Koehler K19410 Wide-Range Grease Dropping Point Tester
| Brand | Koehler |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Status | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | K19410 |
| Price Range | USD 13,500 – 40,500 (based on FOB US port, ex-works configuration) |
| Product Type | Laboratory Instrument |
| Test Parameter | Dropping Point of Lubricating Greases |
| Compliance | ASTM D2265, ASTM D4950, ASTM D566 (extended range), ASTM D972, ASTM D2595 |
| Sample Capacity | 6 simultaneous test positions |
Overview
The Koehler K19410 Wide-Range Grease Dropping Point Tester is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for the standardized determination of the dropping point of lubricating greases and related semi-solid petroleum products. Based on the principle of controlled thermal ramping under defined geometry and gravitational conditions, the instrument measures the temperature at which the first discrete drop of liquefied grease falls from a standardized cup—providing a critical thermal stability indicator for formulation development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance in lubricant manufacturing and testing laboratories. Unlike conventional dropping point apparatuses limited to lower temperature ranges, the K19410 extends operational capability up to 400 °C, enabling reliable assessment of high-performance greases formulated with complex thickeners (e.g., polyurea, calcium sulfonate, and clay-based systems) and synthetic base stocks.
Key Features
- Microprocessor-based PID temperature control ensures rapid thermal equilibration and exceptional stability of ±0.5 °C across the full 25–400 °C operating range
- Integrated aluminum block heating bath with uniform thermal distribution—eliminates hot spots and supports reproducible heat transfer kinetics per ASTM D566 Annex A1
- Dual-line LED display showing real-time bath temperature and user-defined setpoint simultaneously
- Corrosion-resistant insulated enclosure coated with baked polyimide enamel ceramic finish for long-term durability in demanding lab environments
- Large-diameter optical observation window with integrated LED illumination system for unambiguous visual detection of the first falling drop
- Dedicated overtemperature safety cutoff circuitry compliant with IEC 61010-1, preventing thermal runaway during extended high-temperature operation
- 6-position sample holder accommodates standard ASTM D2265/D4950 grease cups, enabling parallel testing without cross-contamination or positional bias
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The K19410 is validated for use with all common NLGI-grade lubricating greases—including lithium, calcium, aluminum, barium, sodium, polyurea, and bentonite-thickened formulations—as well as specialty greases containing ester, PAO, or silicone base fluids. It fully satisfies the apparatus requirements of ASTM D2265 (Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease), ASTM D4950 (Standard Specification for Automotive Lubricants), and ASTM D566 (Standard Test Method for Dropping Point of Lubricating Grease), including its extended-range annexes. Additional method compatibility includes ASTM D972 (for petroleum waxes) and ASTM D2595 (for asphaltic materials), subject to cup geometry verification. The system supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with Koehler’s optional data logging module (K-LOG-USB), meeting traceability requirements under 21 CFR Part 11 for regulated QC environments.
Software & Data Management
While the K19410 operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument, it interfaces seamlessly with Koehler’s K-LOG-USB data acquisition module (sold separately), enabling time-stamped temperature recording at user-selectable intervals (1–30 s). Exported CSV files are compatible with LIMS platforms and statistical process control (SPC) software such as Minitab or JMP. All recorded sessions include operator ID, sample ID, ambient conditions (if external sensor connected), and audit trail metadata—supporting ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements. Firmware updates are performed via USB port using Koehler-certified utility software, with version history logged internally.
Applications
- Quality control release testing of incoming raw materials and finished grease batches
- Thermal stability screening during new grease formulation development
- Comparative evaluation of thickener degradation behavior under accelerated aging protocols
- Supporting OEM specification compliance for automotive, aerospace, and industrial bearing greases
- Reference method validation for automated or alternative droppoint techniques (e.g., optical detection variants)
- Teaching laboratories demonstrating fundamental rheo-thermal transitions in colloidal dispersions
FAQ
Does the K19410 support automatic drop detection?
No—it relies on human visual confirmation through the illuminated observation window, consistent with ASTM D2265 and D566 methodology requirements.
Can the instrument be used for non-grease samples such as bitumen or waxes?
Yes, provided cup geometry and sample loading procedures are adapted per ASTM D972 or D2595; validation per application-specific SOP is required.
Is calibration traceable to NIST standards?
Yes—Koehler provides optional factory calibration certificates traceable to NIST SRM 1966 (Mercury Thermometer Calibration Standard) and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration services upon request.
What maintenance is required for long-term accuracy?
Annual verification of temperature uniformity across the aluminum block and visual inspection of cup seating surfaces are recommended; no routine consumables beyond standard grease cups (ASTM E1859-compliant).
Is the K19410 suitable for ISO 17025-accredited laboratories?
Yes—when operated with documented SOPs, calibrated reference thermometers, and the K-LOG-USB module, it fulfills technical requirements for uncertainty budgeting and result traceability.
