ASTM D1500 Color Scale 0.5 - 8.0

This simple test method is a visual determination of the color of a variety of petroleum products, such as lubricating oils, heating oils, diesel fuel oils, and petroleum waxes. Using a standard light source, a liquid is placed in the test container and compared with colored glass disks ranging in value from 0.5 to 8.0.

In some cases, the color may serve as an indication of the degree of refinement of the material. When the
color range of a particular product is known, a variation outside the established range may indicate possible contamination with another product. However, color is not always a reliable guide to product quality and should not be used indiscriminately in product specifications.

Advantages

• The test is quick, accurate, and simple to run.
  
• Important quality characteristic
  
• In some cases, color may serve as an indication of the degree of refinement of the material.
  
• Quick test to see if lubricating oil is oxidizing (heat/temperature issues)
  
• Can be used for product and interface detection, and for product contamination monitoring
  
• May be used as a bench mark quality control tool
  

Disadvantages

• Color is not always a reliable guide to product quality and should not be used indiscriminately in product specifications.
  

COLOR ASTM D1500