ISO 22286-2018 PDF

Full title and description

Petroleum products and lubricants — Determination of the dropping point of grease with an automatic apparatus. This International Standard (ISO 22286:2018) specifies a test method using an automatic apparatus to determine the dropping point of lubricating greases for quality control and classification purposes.

Abstract

The standard defines the procedure, apparatus and reporting requirements for measuring the dropping point of lubricating grease using an automatic dropping‑point apparatus. The method provides a repeatable way to record the temperature at which grease passes from a semi‑solid to a liquid state under specified test conditions.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed at 5‑year review).
• Publication date: Edition 1 — November 2018 (published 2018-11).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 75.100 — Petroleum and related technologies; lubricants and greases.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2018).
• Number of pages: 7 (ISO published English edition).

Key bibliographic and lifecycle details above are taken from the ISO record for ISO 22286:2018 (standard confirmed following the 2024 review).

Scope

This document specifies a method for the determination of the dropping point of lubricating grease using an automatic apparatus. It is intended for use in testing laboratories and by manufacturers for routine quality control, material characterization and comparison of grease formulations; it does not prescribe service limits for end‑use applications.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of dropping point and its significance as an indicator of grease thermal behaviour.
• Description and requirements for the automatic dropping‑point apparatus (cup, heating medium, temperature control and detection system).
• Sample preparation, sample mass/geometry and positioning in the apparatus.
• Heating rate, observation criteria and how the dropping event is detected and recorded.
• Calculation, rounding and reporting of results, plus any required test conditions and environmental notes.
• Precision, repeatability considerations and notes on comparability with other test methods (e.g., alternative ASTM procedures).

These topics reflect the test method structure and typical normative requirements for dropping‑point standards.

Typical use and users

Common users include lubricant and grease manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, quality‑assurance teams, research and development groups, and standards bodies. The method is used for production QC, batch comparison, formulation development and as part of a suite of tribological and thermal property tests when characterizing greases.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced alongside ISO 22286 include other grease and lubricant test methods such as ISO 2137 (penetration of lubricating grease), ISO 22285 (oil separation from grease — pressure filtration method), and relevant ASTM dropping‑point methods (for example ASTM D566 and ASTM D2265). National/adopted versions and equivalent test methods (DIN, BS, NEN, SIS national adoptions) may add national prefatory text.

Keywords

dropping point; grease; lubricating grease; automatic apparatus; test method; petroleum products; lubricants; QC; ISO 22286:2018.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 22286:2018 is an International Standard that specifies a method for determining the dropping point of lubricating greases using an automatic apparatus.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the apparatus requirements, sample preparation, test procedure (including heating rate and detection of the drop), and how results should be recorded and reported for the automatic dropping‑point method.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Grease and lubricant manufacturers, testing and calibration laboratories, R&D and quality control personnel, and standards committees use this method for product characterization and QC.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 22286:2018 is published and was confirmed at its regular review; the ISO record indicates the edition remains current following the 2024 confirmation. Users should check national adoption notices for any local amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the family of standards for petroleum products and lubricants (ISO/TC 28 work) and is commonly used together with other grease test standards such as ISO 2137 and ISO 22285, as well as various ASTM and national test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Dropping point, grease, lubricants, automatic apparatus, test method, petroleum products, QC, ISO 22286:2018.