Koehler K94190 ATF Lubricity Test Rig (BOCLE)

The Koehler ATF Lubricity Rig (BOCLE) assesses wear aspects of the boundary lubrication properties of aviation turbine fuels on rubbing steel surfaces.

Product Overview

The ATF Lubricity Test Rig (BOCLE) instrument automatically performs the lubricity evaluation of aviation turbine fuel (ATF). It is often referred to as a BOCLE which is the abbreviation for the standardised test method : Ball on Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator. This test consists of a rotating test ring against which a fixed test ball is pressed with the required force, according to ASTM D5001. During the test a wear scar is created on the test ball. The scar diameters (major and minor axis) are measured and can then be viewed and the data stored.

Features & Benefits

Koehler K94190 BOCLE lubricity test rig for ASTM D5001 aviation fuel testing
  • Automated Test Sequence
  • No Operator Variability
  • Controlled Humidity & Airflow
  • Full Parameter Logging
  • Integrated Digital Microscope

Key applications of Koehler K94190 ATF Lubricity Test Rig (BOCLE)

• All instrument functions are controlled by the inbuilt PC interface for ease of use

• ASTM D5001 test sequence is pre-loaded into the instrument making the process easy – the operator simply fits the cleaned specimens, adds the fuel sample and presses the ‘Start Test’ button

• Once the ‘Start Test’ button has been pressed the instrument automatically controls the test sequence – meaning there is no operator variability in test results

• Humidity and airflow are key factors for the test and these are automatically controlled

• All parameters are logged in the software. These parameters include motor speed, test duration, fuel temperature, air temperature and humidity. A summary of these can be printed out to confirm that all parameters were within the specified limits

• A Digital Microscope for measuring the wear scar is included with Image Acquisition System & software

K94190 - ATF Lubricity Test Rig (BOCLE) (Operational Video)

Youtube video

About Koehler K94190 ATF Lubricity Test Rig (BOCLE)

Why Is Lubricity Important in Aviation Turbine Fuels?

Wear caused by friction between interfaces is a constant problem in engines as excessive wear can permanently shorten the lifespan of the engine’s components. One of the ways to reduce wear is by using fuel with a high degree of lubricity and for Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) the Koehler Instrument Company’s K94190 lubricity tester, has proven to assist in measuring the degree of lubricity.

ASTM D5001 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Lubricity of Aviation Turbine Fuels by the Ball-on-Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator (BOCLE) is the standard method for measuring lubricity in ATF. This method uses a ball-on-cylinder lubricity evaluator (BOCLE) to test the lubricity. To perform this test, fuel is poured into a test reservoir under 10% humidity.

Ball-on-cylinder interface for aviation fuel lubricity testing ASTM D5001
Fuel applied to BOCLE test surface for lubricity evaluation ASTM D5001

How Does the BOCLE Lubricity Test Work?

Next, a cylindrical steel ring is partially immersed in the fuel reservoir with a non-rotating steel ball applying force on its outer surface.

The fuel is in constant contact with the ball/ring interface while the ring rotates at a constant speed. The lubricity of the fuel can be determined after measuring the wear scar generated on the test ball.

The K94190 from Koehler Instruments is a fully automatic test system that can measure degree of lubricity of ATF quickly and accurately. The instrument is programmed to run in accordance with ASTM D5001 method.

Automated BOCLE system showing controlled airflow and fuel delivery

Koehler K94190 ATF Lubricity Test Rig (BOCLE) - Specifications

Fluid Volume: 50 ± 1.0 mL  
Fluid Temperature: 25 ± 1 C  
Fluid Ambient Temperature: + 5.0 to +35.0 C
Conditioned Air: 10 ± 0.2% relative humidity at 25±1 C 
Flow rate through and over the Fluid: 0.5l/min / 3.3l/min 
Fluid Conditioning Time: 15 min 
Fluid Test Conditions: 3.8 L/min flowing over the fluid 
Applied Load: 1000 g (500g weight) (±1g) 
Cylinder Rotational Speed: 240 ± 0.5 rpm 
Test Duration: 30 ± 0.1 min 

In summary, the K94190 ATF Lubricity Test Rig (BOCLE) is an automated instrument compliant with ASTM D5001.

Wear scar measurement from aviation fuel lubricity test ASTM D5001

The Koehler K94190 BOCLE system delivers automated, ASTM D5001 compliant testing for accurate aviation fuel lubricity evaluation.

Product FAQ's

The BOCLE from Koehler Instruments is an automated instrument suitable for testing the lubricity of Aviation Turbine Fuels according to the parameters in ASTM D5001.

The K94190 ATF Lubricity Tester is designed for testing the lubricity of aviation turbine fuels.

The Kohler ATR Lubricity Rig will automatically maintain the required 10% humidity and correct air flow rate.

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