ANSI ASHRAE Standard 86-2013 (2016) PDF

Full title and description

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 86-2013 (RA 2016) — Methods of Testing the Floc Point of Refrigeration-Grade Oils. This standard defines a laboratory method to determine the floc point (wax precipitation/clouding) of refrigeration-grade lubricating oils when mixed with refrigerant; it provides test apparatus, sample preparation, test procedure, and reporting requirements for consistent comparison of waxing tendency between oils.

Abstract

Standard 86 specifies a controlled procedure for measuring the floc point—the highest temperature at which wax or other solids precipitate from a defined oil/refrigerant mixture (commonly 10% oil by volume with 90% R-12 under specified cooling conditions). The measurement is used to evaluate the waxing tendency of refrigeration oils at low temperatures and to compare performance across oil types and formulations.

General information

• Status: Current (reaffirmed).
• Publication date: Original issuance 2013; reaffirmation published November 30, 2016 (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 86-2013 RA 2016).
• Publisher: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).
• ICS / categories: 75.100 — Lubricants, industrial oils and related products (refrigeration/lubricant test methods).
• Edition / version: ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 86-2013 (Reaffirmation 2016).
• Number of pages: Approximately 10 pages (published short test method document).

Scope

This standard provides a laboratory test procedure to determine the floc point of refrigeration-grade oils when mixed with a specified refrigerant under prescribed cooling conditions. The floc point result indicates the temperature at which visible turbidity (wax or solid precipitation) first appears in the refrigerant–oil mixture; results are intended for comparing wax precipitation tendencies among oils and for assessing suitability of oils for low-evaporating-temperature refrigeration applications.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of floc point and its significance for refrigeration oil/refrigerant compatibility and low-temperature operation.
• Required test apparatus (test cell/autoclave or pressure tube, cooling bath, observation windows or sight tubes, and precise temperature measurement devices).
• Sample preparation and specified oil-to-refrigerant ratio (commonly 10% oil / 90% refrigerant for the test as defined historically in the method).
• Controlled cooling procedure and observation method for detecting first appearance of turbidity or flocculation.
• Reporting format: test conditions, refrigerant used, oil identification, observed floc point temperature and any deviations from standard procedure.
• Precision/limitations: intended for comparative evaluations; results depend on refrigerant used and exact procedural details (method does not substitute for full compatibility or field performance testing).

Typical use and users

Used by refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, compressor and system OEMs, and R&D teams to screen refrigeration-grade oils for wax precipitation risk with specific refrigerants at low temperatures. Also used in product specifications, quality control, and technical evaluations for cold‑temperature refrigeration systems.

Related standards

Standards and test methods often referenced alongside or as alternative/complementary methods include DIN 51351 (Determination of floc point of refrigerator oils by pressure tube method) and other national/ISO methods for oil pour point and clouding; related ISO/ASTM test methods for pour point, cloud point and other lubricant properties are commonly used in conjunction with ASHRAE 86 for a fuller characterization of oils. DIN 51351 specifically addresses a pressure‑tube method for floc point determination and shares the ICS 75.100 classification.

Keywords

floc point; refrigeration-grade oil; wax precipitation; refrigerant–oil mixture; test method; ASHRAE Standard 86; DIN 51351; low-temperature operation; lubricant compatibility; laboratory test.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 86-2013 (RA 2016) is an ASHRAE laboratory test standard that defines a procedure to determine the floc point (wax precipitation temperature) of refrigeration-grade oils in a defined refrigerant–oil mixture.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test apparatus, sample preparation, prescribed refrigerant/oil mixture ratios (historically 10% oil / 90% refrigerant for the defined test), cooling and observation procedures, and reporting of the floc point result used to compare waxing tendency among oils.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, compressor/system OEMs, and R&D or quality teams that evaluate oil behavior at low temperatures and specify oils for refrigeration systems.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The document is the 2013 standard that was reaffirmed in 2016 (ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 86-2013 RA 2016) and is listed by ASHRAE as the active/reaffirmed edition; a revision project (SPC 86-2013R) was authorized in 2020 to consider future revision activity. Users should check ASHRAE or the official standard purchaser channel for any updates beyond the RA 2016 status if they require the very latest revision activity.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is one of ASHRAE’s portfolio of test-method and equipment standards (individual ASHRAE standards each address specific tests or HVAC/R topics); related ASHRAE standards address other test methods and HVAC/R performance/measurement topics, while national/international norms like DIN 51351 and various ISO/ASTM test methods cover complementary lubricant property tests.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Floc point, refrigeration oil, wax precipitation, refrigerant–oil compatibility, test method, low-temperature performance, ASHRAE 86, laboratory procedure.