“Mineral oil should have a light color and be optically clear so that it permits visual inspection of the assembled apparatus inside the equipment tank. Any change in the color of oil over time is an indication of oxidation, deterioration, or contamination of the oil. [Color / Visual Examination] indicates the color and degree of turbidity of mineral oil, which may indicate the presence of free water or contaminating solid particles. The source of insoluble solid contaminants may be determined by filtering the particles and examining them. This test may be used to suggest the need for additional laboratory tests…for a full evaluation.”
(Quote from IEEE C57.106-2015)
What method is used to analyze the sample?
ASTM D1500
ASTM D1524
ASTM D2129
How do you interpret the results?
IEEE C57.106-2015
What do the results indicate?
“Determination of the color of petroleum products is used mainly for manufacturing control purposes and is an important quality characteristic, since color is readily observed by the user of the product. 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. Cloudiness, particles of insulation, products of metal corrosion, or other undesirable suspended materials, as well as any unusual change in color may be detected.” (Quote from ASTM D1500 / D1524)