DISTILLATION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS: ASTM D86
(Equivalent Test Methods: IP 123, ISO 3405, DIN 51751, JIS K 2254, and AFNOR M07-002)
EXPLANATION
Distillation (volatility) properties of petroleum products are indicative of their performance. The empirical results obtained by this test method have been found to correlate with automotive equipment performance factors and with volatility characteristics of the sample.
This test method covers the distillation of motor and aviation gasolines, aviation turbine fuels, special boiling point spirits, naphthas, white spirit, kerosene, gas oils, distillate fuel oils, and similar petroleum products.
Test Methods ASTM D86 and ASTM D1078 differ only in heating rates and flask size used. Test Method D 86 is used for heavier fluids with a dry point >140° C.
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED
initial boiling point - the thermometer reading that is observed at the instant that the first drop of condensate falls from the lower end of the condenser tube.
end point or final boiling point - the maximum thermometer reading obtained during the test. This usually occurs after the evaporation of all liquid from the bottom of the flask. The term "maximum temperature" is a frequently used synonym.
dry point - the thermometer reading that is observed at the instant the last drop of liquid evaporates from the lowest point in the flask. Any drops of film of liquid on the side of the flask or on the thermometer are disregarded.
decomposition point - the thermometer reading that coincides with the first indications of thermal decomposition of the liquid in the flask. Characteristic indications of thermal decomposition are an evolution of fumes, and erratic thermometer readings, which usually show a decided decrease after any attempt is made to adjust the heat.
percent recovered - the volume in millilitres of condensate observed in the receiving graduate, in connection with a simultaneous thermometer reading.
percent recovery - the maximum percent recovered.
percent total recovery - the combined percent recovery and residue in the flask.
percent loss - 100 minus the percent total recovery.
percent residue - the percent total recovery minus the percent recovery, or the volume of residue in millilitres if measured directly.
percent evaporated - the sum of the percent recovered and the percent loss.
TEST SUMMARY
A 100-mL sample is distilled (manually or automatically) under conditions prescribed, in the test method, appropriate to its nature. Thermometer readings and volumes of condensate are systematically recorded, and from these data, the results are calculated and reported as any or all of the above characteristics.
