ASTM E123-02(2024)

Standard Specification for Apparatus for Determination of Water by Distillation

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the design and dimensional requirements for the assembly that comprise the laboratory apparatus used for determining water in petroleum products and bituminous materials by means of distillation. The assembly shall be composed of the following equipment: glass flask; metal still; gas burner or electric heater; Liebig- or West-type condenser; and traps.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers apparatus used in Test Method D95 and other similar ASTM test methods.  
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2024
• ICS: 71.040.20 - Laboratory ware and related apparatus
• Technical Committee: E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
• Drafting Committee: E41.01 - Laboratory Ware and Supplies

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E123-02(2018) - Standard Specification for Apparatus for Determination of Water by Distillation
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D2462-22 - Standard Test Method for Moisture in Wool by Distillation With Toluene
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D95-23 - Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Referred By: ASTM D4006-22 - Standard Test Method for Water in Crude Oil by Distillation
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024

Overview

ASTM E123-02(2024): Standard Specification for Apparatus for Determination of Water by Distillation provides comprehensive guidelines on the design and dimensional requirements for laboratory apparatus used to determine water content in petroleum products and bituminous materials via distillation. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures the consistency, reliability, and safety of equipment employed in critical test methods, such as ASTM D95. By standardizing apparatus assembly, manufacturers and laboratories worldwide benefit from improved measurement accuracy and international compatibility.

Key Topics

ASTM E123-02(2024) focuses on the specification of the following apparatus components for water determination by distillation:

• Glass Flasks: Heat-resistant glass flasks with nominal capacities of 500 mL or 1000 mL, available in round-bottom or Erlenmeyer styles.
• Metal Still: Metal vessel, typically copper, with a recommended 1000 mL capacity for use in processing road materials and tars.
• Heating Apparatus: Suitable gas burner or electric heater. For the metal still, a ring gas burner with a specified inside diameter is preferred.
• Condensers: Liebig or West-type straight condensers with a jacket length of at least 400 mm to ensure effective cooling and condensation.
• Traps: Precise water traps available in graduated and ungraduated versions with capacities of 5, 10, or 25 mL, designed to capture and measure water separated during distillation.

Each component is detailed for both dimension and configuration, supporting reproducibility in laboratory analysis. The standard also includes figures illustrating typical assemblies and detailed designs.

Applications

The apparatus described in ASTM E123-02(2024) is used extensively in:

• Quality Control Laboratories: Ensuring the moisture content of petroleum products and bituminous materials is within specified limits for consistent product performance.
• Research and Development: Supporting precise water determination in petrochemicals, road construction materials, soaps, and naval stores, underpinning innovation and compliance in new materials.
• Regulatory and Compliance Testing: Laboratories performing standardized tests, such as ASTM D95, rely on ASTM E123-compliant apparatuses for accurate, defensible results central to regulatory submissions and industry certifications.

Practical value of the standard lies in its facilitation of repeatable, globally recognized testing methods, which reduce the risk of measurement errors, promote equipment interoperability, and support conformity assessment in international trade.

Related Standards

For comprehensive laboratory practice and reliable water determination, refer to the following ASTM standards and documents:

• ASTM D95 – Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation. This is the principal test method utilizing the apparatus defined in ASTM E123.
• ASTM E41 – Standards on Laboratory Apparatus, which provide additional requirements and recommendations for laboratory equipment design and use.
• World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee Principles – For the international harmonization of standards and guidance on compliance in global commerce.

Keywords: ASTM E123, water determination apparatus, distillation, laboratory equipment, petroleum testing, bituminous materials, ASTM D95, condenser, standard specification, graduated trap, quality control.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E123 − 02 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Specification for
Apparatus for Determination of Water by Distillation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E123; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope glass. Styles shall be as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 and as listed
in the following table:
1.1 This specification covers apparatus used in Test Method
Style Size, mL Shape Top Finish Figure
D95 and other similar ASTM test methods.
¯
A 500 round with $ joint Fig. 3
¯
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor-
B 500 round with $ joint Fig. 3
¯
C 1000 round with $ joint Fig. 3
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
¯
D 500 Erlenmeyer with $ joint Fig. 4
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5. Metal Still
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 The metal still shall have an approximate capacity of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1000 mL. It may be constructed of any suitable metal; but
copper is recommended for the vessel, and copper or brass for
2. Referenced Documents
2 the lid. Fig. 5 shows the essential dimensions and a satisfactory
2.1 ASTM Standards:
construction of vessel head and clamp. Other means of closure
D95 Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and
may be used that provide a tight seal of head to body.
Bituminous Materials by Distillation
6. Heater
3. Apparatus Assembly
6.1 Any suitable gas burner or electric heater may be used
3.1 Typical assemblies of the apparatus are shown in Fig. 1
with the glass still. With the metal still, a ring gas burner,
and Fig. 2. The glass flask has been generally used for
having an inside diameter of 4 ⁄4 in. (108 mm) with holes in the
petroleum products, soaps, naval stores, etc., and the metal still
inside periphery should be used.
for road materials and tars.
4. Glass Flask 7. Condenser
7.1 The condenser shall be a Liebig or West straight type
4.1 The glass flask shall have nominal capacities of 500 mL
with a jacket not less than 400 mm long. Fig. 6 shows the
or 1000 mL, as required, and shall be made of heat-resistant
general construction of suitable condensers.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E41 on
8. Traps
Laboratory Apparatus and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E41.01 on
Laboratory Ware and Supplies.
8.1 The traps shall be of 5-mL, 10-mL, and 25-mL capaci-
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2024. Published February 2024. Originally
ties. Six styles are provided as specified in Table 1 and shown
approved in 1956. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as E123 – 02(2018). DOI:
10.1520/E0123-02R24. in Figs. 7-11.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
9. Keywords
Standards volume informa
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