T12 & T13 Ball On Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator (BOCLE) & Scuffing Load - Ball On Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator (SL-BOCLE)
Both the Ball On Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator (BOCLE) and the Scuffing Load - Ball On Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator (SL-BOCLE) work on the principle of testing the lubricity of a fuel/lubricant. A non-rotating ball is forced against a rotating cylinder. The cylinder is partially immersed in a bath of the fuel to allow the fuel to be constantly carried to the area of contact.
The BOCLE & SL-BOCLE machines operate on much the same principals. They are nearly identically
constructed. They differ in:
1) The types of fuels they typically test.
2) The qualifying parameters and test methods (See ASTM link below).
3) The maximum load they can carry.
The BOCLE is a wear test. A microscope and camera is used to quantify the size of the wear scar and record the appearance.
The SL-BOCLE is a load carrying capacity test. A series of loads are applied until a sudden
change in the friction coefficient is observed (higher than 0.175). This load is used to characterize
the lubricity behaviour of the fluid.
Note:the suggested loading sequence is in the operating manual.
In this Table some basic differences are presented:
Both units are operated via a simulink interfaces found on the PC next to the units (Univ PC nr: 766118).
Contents
Documentation
User Manual
A single user manual exists for both machines. click here
ASTM Standards
BOCLE (ASTM D5001)
click here
SL-BOCLE (ASTM D6078)
click here
MSDS of relevant Chemicals
Acetone
click here
Isooctane
click here
Isopropyl alcohol
click here
Reference fuels (A&B)
click here
Wiring, Flow & Instrumentation diagrams
Overall wiring diagram
BOCLE
PDF
VISIO
SL-BOCLE
PDF
VISIO
Detailed Opto wiring diagram
BOCLE
PDF
VISIO
SL-BOCLE
PDF
VISIO
Piping diagram (Air flow)
Identical for both
click here
History of this Equipment
The equipment was recieved from Sasol in 2012 after being used there for a period of time. The equipment was conntected to the OPTO 22 network in 2012 by Jacques Langenhoven to allow data logging and control through the lab network and OPTO system.
However after series of renovations in the Tribology lab over a space of 5 years (2012-2017), the instruments fell out of use. They became redundant and several parts and wiring were lost or no longer functional. In 2017 much work was done by Andrew Sakyi to reinstate both machines into good working conditions and communication to the OPTO system was established.
Current/Previous projects
In reverse chronological order
2018
Trinity Thobejane, Automation of the humidifier for the BOCLE and SL-BOCLE
Final report document
2017
Andrew Sakyi, Reconditioning of the SL-BOCLE and BOCLE Instrument.
Final Report document
Laboratory Report document
2012
Jacques Langenhoven, The commissioning of the BOCLE & SL-BOCLE in the Tribology lab
PDF
MS WORD
