ASTM D5985-02(2020)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products (Rotational Method)
Standard Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products (Rotational Method)
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 This test method can determine the temperature of the test specimen with a resolution of 0.1 °C at which either crystals have formed or viscosity increases sufficiently to impede movement of the petroleum product.
5.4 This test method yields a pour point in a format similar to Test Method D97/IP15 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 (in 3 °C intervals) the precisions were derived for the temperatures rounded to the 3 °C intervals. For statements on bias relative to Test Method D97, see 13.3.
5.5 This test method has better repeatability and comparable reproducibility relative to Test Method D97 as measured in the 1992 interlaboratory program. (See Section 13.)
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of pour point of petroleum products by an automatic instrument that continuously rotates the test specimen against a suspended detection device during cooling of the test specimen.
1.2 This test method is designed to cover the range of temperatures from −57 °C to +51 °C; however, the range of temperatures included in the 1992 interlaboratory program only covered the temperature range of −39 °C to +6 °C (see 13.4).
1.3 This test method determines the no-flow point of petroleum products by detection of the crystal structure or viscosity increase, or both, in the sample that is sufficient to impede flow of the specimen.
1.4 This test method is not intended for use with crude oils.
Note 1: The applicability of this test method on residual fuel samples has not been verified. For further information on applicability, refer to 13.4.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.7 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
Relations
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: D5985 − 02 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Pour Point of Petroleum Products (Rotational Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5985; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This test method covers an alternative procedure for the determination of pour point of petroleum
products using an automatic apparatus.
1. Scope mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of pour point
of petroleum products by an automatic instrument that con-
2. Referenced Documents
tinuously rotates the test specimen against a suspended detec-
tion device during cooling of the test specimen.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D97Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products
1.2 This test method is designed to cover the range of
D4057Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
temperatures from −57°C to +51°C; however, the range of
Petroleum Products
temperatures included in the 1992 interlaboratory program
D4177Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and
only covered the temperature range of −39°C to +6°C (see
Petroleum Products
13.4).
2.2 Energy Institute Standards:
1.3 This test method determines the no-flow point of petro-
IP 15Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products
leum products by detection of the crystal structure or viscosity
increase,orboth,inthesamplethatissufficienttoimpedeflow
3. Terminology
of the specimen.
3.1 Definitions:
1.4 This test method is not intended for use with crude oils.
3.1.1 pour point, n—in petroleum products, the lowest
NOTE 1—The applicability of this test method on residual fuel samples
temperature at which movement of the test specimen is
has not been verified. For further information on applicability, refer to
observed under prescribed conditions of test.
13.4.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 3.2.1 no-flow point, n—in petroleum products, the tempera-
ture of the test specimen at which a wax crystal structure or
standard.
viscosity increase, or both, impedes movement of the surface
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
of the test specimen under the conditions of the test.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.2 Discussion—The no-flow point occurs when, upon
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- cooling, the formation of wax crystal structures or viscosity
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. increase, or both, have progressed to the point where the
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor- applied observation device no longer detects movement under
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- the conditions of the test. The preceding observation
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the temperature, at which flow of the test specimen is last
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- observed, is the pour point.
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricantsand is the direct responsibility of contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Subcommittee D02.07 on Flow Properties. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved May 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D5985–02 (2014). Available from Energy Institute, 61 New Cavendish St., London, WIG 7AR,
DOI: 10.1520/D5985-02R20. U.K., http://www.energyinst.org.uk.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5985 − 02 (2020)
3.2.3 pour point at 3 °C testing intervals, n—in petroleum 6. Apparatus
products, the temperature calculated by rounding the no-flow 4
6.1 Automatic Apparatus —The automatic pour point appa-
point of the test specimen to the next higher integer which is a
ratus described in the Annex A1 consists of a microprocessor
multiple of 3°C.
controlled measuring unit that is capable of heating, cooling,
3.2.4 Discussion—The no-flow point can be measured with rotating, and recording the temperature of the test specimen.
a resolution of 0.1°C in this test method. In Test Method D97 Theapparatusshallbeequippedwithadigitaldisplay,cooling/
observations for no-flow are in 3°C intervals and when results heating block assembly, turntable, test specimen cup and
with a similar format to Test Method D97 are required, this measuring head containing a counter-balanced pendulum and
calculation shall be performed. Some apparatus can perform temperature measuring device.
this calculation automatically.
