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HFRR (High Frequency Reciprocating Rig)
On this page: Overview | Possible Configurations | Upgrade Options
Overview
The High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (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 such as diesel fuels and for boundary friction measurements of engine oils, greases and other compounds. It has become the industry standard test for diesel fuel lubricity and conforms to ASTM D6079, CEC F-06-A, ISO 12156, EN 590, JPI-5S-50 and IP 450.
The system comprises of a mechanical unit, control unit and optional PC software. The control unit includes a keypad, LCD display and a built in microprocessor so that the complete test cycle can be automatically controlled directly from the unit in standalone mode. Alternatively the control unit can be connected to a PC to allow data logging, graphical representation of test parameters and results file storage.
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. The unit also includes a humidity probe option, the output from which is automatically logged at the beginning and end of the test in accordance with the CEC F-06-A test method. 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.
The HFRR is easy to calibrate and follows a fully automated test control sequence, freeing up operator time. Test specimens are a single use ball and disc which conform to all international diesel fuel test standards. Specimens in other materials and to different specifications are also available. Outside of diesel fuel testing, current HFRR applications include gasoline testing, measuring grease behaviour under boundary conditions, the evaluation of marine engine lubricants and investigations into fretting, both dry and in the presence of lubricant.
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 - ISO 12156-1
1997 Diesel Fuel - Assessment of Lubricity Using the High Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR). Part 1 Test Method.
http://www.iso.org - BS 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
The table below explains what is supplied with a typical HFRR system as standard and additional components that are required to run a test that are sold separately.
*Please note that the standard system package is not supplied with specimens that are required to run a test. A complete range of accessories can be viewed on the HFRR accessories page.
HFRR Control and Mechanical unit
Microscope - used for measuring the wear scar after a test.
Relative humidity control (ASTM test method)
Relative humidity and temperature control (CEC, ISO and IP test methods)
Humidity Cabinet, Humidity and temperature probe
Ultrasonic bath >40W - Used for cleaning specimens and components before
running a test (can be purchased through PCS Instruments if required)
Standard HFRR System
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Requirements
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Possible Configurations
There are three possible configurations for the HFRR system.
Configuration 1
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Configuration 2
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Configuration 3
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Configuration 1
This is the most basic option for the HFRR. This configuration would run the HFRR in standalone mode using the control panel located on the control unit. The 'standalone mode' setup is for performing standard diesel fuel tests. The results are displayed on LCD readout.
Configuration 1
Configuration 2
This configuration is the same as configuration 1 but includes a dedicated mini-printer for paper record of each test.
Configuration 2
Configuration 3
Configuration 3 is for users requiring an enhanced operation of the HFRR also allowing graphical presentation of data and digital storage of records. A PC is connected to control unit by a serial cable enabling the HFRR to be operated using the HFRR software. A printed record of the test is available if a standard printer is connected. The PC connection also enables the wear scar camera package to be installed.
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. The computer currently used on the HFR2 cannot be re-used to run the new software, see HFRPC software specifications for details.
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.
Upgrade HFRR Control Unit
Existing Mechanical unit
HFRPC Software only
Computer (supplied by PCS)
Option 1
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Option 2
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Option 3
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Option 1
This option consists of the existing mechanical unit and upgrade control unit. This option would run the HFRR in standalone mode using the control panel located on the control unit.
Option 1
Option 2/Option3
Option 2 - Existing mechanical unit, upgrade control unit and HFRPC software.
Option 3 -
Existing mechanical unit, upgrade control unit and supplied computer (includes
pre-installed HFRPC software, see PC
specification for more details)
Option 2 & Option 3
