ASTM Members Reinstate Test Method for Determining Water in Petroleum Products, Lubricating Oils, and Additives

On June 30th, at the world’s largest standards development meeting for the oil and gas industry, ASTM International members reinstated a key test method that helps determine how much water is in various petroleum products (D6304, Standard Test Method for Determination of Water in Petroleum Products, Lubricating Oils, and Additives by Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration). Knowing the water content in these products helps manufacturers and buyers predict their quality and performance characteristics, while also helping prevent premature corrosion and wear.

The group that reinstated the standard is meeting in Bellevue, Washington, USA, as part of the biannual “Committee Week” for ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants. Future revisions of the standard will be undertaken by Subcommittee D02.06 on Analysis of Liquid Fuels and Lubricants. Revisions could include: clarifying the amount of primary standard (i.e., water) needed, updating and improving specifications in the water evaporator procedure, and harmonizing the standard with other widely used “Karl Fischer” standards that determine water in crude oil.

The need for the reinstatement of this specification was due to recent withdrawal of the standard in accordance with ASTM International’s “Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees” (section 10.6.3), which require that standards be updated no later than the eighth year since the last approval date.