ASTM D2779 Method for Estimation of Solubility of Gases in Petroleum Liquids
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Correlations have been established by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (formerly National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics) in NACA Technical Note 3276 (1956) Their work was extended to include most of the data published since that time, and extrapolated by semi-empirical methods into regions where no data are available.
4.2 The only data required are the density of liquid at 288 K (59°F) and the nature of the gas. These are used in the equations, with the specific constant for the gas from Table 1, or with Fig. 1, to estimate the Ostwald coefficient.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Knowledge of gas solubility is of extreme importance in the lubrication of gas compressors. It is believed to be a substantial factor in boundary lubrication, where the sudden release of dissolved gas may cause cavitation erosion, or even collapse of the fluid film. In hydraulic and seal oils, gas dissolved at high pressure can cause excessive foaming on release of the pressure. In aviation oils and fuels, the difference in pressure between take-off and cruise altitude can cause foaming out of the storage vessels and interrupt flow to the pumps.
