-0.15 mm diameter

The ball and test ring specifications described above are identical to those listed in ASTM D5001, Measurement of
Lubricity of Aviation Turbine Fuels by Ball-On-Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator (BOCLE). The sole source of supply of test
rings known to the committee at this time is: Falex Timken Test Ring, Part Number 002-560-001, Falex Corp., 1020
Airpark Drive, Sugar Grove, IL, 60554 USA. Test balls are available from multiple suppliers including Falex Corp. and
PCS Instruments, 78 Stanley Gardens, London, W3 7SZ, United Kingdom.

A diagram showing the test ring design is shown in Figure 2.

6.3 Propan-2-ol (common name, isopropyl alcohol), reagent grade or better.

6.4 Propanone (common name, acetone), reagent grade or better.

6.5 A segregated supply of Mobil Jet Oil II is to be used for calibration purposes. Where possible this should be from
sealed quart cans, where this is not possible a bulk supply may be used however lubricant properties including
acidity and water content should be checked before each batch of tests. Total Acid Number (ARP5088) should not
be allowed to deviate more than 0.10 mg KOH g-1 from its original value (on the Certificate of Analysis) and the
water content (ASTM D6304) should not be greater than 1000 ppm.

6.6 Polymer/cotton gloves.

6.7 Lint-free cloths or lint-free paper towel.

7. APPARATUS PREPARATION

Care should be taken to adhere to strict cleanliness requirements and to the specified cleaning procedures. During
handling and installation procedures, protect cleaned test components (cylinder, balls and reservoir) from contamination
by wearing polymer or cotton gloves and by handling the specimens using lint-free paper or cloth. Handling with
paper/cloth removes the possibility of the transfer of plasticizers or oil contaminants from the gloves to the specimen
surface as this could influence the test result.

7.1 Test Rings (as received)

7.1.1 Strip the wax protective coating from the test ring by vigorously manually wiping it with a lint-free cloth or paper
soaked in propanone. Repeat this process.

7.1.2 Clean the test rings in propanone using an ultrasonic bath for a period of 15 minutes. Drain off the propanone and
refill before returning to ultrasonic bath for a further 15 minutes.

7.1.3 Drain off propanone and rinse thoroughly with fresh propanone. Dry with a lint-free cloth/paper.

7.1.4 Visually inspect components, discard any that exhibit pits, corrosion or surface abnormalities. Store the
acceptable specimens in a desiccator.
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7.2 Used Test Rings (between tests)

7.2.1 Remove the test ring from the mandrel.

7.2.2 Using a propanone soaked lint-free cloth/paper remove test lubricant from the test ring surface.

7.2.3 Follow steps 7.1.2 to 7.1.4.

7.3 Test Balls (as received)

7.3.1 Remove the oil coating from each ball by wiping with a propanone soaked lint-free cloth/paper.

7.3.2 Follow steps 7.1.2 to 7.1.4.

7.4 Test Ball Retainer Housing and Ring Mandrel

7.4.1 Wipe all components with a dry lint-free cloth/paper to remove excess lubricant.

7.4.2 Vigorously wipe all components with a propan-2-ol soaked lint-free cloth/paper. Repeat this process.

7.5 Oil Tank, Ball Retainer Nut, Ring Retaining Plate and Screws

7.5.1 Wipe all components with a dry lint-free cloth/paper to remove excess lubricant.

7.5.2 Clean all components in propan-2-ol using an ultrasonic bath for 15 minutes.

7.5.3 Drain and rinse thoroughly with fresh propan-2-ol.

7.5.4 Dry with a lint-free cloth/paper and store in a desiccator.

8. CALIBRATION AND STANDARDIZATION

8.1 The following parameters should be calibrated as detailed in the manufacturers operating instructions: lubricant
temperature, ring rotational speed, test duration, ball descent rate, and test weights.

8.2 A standardization test should be run to check each new batch of test rings. This check should also be carried out
after periods of rig inactivity. The test should be carried out in accordance with the standard test procedure however
using the conditions tabulated below. If the ALTE is only to be used for severe or mild wear then only the specific
standardization test is required, if both test regimes are to be used, both standardization tests are required.

TABLE 5

Mild Wear Severe Wear

Rotational Speed: 220 rpm ± 5 rpm
Oil Type: Mobil Jet Oil II
Oil temperature: 150 °C ± 2 °C
Ball Load: 8 kg (i.e., 2 kg arm load)
Test duration: 30 minutes ± 0.10 minutes
Rotational Speed: 220 rpm ± 5 rpm
Oil Type: Mobil Jet Oil II
Oil temperature: 150 °C ± 2 °C
Ball Load: 36 kg (i.e., 9 kg arm load)
Test duration: 1 minutes ± 0.05 minutes

8.3 Test data should be generated and recorded until sufficient data is available to define the standard wear scar
diameter. Until data is available, operators should ensure that each ALTE produces repeatable standard test results
±0.05 mm of the mean result. If the first standardization test falls outside these limits then a second repeat should
be conducted. If this second repeat also falls outside these limits the test ring should be discarded and the test
repeated with a new ring.
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9. ASSEMBLY

9.1 Using a spirit level, ensure that the ALTE test unit is level, where necessary adjust the unit feet to level the unit.

