ISO 17025 Verification for ASTM D86 Distillation Analysers

ASTM D86

ASTM D86 standard is the test method for atmospheric distillation of Petroleum products. The test method describes apparatus, sample handling, preparation of the apparatus, Calibration & standardisation, the test procedure and precision.

Suitable automatic equipment must fulfill the design requirements of the ASTM D86 standard for design, precision and test procedure (automatic equipment). Operator skills need to be trained and suitability of equipment can be verified. Here the parameters to be verified for ASTM D86 distillation, will be described.

Temperature verification

ASTM D86, Section 9 Stipulates that thermometer or temperature probe should be calibrated every six months. For automatic instruments the temperature readout shall be verified with a precision resistance bench.

Verification cosists of calibration of the sensor in calibration baths, certificate of calibration is supplied with corrections for the sensor.
Programing of corrections, Verification of the of the analyser temperature readout before and after correction. Record the results on the test certificate.
  

Verification of temperature lag time

ASTM D86 Section A3.2.2 stipulates that for automated instruments the response time of the electronic thermometer should be verified. The result should always be within the repeatability of the test method.

Verification consist of, running two distillations, one with the mercury thermometer and one with the electronic thermometer. Comparison of the results and verify if they are the same within the repeatability of the method. Record the results on the test certificate.

Verification of volume measurement

ASTM D86 Section 9.2.1 stipulates that automated instruments must have a level follower that measures the volume between, 5 – 100 ml with a maximum error of 0,3ml using a typically liquid.

Verification consists of, filling 5 – 50 – 100 ml of liquid into the glass measuring cylinder by means of a calibrated volumetric pipette. Check and record the results on the test certificate.

Verification of barometric pressure

ASTM D86 Section 9.2.2 stipulates that every six months the barometric reading should be verified against a barometer with an accuracy of 0,1KPa.

Verification consists of, comparing the barometric reading with a 0,1KPa precise reference barometer. Record the pressure readings. Adjust the barometer reading when necessary. Verify the reading after adjustment and record the results on the test certificate.

Verification of Distillation speed

ASTM D86 Section 10.10 stipulates that the heating rate shall be kept to 4 – 5 ml per minute from 5 ml residue onward, during the test run.

Verification consists of, running a distillation according to ASTM D86, record volume as measured by the analyser and record the time measured with a calibrated chronometer. Record the results on the test certificate.

Verification of Distillation calibration

ASTM D86 Section 9.1.2 and 9.1.5 stipulates that calibration of the instrument shall be verified by means of toluene and hexadecane distillation.

Verification consists of, running a distillation according ASTM D86. Register the temperature at the 50 % volume point and compare with the given tables in ASTM D86. Record the results on the test certificate.

Value for the user

European Lab Services (Belgium) are experts in providing ISO 17025 Calibration and Verification that meets the ASTM D86 standard for Distillation Analysers. Outsourcing verification offers time profit for lab operators who can concentrate on producing test results rather then on calibration instruments.

High precision verification with adjustment of instruments where necessary provides better precision and higher profits in production environment where blending can be followed more accurately.