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On this page...

• Overview
• Possible Configurations
• Upgrade Options

Printable...

• HFRR Brochure

HFRR (High Frequency Reciprocating Rig)

Overview

The HFRR is a microprocessor-controlled reciprocating friction and wear test system which provides a fast, repeatable assessment of the performance of fuels and lubricants. It is particularly suitable for wear testing relatively poor lubricants like diesel fuels and for boundary friction measurements of engine oils, greases and other compounds.

The HFRR test for diesel fuel lubricity gained CEC "A" status in September 1996 after an extensive round-robin program. Other standards based on the HFRR system include ASTM D6079-97, ISO 12156-1, ISO 12156-2, EN 590:1998, JPI-5S-50-9 and IP 450/2000.

Developed in consultation with a major fuel additive manufacturer and the Tribology Laboratory of Imperial College, London, there are currently over 600 systems in use in more than 40 countries world-wide.

The control unit includes a key pad, LCD display and a built in microprocessor so that the complete test cycle can be automatically controlled directly from the unit. Alternatively the control unit can be connected to a PC through a single serial connector to allow data logging, graphical representation and output file storage as with the previous HFR2 system. The new unit also includes a humidity/temperature probe option, the output from which is automatically logged at the beginning and end of test according to the CEC test method.

The control unit is pre-set with ISO/ASTM/CEC profiles for performing standard diesel lubricity tests. The control unit displays the average film and friction of each test. By manually inputting the X and Y wear scar readings, the unit will automatically calculate and display the WS1.4 value.

For users who need a simple printed record of the test there is an optional mini printer which attaches to the control unit. For users who want a full record of the test (similar to the printout obtained from the current instrument) we can supply a PC with custom software which allows the user to start and stop tests, archive and view test results and print them (to a normal printer attached to the PC) for future reference. The PC option will be required if the customer wishes to perform non-standard diesel fuel tests (e.g. different temperature, time or frequency etc).

Normally we will supply the PC with the software already installed and fully tested with the new control unit. However customers could provide their own PC to use with the new control unit and only buy the HFRR control software. The new control unit is backwards compatible with all RTD mechanical units so most current HFR2 users can upgrade their existing electronics unit if they choose.

Key Features

• Standard test for diesel fuel lubricity.
• Wear scar assessment with the standard specimens requires only one measurement.
• Only a small volume of lubricant is required - tests can be carried out on field collected or experimental fluids; film formation by boundary additives can be observed by electrical contact potential (ECR) changes.
• Fast, repeatable friction and wear measurement.
• Independently proven repeatability and reproducibility.
• Fully automated microprocessor controlled test sequence.
• Easy to calibrate.
• Small, compact bench top system.
• Available with mini-printer option or full computer controlled software.
• Preloaded with standard diesel fuel lubricity test procedures CEC/ASTM/ISO.
• Optional automatic recording of humidity and air temperature at start and finish of test using built in digital humidity probe.
• Calculates WS1.4 where necessary.

Recognised Standards

The six recognised international standard tests using the HFRR, reflect the quality of the test system:

• CEC F-06-A-96
  Measurement of Diesel Fuel Lubricity.
  http://www.cectests.org/
• ASTM D6079
  Standard Test Method for Evaluating Lubricity of Diesel Fuels by the High-Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR).
  http://www.astm.org
• BS ISO 12156-1
  1997 Diesel Fuel - Assessment of Lubricity Using the High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR). Part 1 Test Method.
  http://www.bsi-global.com
• EN 590
  Automotive Fuels - Diesel - Requirements and Test Methods.
  http://www.bsi-global.com
• JPI-5S-50-98
  Gas Oil - Testing Method For Lubricity.
  http://wwwsoc.nii.ac.jp/jpi/
• IP 450/2000
  Diesel Fuel - Assessment of Lubricity Using the High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR). Part 1 Test Method.
  http://www.energyinst.org.uk

Standard HFRR System Components

*Please note that the standard system package is not supplied with specimens that are required to run a test.

System Includes...

• Mechanical Test Unit
• Control Unit Including Connecting Cables
• Accessories - Screw Set, Tool Set, Weight Hanger Cord, Weight Set
• Upper and Lower Specimen Holder
• Main RTD Temperature Probe
• Calibration Kit - includes temperature calibration plugs

Complete range of accessories can be viewed on the HFRR accessories page.

Possible Configurations

There are three possible configurations for the HFRR system.

Configuration 1

Configuration 2

Configuration 3

Upgrade Options

If you already have a PCS HFR2 with the old electronics unit you can easily upgrade to the new control unit without returning the old HFR2 system for alteration.

Although, customers with an early thermocouple mechanical unit will need to return the mechanical unit for upgrading to RTD temperature probes. Costs will depend on the age of machine.

Option 1

Option 2/Option3