ASTM D 2422 : 1997

This classification establishes a series of definite viscosity levels so that lubricant suppliers, lubricant users, and equipment designers will have a uniform and common basis for designating, specifying, or selecting the viscosity of industrial fluid lubricants.

1.1 This classification is applicable to all petroleum-base fluid lubricants and to those nonpetroleum materials which may be readily blended to produce fluid lubricants of a desired viscosity, that is, lubricants for bearings, gears, compressor cylinders, hydraulic fluids, etc.

1.2 This classification is applicable to fluids ranging in kinematic viscosity from 2 to 1500 cSt (mm /s) as measured at a reference temperature of 40°C. Expressed in approximate equivalents, the range would be 32 to 7000 SUS. In the category of petroleum-base fluids, this covers the range from kerosine to heavy cylinder oils.

1.3 Fluids of either lesser or greater viscosity than the range described in 1.2 are at present seldom used as industrial lubricants. Should industrial practices change, then this system, based on a mathematical series of numbers, may be extended to retain its orderly progression.