New PA5 Digital Manometer with Data Management Software for Automated Testing of Oxidation Stability

The new PA5 digital manometer combined with the PetroNet® software from Petrotest Instruments (Germany) form a proprietary data logging and management solution for determining the oxidation stability of fuels, lubricants and oils according to various standards including ASTM D 525, ISO 7536, ASTM D 942, D 2112 and D 4742.

A unique feature of the PA5 manometer is the simultaneous recording of temperature along with pressure and time data. For continuous realtime monitoring of bath temperatures, a PT1000 with a resolution of 0.1°C and a range of up to 200°C is used. For ASTM D525 / ISO 7536 the PetroNet® software provides a temperature correction algorithm. For fuels oxidation and other ASTM oxidation tests, the PA5 offers pre-defined routines and settings to ensure that tests are conducted according to international standards. In addition, the test stop can be programmed based on criteria like elapsed time, pressure drop or percentage of pressure drop.

While the PA5 manometer performs the actual data sampling, the PetroNet® application handles the online configuration, data transfer and saving to the computer or network. The sample parameters can be modified on-screen. When used in an autarkic mode, the pressure, temperature and time readings are retrieved from the PA5 after the test and imported into PetroNet® via USB or RS232 communications.

The PetroNet® software presents online-correlated temperature pressure curves in a diagram along with the numerical values. Instant data viewing capabilities include colored line plots, auto-axis rescaling, adjustable graph scrolling and quick graph zooming. PetroNet® supports direct conversions to Microsoft Excel or csv spreadsheets.

The PA5 features selectable pressure (bar, psi or kPa) and temperature (°C, °F) units and allows for recording up to 57000 paired readings at intervals of <15 s. Pressure ranges from 0-14 barrel. are covered. The PA5 is enhanced with extended non-volatile memory and powered by a lithium battery allowing for nonstop measurements for up to 10 days in autarkic mode. The battery status is indicated on screen. In addition, the PA 5 can be supplied via USB or AC adapter. To maximise operator efficiency, the PA5 features a new intuitive two-key operation (SELECT and ENTER).

To use the same PA5 instrument for several applications, the PetroNet® Professional Version is required (optional) which allows to freely allocate a standard test routine (e.g. ASTM D 525 / ASTM D 942) or individual user programs to the PA5 and make all relevant configuration settings.