New Compact Distillation Tester

Petrotest (Germany), a division of Anton Paar, offers the new ADU 4+ automatic distillation tester with a built-in cooling system, fire extinguisher and integrated computer with external flat screen monitor and ADUPro software. The compact, rugged unit performs distillation testing at atmospheric pressure of aviation fuels, gasoline, turbine fuels, fuel oils, kerosene, naphtha, solvents, special boiling point spirits and a wide variety of petroleum products.

Performing distillation testing manually, typically requires considerable operator experience to be done properly and safely. Reading a thermometer, observing the receiver, manually adjusting the heating and recording test results must all be done accurately and simultaneously. With the Petrotest ADU 4+ all of these steps are done automatically using state-of-the-art electronics, avoiding incorrect ASTM D86 measurements and eliminating operator bias.

The modular ADU 4+ provides fully automatic analysis of boiling characteristics according to ASTM D86, D850 and D1078-IP 195. The unit can also be customised to perform user-specific applications. A powerful 1200-watt heater provides sample heating up to 450 degrees C (depending on sample and stem correction mode). All distillation criteria, e.g. cooling temperature and chamber tempering, can be switched over automatically from group 1 to 4 during the distillation. The unit includes glassware set according to ASTM D86 (Group 1-4). With additional accessories, the unit is suitable for testing of aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic liquids according to ASTM D850 and ASTM D1078.

The ADU 4+ is designed as a complete ready-to-go system that occupies only a minimum amount of laboratory bench space. The highly versatile unit features volume detection by solid-state light barrier system, rugged high-grade stainless steel powder coated cabinet, temperature-controlled swing-out receiver chamber and digital display with membrane keys.