Koehler K39496 Petroleum and Synthetic Fluid Water Separability Tester

Overview

The Koehler K39496 Petroleum and Synthetic Fluid Water Separability Tester is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed to quantify the ability of lubricating oils and synthetic fluids to separate from water under controlled agitation and thermal conditions. It operates on the principle of standardized emulsion formation and phase separation kinetics—specifically, the time required for a defined oil–water mixture to demulsify into distinct layers following mechanical agitation at specified temperatures. This measurement directly reflects the fluid’s resistance to emulsification and its inherent capacity to release entrained water—a critical performance indicator for turbine oils, hydraulic fluids, gear oils, and other industrial lubricants exposed to moisture ingress in service. The instrument implements rigorous test protocols aligned with internationally recognized methods, ensuring data traceability and regulatory acceptability across global quality assurance and R&D environments.

Key Features

• Seven-position Pyrex™-glass heating bath with transparent polycarbonate enclosure, integrated LED illumination, and front-access viewing window for real-time visual assessment of phase separation.
• Microprocessor-based digital temperature controller with ±0.05 °C stability over the full operating range (25 °C to 84 °C); includes dual safety interlocks—overtemperature cutoff and low-bath-level detection.
• Digitally controlled magnetic stirrer with adjustable speed (0–2000 rpm, ±1 rpm accuracy) and programmable timing up to 99.99 minutes; all parameters stored in non-volatile memory.
• Rapid thermal equilibration: achieves ASTM/ISO standard test temperatures (54 °C and 82 °C) within ≤10 minutes for most sample types.
• Bath dimensions: 25.5 × 28 × 24 cm; accommodates seven 100 mL calibrated test tubes; compatible with aqueous or white mineral oil heat transfer media (15.15 L capacity).
• Robust 75 W (1/10 hp), high-torque motor drive ensures consistent shear input across all positions; powered by 220–240 V, 50 Hz, single-phase supply (12 A).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The K39496 is validated for use with petroleum-based lubricants, polyalphaolefin (PAO), phosphate ester, polyol ester, and other synthetics meeting viscosity and density ranges typical of industrial and aviation-grade fluids. Its design strictly conforms to the physical apparatus requirements outlined in ASTM D1401 (Standard Test Method for Demulsibility of Turbine Oils), ASTM D6074 (Emulsification Characteristics of Steam Turbine Oils), ASTM D6158 (Demulsibility of Hydraulic Fluids), ISO 6614 (Petroleum Products — Determination of Demulsibility), DIN 51599 (Mineral Oil-Based Lubricants — Determination of Emulsion Breaking Properties), FTM 791-3201 (U.S. Department of Defense specification), and NF T60-125 (French standard for lubricant demulsibility). Results generated are suitable for inclusion in GLP-compliant reports and support regulatory submissions requiring adherence to ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing practices.

Software & Data Management

While the K39496 operates as a standalone benchtop instrument without embedded PC software, its digital interface enables unambiguous manual recording of test start/end times, temperature setpoints, agitation speeds, and observed separation endpoints (e.g., 3 mL, 10 mL, or complete layer separation per ASTM D1401). All control parameters—including ramp profiles, dwell times, and user-defined presets—are retained after power cycling. Laboratories integrating the K39496 into LIMS or ELN workflows may log results via standardized templates aligned with ASTM E2500 and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for audit-trail integrity and electronic record retention.

Applications

• Quality control of new turbine and hydraulic oils prior to commissioning.
• Evaluation of additive package stability during formulation development.
• Monitoring degradation-induced emulsification tendency in in-service lubricants.
• Comparative assessment of demulsibility performance across competing base stocks or formulations.
• Supporting root-cause analysis of water-related bearing failures and filter blinding events.
• Contract testing services accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 for third-party certification.

FAQ

What standards does the K39496 fully satisfy?
ASTM D1401, D6074, D6158; ISO 6614; DIN 51599; FTM 791-3201; and NF T60-125—all verified through geometric, thermal, and mechanical compliance with apparatus specifications in each method.
Can the instrument test non-petroleum synthetic fluids?
Yes—provided the fluid exhibits sufficient immiscibility with water and falls within the viscosity and density limits specified in ASTM D1401 Annex A1 for synthetic lubricants.
Is calibration traceable to NIST or equivalent national standards?
Temperature sensors are factory-calibrated against NIST-traceable references; users may perform periodic verification using certified RTD probes and secondary thermometers per ASTM E77.
What maintenance is required for long-term operational reliability?
Routine cleaning of the bath chamber and stirring shafts; annual inspection of heater element resistance and stirrer motor torque; replacement of gaskets and seals per manufacturer-recommended intervals.
Does the system support automated data export?
No native USB or Ethernet connectivity is provided; however, the digital display supports manual transcription into compliant electronic lab notebooks or LIMS platforms with configurable data entry fields.