9.2 A test ball, ring and all oil wetted components should be cleaned in accordance with the procedures defined in
Section 7.

9.3 All test weights for the previous test should be removed from the weight hanger.

9.4 Switch on the unit and datum the pivot arm position in accordance to the manufacturer’s instructions, this will
ensure the pivot arm is in the start position.

9.5 Install the test ball by using the retaining nut to securely locate the ball such that it cannot rotate.

9.6 Install the ring and securely fasten the retaining plate/nuts. Ensure that the test ball and ring do not become
contaminated by using cotton gloves when installing test specimens.

9.7 Assemble the oil tank and add 40 ml ± 1 ml of test lubricant. This should give an approximate immersion depth of
5 mm measured radially from base of the test ring. Install the oil tank ensuring that the thermocouple tip is
submerged within the oil.

9.8 If a new test ring is being used then set the datum axial position in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

9.9 Set the axial position of the ball on the test ring in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, this should be at
least 2 mm from the edge of the previous wear scar.

9.10 Place the required test weight on the weight hanger. Note that the weight generated at the ball and cylinder
interface will be four times that applied at the weight hanger. Fully close the safety door (MkIII only).

10. TEST SEQUENCE

10.1 Adjust the test parameters (test rotation speed and test time) to those required, this should be done in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.

10.2 Switch on the test ring rotation.

10.3 Set the oil bath heater temperature to 150 °C and turn on the heater. Allow the rotating test ring to act as a stirrer
whilst the oil temperature rises.

10.4 Once the oil bath temperature has stabilized at the set point temperature (this should take approximately
15 minutes), run the test.

10.5 At the end of the test period the pivot arm will automatically return to the start position and rotation of the test ring
will cease.

10.6 Turn heater off and allow cooling to ambient temperature.

11. DISASSEMBLY OF TEST APPARATUS

Only once the apparatus has returned to ambient temperature should disassembly be attempted.

11.1 Remove the oil bath and allow the test ring to drip dry in to suitable waste tray.

11.2 Loosen the test ball retaining nut and remove the test ball. Rinse the ball with propan-2-ol and transfer to a labeled
plastic bag.
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11.3 Remove the test ring retaining plate/nut, this will allow the test ring to be removed. A slide hammer may need to be
used to release the test ring from the mandrel; however care should be taken to ensure the ring is not damaged.

11.4 Clean all components as specified in Section 7.

12. MEASUREMENT OF THE WEAR SCAR

Measurement of the wear scar can be carried out either by using a travelling microscope or by using an optical
microscope in conjunction with suitable measurement software. The microscope used should be capable of 100 times
magnification (minimum) and calibrated to ensure measurement to the nearest 0.01 mm can be achieved.

12.1 Position the test ball under the microscope at 100 times or greater magnification.

12.2 Focus the microscope and adjust the stage such that the wear scar is centrally located within the field of view.

12.3 Measure the major axis of the wear scar to the nearest 0.01 mm.

12.4 Rotate the test ball through 90 degrees, measure the minor axis to the nearest 0.01 mm.

NOTE: When taking measurements from scars with distorted edges, measurement should be taken from the point which
coincides with the approximate centerline of the peaks and troughs.

13. CALCULATIONS

13.1 Calculate the wear scar diameter (WSD) as follows:

WSD = (X+Y) / 2 (Eq. 1)

where:

WSD = wear scar diameter, (mm)

X = major axis, (mm)

Y = minor axis, (mm)

14. REPORT

Report the following information:

14.1 Wear scar diameter to the nearest 0.01 mm.

14.2 Ball and arm load applied.

14.3 Description of any abnormality in the wear scar area (i.e., anomalous wear pattern, unusual particles present).

15. PRECISION

A formal precision statement will be determined once sufficient test data is available to do so. As a guideline based on
available data, repeat test results of ±0.05 mm, should be achievable.
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FIGURE 1 - SCHEMATIC OF AVIATION LUBRICANT TRIBOLOGY EVALUATOR

FIGURE 2 - AVIATION LUBRICANT TRIBOLOGY EVALUATOR TEST RING

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16. NOTES

16.1 A change bar (l) located in the left margin is for the convenience of the user in locating areas where technical
revisions, not editorial changes, have been made to the previous issue of this document. An (R) symbol to the left of
the document title indicates a complete revision of the document, including technical revisions. Change bars and
(R) are not used in original publications, nor in documents that contain editorial changes only.

PREPARED BY SAE COMMITTEE E-34, PROPULSION LUBRICANTS