ASTM D3607 Test Method for Removing Volatile Contaminants from Used Engine Oils
ASTM D3607 Standard Test Method for Removing Volatile Contaminants from Used Engine Oils by Stripping
6. Apparatus
6.1 Nitrogen Cylinder, equipped with regulator. (Warning - Using pressurized gas is hazardous.)

6.2 Rotameters or Nitrogen Flowmeters, one or more, each capable of supplying 400 cm3/min of nitrogen at atmospheric pressure.

NOTE 3 - If several rotameters are available, it is preferable to control the nitrogen flow with an individual rotameter to each tube. Consistent flow rates can be maintained to several tubes by one rotameter if the nitrogen pressure is controlled in a common manifold to all tubes.

6.3 Connecting Tubing, of 4.8-mm (3/16 in.) inside diameter and 7.9-mm (5/16 in.) outside diameter is a convenient size.

NOTE 4 - No tolerances for the dimensions of the I.D. and O.D. of the tubing are given because these are nominal sizes.

6.4 Sample Tubes or Test Tubes, glass, 25 by 150-mm. As many as eight tubes can usually be handled in a typical apparatus assembly (Note 3).

6.5 Tubing, glass, 5-mm outside diameter, 3-mm or smaller inside diameter and about 200 mm long, for nitrogen flow into the sample in the above tubes. This tubing should be long enough to rest just off the bottom of the sample tube when connected to the nitrogen flow assembly with the flexible connecting tubing.

6.6 Oil Bath, with suitable cover for inserting glass sample tubes. Rubber O-rings or rubber stoppers between the tops of the tubes and the cover are convenient for steadying and positioning the tubes.

6.7 Stirring Device, for oil bath. When stripping several samples at once, the use of a magnetic stirrer and stirring bar is convenient as their use allows more room for the sample tubes.

6.8 Thermoregulator and Heater, capable of maintaining the oil bath at 90.0 +/- 0.2°C.

6.9 Thermometer, such as ASTM Medium Aniline Point Thermometer having a range from 25 to 105°C and conforming to the requirements for Thermometer 34C as prescribed in Specification E 1.

NOTE 5 - A typical schematic arrangement of the apparatus is shown in Fig. 1.

7. Sampling
7.1 Using Practices D4057 (Manual) or D4177 (Automatic) obtain a representative sample of the material to be tested.

7.2 The sample should be well mixed by physical agitation for at least 1 min immediately before selecting the aliquot for testing.