6.2 Test Specimen Cup—The test specimen cup is a flat
3.2.5 rotational, n—in this standard, the technique of turn- bottomaluminumcupwiththedimensionsinA1.2.Toindicate
ingthetestspecimenjarinanuprightpositionuponaturntable the required fill level, the inside of the test cup is scribed at a
with a stationary positioned, temperature sensor containing height of 36mm 6 0.2mm above the inside bottom. The
outside bottom of the test cup has two indentions to facilitate
pendulum, inserted into the test specimen.
the rotation of the test cup.
3.2.6 Discussion—Upon cooling of the test specimen, the
6.3 Circulating Bath—Refrigeration unit equipped with a
resultant crystal formation or viscosity increase in the speci-
men exerts force upon the pendulum, offsetting the stationary circulating pump capable of maintaining a temperature at least
20°C colder than the lowest expected pour point to be
position and causing detection of the no-flow point.
measured.
4. Summary of Test Method
7. Reagents and Material
4.1 Afterinsertingthetestspecimenintotheautomaticpour
7.1 Methyl Alcohol, anhydrous, for use as cooling medium
point apparatus, and initiation of the program, the test speci-
in circulating bath.
men is heated and then cooled by maintaining a constant
7.2 Cleaning Solvents, suitable for cleaning and drying the
temperature differential between the cooling block and the
specimen cup and pendulum, such as petroleum naptha and
sample. The test specimen is continuously tested for flow
acetone. (Warning—Flammable. Liquid causes eye burns.
characteristics by rotating the test specimen cup at approxi-
Vaporharmful.Maybefatalorcauseblindnessifswallowedor
mately 0.1 rpm against a stationary, counter-balanced, sphere-
inhaled.)
shaped pendulum. The temperature of the test specimen at
whichacrystalstructureoraviscosityincrease,orboth,within
8. Sampling
the test specimen causes the displacement of the pendulum is
8.1 Obtain a sample in accordance with Practices D4057 or
recorded with a resolution of 0.1°C.The test specimen is then
by D4177.
heated to the original starting temperature.
8.2 Samples of very viscous materials can be warmed until
5. Significance and Use
they are reasonably fluid before they are transferred; however,
no sample shall be heated more than is absolutely necessary.
5.1 Thepourpointofapetroleumproductisanindexofthe
The sample shall not be heated and transferred into the test
lowest temperature of its utility for certain applications. Flow
specimen cup unless its temperature is 70°C or lower.
characteristics, such as pour point, can be critical for the
correct operation of lubricating systems, fuel systems, and
NOTE 3—In the event the sample has been heated above this
pipeline operations. temperature,allowthesampletocooluntilitstemperatureisatleast70°C
before transferring.
5.2 Petroleum blending operations require precise measure-
9. Preparation of Apparatus
ment of the pour point.
9.1 Prepare the instrument for operation in accordance with
5.3 This test method can determine the temperature of the
the manufacturer’s instructions.
test specimen with a resolution of 0.1°C at which either
crystals have formed or viscosity increases sufficiently to
9.2 Clean and dry the test specimen cup and the cooling
impede movement of the petroleum product.
well using suitable solvents as prescribed by the apparatus
manufacturer.
5.4 This test method yields a pour point in a format similar
to Test Method D97/IP15 when the 3°C interval results are 9.3 Preparetherefrigeratedcirculatingbathfor operationin
reported. accordancewiththemanufacturer’sinstructionsandallowitto
attainatemperatureatleast20°Clowerthantheexpectedpour
NOTE 2—Since some users may wish to report their results in a format
point of the sample.
similartoTestMethodD97(in3°Cintervals)theprecisionswerederived
for the temperatures rounded to the 3°C intervals. For statements on bias
relative to Test Method D97, see 13.3.
Thesolesourceofsupplyoftheinstrumentknowntothecommitteeatthistime
is Herzog Model MC 850, available from Walter Herzog, Lauda, Germany. If you
5.5 Thistestmethodhasbetterrepeatabilityandcomparable
are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM
reproducibilityrelativetoTestMethodD97asmeasuredinthe
International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a
1992 interlaboratory program. (See Section 13.) meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
D5985 − 02 (2020)
10. Calibration and
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