- Author
- Loftus, J. J.
- Title
- MSHA Wick Test for Hydraulic Fluids: A Preliminary Evaluation. Final Report.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Report
- NBSIR 81-2312, 1981, 28 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
- wicks | coal mines | hydraulic fluids | ignition | flammability | flame contact test
- Abstract
- This report is an evaluation and analysis of "The Test to determine the Effect of Evaporation on the Flammability of Hydraulic Fluids (Wick Test)." The Wick Test is used by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to qualify hydraulic fluids for use in underground coal mines. This report includes a review of the test method's operating characteristics as well as a comparison of test results from the Wick Test with two alternative test procedures--a hot wire coil test and a sustained flame contact test. The evaluation program included currently used fluids such as invert emulsions, synthetics, and water glycols. The Wick Test studies showed that the test method was not well defined and that reproducibility was poor.