ASTM D6892 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products (Robotic Tilt Method)
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 After insertion of the specimen into the automatic pour point apparatus and initiation of the testing program, the specimen is heated and then cooled according to a prescribed profile. The specimen surface is examined periodically for movement using an optical camera system mounted on top of the specimen test jar, while tilting the specimen test jar. The test jar is removed from the jacketed cooling chamber prior to each examination. The lowest temperature, when movement of the surface of the specimen is detected, is recorded as the pour point determined by this Test Method D6892.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The pour point of a petroleum product is an index of the lowest temperature of its utility for certain applications. Flow characteristics, such as pour point, can be critical for the correct operation of lubricating systems, fuel systems, and pipeline operations.
5.2 Petroleum blending operations require precise measurement of the pour point.
5.3 Test results from this test method can be determined at either 1 or 3°C intervals.
5.4 This test method yields a pour point in a format similar to Test Method D97 or IP 15, when the 3°C interval results are reported.
NOTE 2 - Since some users may wish to report their results in a format similar to Test Method D97 or IP 15 (in 3°C intervals) the precision data were derived for the 3°C intervals. For statements on bias relative to Test Method D97 or IP 15, see the research report.
5.5 This test method has comparable repeatability and better reproducibility relative to Test Method D97 or IP 15 as measured in the 1998 interlaboratory program (see Section 13).
