Purpose and Scope of Atmospheric Distillation Test

The atmospheric distillation test of petroleum products is performed using a laboratory batch distillation apparatus and specialized laboratory equipment to quantitatively determine the boiling range characteristics of products such as light and middle distillates, automotive gasoline with or without oxygenated compounds, jet fuel, turbine fuels, diesel fuels, biodiesel blends up to 20%, marine fuels, special petroleum solvents, different types of naphtha, white petroleum solvents, kerosene, and burner fuels of grades 1 and 2.

This test method is designed for evaluating distillate fuels in accordance with ASTM D86 and is not suitable for products containing significant amounts of residue.

Safety Precautions for Using the Atmospheric Distillation Tester

After purchasing the atmospheric distillation tester, place it on a level laboratory bench. The legs of the device can be adjusted to ensure proper leveling. The power cable of the distillation tester must be connected to a reliable wall socket, and weak or non-standard extension cords must be avoided. The device may consume up to 10 amperes at startup, so all wiring and connections must be secure. The minimum distance between the device and surrounding walls should be 20 centimeters to allow proper ventilation of the electronic compartment.

No objects should be placed on the device. Extreme care should be taken when cleaning the apparatus to prevent damage to the hardware. In case of any malfunction, do not attempt to repair the device yourself, as unauthorized service voids the warranty. The warranty seal must not be removed or tampered with unless specifically authorized under special conditions. Each device has a unique serial number and buyer identification code, and for any support or service, official contact numbers must be used.

Operators must exercise caution because the temperature during operation may reach approximately 400°C, which can be hazardous. For safety and accuracy, it is strongly recommended to use a high-quality ASTM-certified thermometer that has been calibrated and approved by a standard laboratory, except in PRO and FULL models, which include an electronic thermometer. Care must be taken to ensure that antifreeze and alcohol in the condenser bath do not spill into the tester, as this may damage the electronic board and other components.

The reservoir must be emptied before moving the device. During the test, never remove the thermometer or electronic probe from the flask, nor touch the flask or heater. After completing a test, allow the heater and flask to cool completely before handling.

Calibration of the Distillation Tester

If using an ECO model, a glass (mercury) thermometer must be used. For low temperature ranges, ASTM 7C/IP 5C and ASTM 7F thermometers are recommended, while for high temperature ranges, ASTM 8C/IP 6C and ASTM 8F thermometers should be used. Thermometers exposed for extended periods to temperatures above 270°C for the 7C model or above 370°C for the 8C model may lose calibration and must be recalibrated at least every six months.

For PRO or FULL models, the tester includes an electronic probe that must be calibrated annually by a certified company approved by the standards authority. Calibration must also be verified if the device is relocated or serviced.

Terms and Definitions

The Initial Boiling Point (IBP) is the corrected temperature at which the first drop of condensate falls from the tip of the condenser tube. The Final Boiling Point (FBP) is the maximum corrected thermometer reading observed during the test, usually after all liquid has evaporated from the bottom of the flask. The Dry Point is the corrected temperature at which the last drop of liquid evaporates from the lowest point of the distillation flask. Percent Recovered refers to the volume of condensate collected relative to the initial sample volume.

Total Vapor Loss refers to the total lost volume, including losses during sample transfer, uncondensed vapor during distillation, and liquid not vaporized at the end of the test. Percent Residue is the remaining sample volume relative to the initial volume. Corrected temperature readings are adjusted for atmospheric pressure using the Sydney Young equation, as explained in the calculations section of this manual.

Atmospheric Distillation Test Procedure (D86)

Fill the condenser bath of the atmospheric distillation tester with 7 liters of antifreeze and 2 liters of alcohol from the top. Water should not be used in the bath due to freezing, and the liquid level should be checked periodically to account for alcohol evaporation. Connect the power cable to the socket at the back of the device.

Carefully pour the sample to the 100 mL mark in the graduated cylinder and transfer it to the distillation flask, ensuring no spillage. Insert the vapor outlet tube, which has a silicone cone, into the condenser inlet and adjust the flask height using the jack under the heater. Close the protective cover and ensure a tight connection between the flask and condenser to prevent vapor loss during the test, which could reduce recovery. For PRO models, use the built-in electronic thermometer, which locks onto the flask’s neck, ensuring the probe is 1–2 centimeters below the vapor tube.

Place the stirrer inside the graduated cylinder and secure it with the special holder at the back wall of the drop counter, then close the protective cover. Press the power button on the front panel to turn on the device. The first menu displayed is Standby, showing Balloon Temp (thermometer reading inside the flask), Ambient Temp, Fridge Temp (condenser bath temperature), Heater Power, Fridge Power, IBP (not active in PRO models), FBP (not active in PRO models), Distilled Volume (not active in PRO models), and Distillation Rate (not active in PRO models). In PRO and FULL models, the main menu has three active keys: SUPPORT, which provides device and manufacturer information; SETTING, which allows configuration according to sample type; and START, which begins the test.

The heater power, fridge set point, drops per mL, and other parameters are adjusted according to the sample type (light, medium, or heavy). In PRO models, initial manual adjustment of heater power is required. During the test, the distillation rate should remain approximately 5 mL per minute. After completion, pressing STOP displays the Results menu.

Washing the Atmospheric Distillation Tester

The flask and graduated cylinder should be washed with acetone. After several tests, the condenser tube should be cleaned with an air pump. If not properly cleaned or dried, the Full model may drip during testing, causing errors, and the test must be repeated. In Eco and Pro models, improper cleaning can cause errors in the IBP reading.

Reporting Atmospheric Distillation Test Results

To compare test results from different locations, readings must be corrected to standard atmospheric pressure at sea level (101.3 kPa) using the Sydney Young equation: C = 0.0009 × (101.3 − P) × (273 + T)

Where T is the measured temperature in °C, C is the correction added algebraically, and P is the pressure at the time of the test in kPa.

Technical Notes on Using the Atmospheric Distillation Tester (D86)

The atmospheric distillation tester following ASTM D86 is commonly referred to as a D86 tester in industry. If the D86 device does not turn on, check the fuse under the power cable. Replace a blown fuse with the spare 15-amp glass fuse provided. If the test result seems incorrect, the value should be corrected for pressure; significant discrepancies may be due to incorrect device settings or uncalibrated thermometers.

If the heater does not warm, disconnect and test it with 220V AC carefully; a faulty heater should be replaced via the manufacturer. If liquid overflows in the flask, the initial heater power may be too high or the sample may contain issues. Low recovery often occurs with light materials, and the fridge set point should be adjusted to 6°C while following other settings as described. Different models of atmospheric distillation testers are available.

For pricing and further information, contact the company’s experts, and refer to the website to explore the devices designed for D86 testing.