Strengthening Fluid Analysis Through ASTM Engagement

Highlights from the ASTM D02 Committee Meeting

POLARIS Laboratories® recently participated in the ASTM International Committee D02 meeting on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants in Houston, Texas December 7-11, 2025. Our technical team attended multiple subcommittee sessions focused on petroleum test methods and condition monitoring.

As a laboratory organization that performs a broad range of ASTM methods daily, active participation in ASTM is essential. Engagement at this level ensures our testing practices remain aligned with evolving standards while reinforcing our commitment to accuracy and consistency for our customers.

Key Technical Discussions Across D02

Several working groups met throughout the week, covering both established and emerging test methods related to titration, elemental analysis and water separation.

Within the titration group, discussions included methods outside POLARIS Laboratories’ primary scope of offered testing, but a key takeaway was confirmation that titration electrodes typically have a lifespan of three to six months—highlighting the importance of proactive instrument maintenance to preserve data quality.

The elemental analysis group focused largely on the development of an ICP-MS method for gasoline testing. No changes were proposed to elemental methods currently used in POLARIS Laboratories®.

In the turbine subcommittee, members reviewed a proposed automated Water Separation test method. Discussion centered on resolving negative ballot comments and ensuring the method’s reliability before broader adoption.

Condition Monitoring Focus: Subcommittee D02.96

Subcommittee D02.96, dedicated to condition monitoring and in-service fluid analysis, provided the most relevant updates for our laboratories and reliability-focused programs.

One major topic was a new solvent-less viscometer method. The committee is actively addressing technical challenges in the current draft to improve clarity and repeatability across laboratories.

Proficiency testing results were also reviewed, reinforcing the role of interlaboratory data in validating method performance and identifying areas for improvement.

The committee discussed the potential withdrawal of the Particle Quantifier (PQ) method due to the need for an updated interlaboratory study. This discussion aligns with broader industry movement toward more quantitative and repeatable ferrous debris measurement techniques. POLARIS Laboratories® switched from PQ to FerroQ in September of this year, check out the blog here: Detect Equipment Wear Sooner with Ferrous Debris Analysis.

Advances in FTIR and Analytical Methods

The group reviewed preliminary precision statements for new FTIR methods designed to detect water and glycol contamination. As expected, variations in lubricant formulations limit the effectiveness of a single calibration model. However, trending absorbance data was confirmed as a reliable and effective approach for condition monitoring applications.

In addition, the committee reviewed upcoming interlaboratory studies aimed at establishing repeatability and reproducibility for dilution-based particle counting, fuel dilution testing, and headspace glycol analysis by gas chromatography.

Our Commitment to Standards and Continuous Improvement

POLARIS Laboratories®’ continued involvement in ASTM D02 reflects our commitment to advancing fluid analysis standards and supporting smarter, data-driven maintenance decisions. Participating in method development, proficiency testing review, and interlaboratory studies ensures our laboratories remain current, consistent, and aligned with best practices.

Through active ASTM engagement, we continue to invest in education, collaboration, and innovation; strengthening our testing capabilities and delivering reliable results that support equipment reliability.

Published December 23, 2025