ASTM D6892-03(2020)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products (Robotic Tilt Method)
Standard Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products (Robotic Tilt 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.
FIG. 1 Schematic of Cooling/Heating Block and Cooling Circulating Bath
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 °C 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).
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the pour point of petroleum products by an automatic instrument that tilts the test jar to detect movement of the surface of the test specimen with an optical device, after being removed from a regulated, stepped-bath cooling jacket.
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 1998 interlaboratory test program only covered the temperature range from −51 °C to −11 °C.
1.3 Test results from this test method can be determined at either 1 °C or 3 °C testing intervals.
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 the 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
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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: D6892 − 03 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Pour Point of Petroleum Products (Robotic Tilt Method)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6892; 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.
1. Scope D4057Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
Petroleum Products
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the pour
D4177Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and
point of petroleum products by an automatic instrument that
Petroleum Products
tilts the test jar to detect movement of the surface of the test
2.2 Energy Institute Standard:
specimen with an optical device, after being removed from a
IP15Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products
regulated, stepped-bath cooling jacket.
1.2 This test method is designed to cover the range of
3. Terminology
temperatures from −57°C to +51°C; however, the range of
3.1 Definitions:
temperatures included in the 1998 interlaboratory test program
3.1.1 pour point, n—in petroleum products, the lowest
only covered the temperature range from −51°C to −11°C.
temperature at which movement of the test specimen is
1.3 Test results from this test method can be determined at
observed under prescribed conditions of test.
either 1°C or 3°C testing intervals.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 This test method is not intended for use with crude oils.
3.2.1 no-flow point, n—in petroleum products, the tempera-
NOTE 1—The applicability of this test method on residual fuel samples
ture of the test specimen at which a wax crystal structure or
has not been verified. For further information on the applicability, refer to
viscosity increase, or both, impedes movement of the surface
13.4.
of the test specimen under the conditions of the test.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.2.1.1 Discussion—The no-flow point occurs when, upon
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
cooling, the formation of wax crystal structures or viscosity
standard.
increase,orboth,hasprogressedtothepointwheretheapplied
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
observation device no longer detects movement under the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
conditions of the test. The preceding observation temperature
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
at which flow of the test specimen is last observed is the pour
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
point.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.2 tilting, vt—technique of movement where the test jar
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
in a vertical position is moved towards a horizontal position to
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
induce specimen movement.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2.2.1 Discussion—When the test jar is tilted and held in a
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
horizontal position for 5s without detection of movement of
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
the surface of the specimen, this is the no-flow point and the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
test is complete.
2. Referenced Documents
4. Summary of Test Method
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.1 After insertion of the specimen into the automatic pour
D97Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products
point apparatus and initiation of the testing program, the
specimen is heated and then cooled according to a prescribed
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
profile. The specimen surface is examined periodically for
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D02.07 on Flow Properties.
movement using an optical camera system mounted on top of
Current edition approved May 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally
the specimen test jar, while tilting the specimen test jar. The
approved in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D6892–03 (2014).
test jar is removed from the jacketed cooling chamber prior to
DOI: 10.1520/D6892-03R20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Energy Institute, 61 New Cavendish St., London, WIG 7AR,
the ASTM website. U.K., http://www.energyinst.org.uk.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D6892 − 03 (2020)
FIG. 1 Schematic of Cooling/Heating Block and Cooling Circulating Bath
eachexamination.Thelowesttemperature,whenmovementof
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 Thepourpointofapetroleumproductisanindexofthe
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 measure-
ment of the pour point.
5.3 Test results from this test method can be determined at
either 1°C or 3°C intervals.
5.4 This test method yields a pour point in a format similar
toTestMethodD97orIP15,whenthe3°Cintervalresultsare
reported.
FIG. 2 Picture of Apparatus
NOTE 2—Since some users may wish to report their results in a format
similar to Test Method D97 or IP15 (in 3°C intervals) the precision data
were derived for the 3°C intervals. For statements on bias relative toTest
Method D97 or IP15, see the research report.
specimen for movement, using a camera system mounted on
5.5 Thistestmethodhascomparablerepeatabilityandbetter top of the specimen test jar and recording the temperature of
the specimen. The apparatus shall be equipped with a user
reproducibility relative to Test Method D97 or IP15 as
interface, cooling/heating block assembly with cylindrical
measuredinthe1998interlaboratoryprogram(seeSection13).
jacket with an inside diameter of 44.2mm to 45.8mm, and
6. Apparatus
about 115mm in depth to accept the test jar) robotic mecha-
nisms for lifting, tilting, replacing the test jar, optical camera
6.1 Automatic Apparatus —Theautomaticpourpointappa-
system, and a temperature measuring device.
ratus described in this test method (see Fig. 2) consists of a
microprocessor controlled measuring unit that is capable of
6.2 Test Jar—Clear, cylindrical glass, flat bottom
heatingthespecimentoprogrammedtemperatures,coolingthe
(darkened), 31.5mm 6 0.5mm inside diameter and 120mm
specimen according to programmed cooling profiles, mechani-
6 2mm height with a wall thickness of 1.25mm 6 0.25mm.
cally manipulating the test jar according to the programmed
The jar shall be marked with a line to indicate sample filling
test procedure, while optically observing the surface of the
height corresponding to 45mL 6 0.5mL.
6.3 Temperature Probe—Capable of measurement from
The sole source of supply of the Herzog Model MP852 or HCP852 known to
+70°C to −80°C with a resolution of 0.1°C.The temperature
the committee at this time is Walter Herzog, Lauda, Germany. If you are aware of
probe shall be suspended in the center axis of the test jar and
alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International
the top of the temperature sensing zone immersed below the
Headquarters.Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. surface of the specimen.
D6892 − 03 (2020)
10. Calibration and Verification
10.1 Ensure that all of the manufacturer’s instructions for
calibrating, checking, and operating the apparatus are fol-
lowed.
10.2 A sample with a well-documented pour point can be
used to verify the performance of the automatic apparatus.
Alternatively, a sample which has been extensively tested in a
pour point cross-check program can be used. Such verification
materials can also be prepared from intra-company cross
checks.
11. Procedure
11.1 Fillthetestjaruptothemarkedlinewiththespecimen.
When necessary, heat the sample in a water bath or oven until
FIG. 3 Assembled Apparatus
it is just sufficiently fluid to pour into the test jar.
NOTE 3—Residual fuels have been known to be sensitive to thermal
history. In the case where a residual fuel sample is tested, refer to Test
6.4 Circulating Bath—Refrigeration unit, equipped with a
Method D97 for sample treatment.
circulating pump, capable of maintaining the liquid cooling
11.2 Insert the test jar into the apparatus and start the test in
medium at a temperature at least 20°C lower than the lowest
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
expected pour point to be measured. The circulating bath is
11.3 When the expected pour point is known to be above
connected to the automatic apparatus through suitable means
−33°C, preselect a starting temperature which is at least 9°C
for supplying the liquid cooling medium.
above the expected pour point, but to at least 45°C.
7. Reagents and Materials
11.4 When the expected pour point is known to be at or
below −33°C, preselect a starting temperature of 45°C.
7.1 Bath Cooling Medium—Suitable for use in the circulat-
ing bath (an example is methyl alcohol-anhydrous).
11.5 When the expected pour point is not known, preselect
(Warning—Flammable.Liquidcauseseyeburns.Vaporharm-
a starting temperature of 45°C. When the expected pour point
ful. May be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed or inhaled.)
is not known and the sample must be heated to allow transfer
into the test jar, preselect a starting temperature corresponding
7.2
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