T11 Optimol SRV 4 Machine (New Machine)

The Optimol SRV 4 apparatus (SRV is a german acronym for oscillation, friction and wear) is a multiple lubrication test machine. It is versatile in the sense that most of the tests parameters are editable by means of the installed software. These parameters mainly include: load, stroke, temperature, load stepsize, machine cut-off values etc.

Basic tests include:

A constant load test (like the HFRR) An increasing load test where the load increases @ 50N/min to evaluate the Load Carrying Capacity (LCC). This test is also known as a film life test.

The machine traditionally tests the lubricating properties of oils and greases, but at the University of Pretoria it is used to test diesel lubricity together with the HFRR

There is no ASTM or ISO standard for testing diesel fuel with the SRV but the "in-house" test developed for testing diesel utilizes conditions that are closer to that of modern engines, when compared to the HFRR.

Documentation

User Manuals

The SRV Operation Manual can be found 4 Operating Manual.pdf

Test Procedure

The SRV Open Gear Lubricants Procedure

Download the SRV OGP Test Description

The SRV test procedure for open gear lubricants (SRV OGP Procedure) is intended as a screening test for the performance of open gear lubricants. A load test as well as a friction and wear test is performed at three temperatures, namely 25, 55 and 80°C. A ring is fitted around the top specimen and filled with grease, prior to the onset of the test, so as to ensure that the surfaces in contact are always replenished with lubricant and no starvation occurs, as might be the case when higher- consistency greases are tested without a ring.