BOCLE Adv – Next Generation ASTM D5001 Ball-on-Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator

The ASTM D5001 Ball-on-Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator BOCLE-ADV is an innovative unified system that revolutionises testing by seamlessly integrating mechanical evaluation, optical imaging, AI-driven analysis, and reporting into a single workflow. This advanced instrument is engineered to deliver precise, reliable lubricity testing for aviation turbine fuels, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with industry standards.

Designed to meet the rigorous demands of the ASTM D5001 standard, this fully automated lubricity tester delivers unmatched precision, efficiency, and ease of use. As the aviation industry shifts toward sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to comply with regulations, the need for reliable, high-performance lubricity testing has never been greater. The BOCLE Adv is here to ensure fuel manufacturers and labs stay ahead of the curve.

The BOCLE Adv is a cutting-edge lubricity tester that assesses the lubrication properties of aviation turbine fuels using a ball-on-cylinder contact geometry. A steel ball is loaded against a steel ring submerged in a fuel bath, and after a 45-minute test (15-minute pretreatment and 30-minute test phase), the resulting wear scar on the ball is measured under an integrated microscope. Smaller wear scars indicate superior lubricity, a critical factor in ensuring engine safety and performance. With full automation, the BOCLE Adv simplifies this process, reducing variability and boosting lab productivity.

Why Automation Matters in Lubricity Testing

Manual lubricity testing can be time-consuming and prone to human error, leading to inconsistent results. The BOCLE Adv eliminates these challenges with its fully automated system. From hybrid loading to conditioned air control, every step of the ASTM D5001 method is executed with precision. This automation not only saves time but also ensures repeatable, reproducible results—key advantages over traditional testers that rely heavily on operator intervention.

Key Features and Benefits

The BOCLE Adv offers a range of features that set it apart from other lubricity testers on the market.

The BOCLE Adv stands out in the market due to its innovative features. Unlike other lubricity testers, it offers a unique hybrid loading system that applies calibrated weight automatically, eliminating impact and jerk for smoother operation. Its real-time data acquisition provides detailed logs for every test, ensuring traceability that is unmatched in the industry. Additionally, the slide-n-fit spacers allow labs to perform up to 10 tests per ring, optimizing consumable usage and reducing costs.

Essential for ASTM D5001 Compliance

Compliance with the ASTM D5001 standard is non-negotiable for aviation fuel manufacturers. This method measures the lubricity of fuels to prevent engine wear and ensure safety in high-stakes applications. The BOCLE Adv is engineered to follow the ASTM D5001 protocol precisely, with pre-programmed test sequences, controlled temperature (25 ± 1°C), and conditioned air (10 ± 0.2% RH). By automating these parameters, it guarantees compliance while minimizing the risk of human-induced deviations, making it an indispensable tool for regulatory adherence.

How BOCLE Adv Works

The BOCLE Adv simplifies the ASTM D5001 test into a streamlined, automated workflow:

1. Setup: Place the steel ring and 50 ml fuel sample in the bath and load the steel ball.
2. Pretreatment: The system runs conditioned air at 0.5 L/min through and 3.3 L/min over the fluid for 15 minutes.
3. Testing: A 1000 g load is applied automatically, and the ring spins at 240 rpm for 30 minutes with an airflow rate of 3.8 L/min.
4. Analysis: Integrated Digital Imaging: The unit now features a built-in digital microscope, eliminating the need for a separate external microscope and manual specimen transfer for measurement.
5. Results: Data is logged with a unique ID for traceability and reporting.

This hands-off approach frees technicians for other tasks, making it a game-changer for busy labs.

These advancements make the BOCLE Adv the preferred choice for labs seeking efficiency and reliability.

1. Fully Automated Operation: The BOCLE Adv automates the entire testing process, from loading and conditioning to test sequences, minimizing operator-induced variability and ensuring consistent results.
2. AI-Enabled Wear Scar Analysis: Replace manual measurement descriptions with the mention of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms that automatically detect and measure the wear scar. This minimizes operator subjectivity and ensures high repeatability.
3. Unified Digital Workflow: Bocle Adv Emphasize the seamless integration of mechanical evaluation, optical imaging, analysis, and reporting within a single software environment.
4. Slide-n-Fit Spacer Technology:  This allows for up to 10 tests per ring, significantly maximizing consumable usage and reducing the cost per test.
5. Pre-Programmed ASTM D5001 Test Sequence: The BOCLE Adv comes with a pre-programmed ASTM D5001 test sequence, ensuring standardized and repeatable tests.
6. Intuitive User Interface: The user-friendly interface with plug-and-play functionality makes it easy to set up and operate the instrument, even for users with minimal technical expertise.
7. High Repeatability and Reproducibility: The BOCLE Adv delivers highly repeatable and reproducible results, making it a reliable choice for lubricity testing.
8. Integrated Digital Imaging: The unit now features a built-in digital microscope. This eliminates the need for a separate external microscope and the manual transfer of the test specimen for measurement.
9. Proactive System Diagnostics: the inbuilt sensors that monitor critical parameters like water levels and air pressure, alerting users to maintenance needs before they interrupt operations.

Advantages

The Paltro BOCLE Adv stands out in the market due to its superior automation, precision, and ease of use. Unlike other lubricity testers, the BOCLE Adv offers a fully automated system that minimizes operator-induced variability and ensures consistent, reliable results. Its advanced AI-Enabled Wear Scar Analysis provides unparalleled accuracy and ease of operation.

Essential for Method Compliance

Compliance with the ASTM D5001 standard is crucial for ensuring the lubricity of aviation turbine fuels. The BOCLE Adv is specifically designed to meet this standard, providing accurate and reliable test results that help maintain the performance and longevity of aviation fuel systems.

Why Choose the BOCLE Adv?

• Efficiency: Automates multi-step testing, reducing downtime and effort.
• Accuracy: Minimizes variability with AI-Enabled Wear Scar Analysis and Integrated Digital Imaging.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Maximizes consumable life, Slide-n-Fit Spacer Technology lowers operational costs by allowing up to 10 tests per ring.
• User-Friendly: Intuitive interface and plug-and-play functionality simplify operation.
• Future-Ready: Meets the growing demand for SAF testing under new regulations.

The BOCLE Adv has been successfully implemented in various laboratories and research facilities worldwide. Its high repeatability and reproducibility have made it a trusted choice for lubricity testing, ensuring compliance with industry standards and enhancing the performance of aviation turbine fuels, as well as compliance with JFA and JFB reference fluid specifications.