ASTM D96 Water and Sediment in Crude Oil by Centrifuge Method (Field Procedure)
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 Known volumes of crude oil and solvent (water saturated if required) are placed in a centrifuge tube and heated to 60°C +/- 3°C (140°F +/- 5°F). After centrifugation, the volume of the sediment-and-water layer at the bottom of the tube is read.
NOTE 2 - It has been observed that for some waxy crude oils, temperatures of 71°C (160°F) or higher may be required to melt the wax crystals completely so that they are not measured as sediment. If temperatures higher than 60°C (140°F) are necessary to eliminate this problem, they may be used with the consent of the parties involved. If water saturation of the solvent is required, it must be done at the same temperature.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 A determination of sediment and water content is required to determine accurately the net volumes of crude oil involved in sales, taxation, exchanges, inventories, and custody transfers. An excessive amount of sediment and water in crude oil is significant because it can cause corrosion of equipment and problems in processing and transporting and may violate federal, state, or municipal regulations.
