P E T R O L E U M / P E T R O C H E M I C A L T E S T G U I D E

A G u i d e t o A S T M a n d R e l a t e d S t a n d a r d T e s t s

T
his guide to current tests for petroleum and

petrochemical products identifies equipment

needs and standards for many popular methods.

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 G E N E R A L T E S T S

TEST PURPOSE EQUIPMENT TEST STANDARDS

Aniline Point Used to determine aromatic Thin Film Apparatus; U-Tube ASTM D611, DIN 51775,
content of solvents, thinners, Apparatus; Automatic Aniline FTM 791-3601, IP 2, ISO 2977
plant spray oils and other products. Point Apparatus

ASTM Color Used for quality control, product ASTM Color Comparator ASTM D1500, FTM 791-102,
identification and to detect IP 196, ISO 2049
product contamination.

Autoignition Determines the lowest temperature Autoignition Furnace ASTM E659

Temperature at which the vapor of a liquid or
solid chemical sample will
self-ignite.

Density and A widely used product specification Hydrometer, Thermo-hydrometer, ASTM D287, D1298, D1657, API
Relative Density serving a variety of purposes. Constant Temperature Bath 2544, API 2547, E100, FTM 791-401,
IP 160, IP235, ISO 3675, ISO 3993

Distillation A key specification for wide range Distillation Apparatus ASTM D86, D216, D233, D447,
of volatile petroleum products. D850, D1078, DIN 51751, E133,
FTM 791 1001, 1015, IP 123, 191,
195, ESO 3405

Distillation at The sample is distilled at a controlled, Vacuum Distillation Apparatus ASTM D1160
Reduced Pressures reduced pressure under conditions
which provide approximately one
theoretical plate fractionation.

Film Thickness Used to control thickness of protective Pfund Film Thickness Gauge ASTM D1212
coatings on metal surfaces.

Flash Point Used in shipping and safety Pensky-Martens Closed Tester; Tag ASTM D56, D92, D93, D1310,
regulations to determine “flammable” Open and Closed Cup Testers; D3143, ANSZ-11.6, AASHTO T48,
and “combustible” materials. Can Cleveland Open Cup Tester AASHTO T73-811, DIN 51376, DIN
also be used to detect product 51758, FTM 791-1101, FTM 791-1102,
contamination. FTM 791-1103, IP 34, IP 36, IP 304,
ISO 2592, ISO 2719

Kinematic Viscosity Critical characteristic in the design, Capillary Viscometers, Constant ASTM D445, D446, D2170, D2532,
manufacture and use of all types of Temperature Baths and Accessories DIN 51550, FTM 791-305, IP 71,
petroleum products. IP 319, ISO 3104

Penetration Determines the consistency of Penetrometer, Penetration Cones, See “Lubricating Grease” and
semisolid petroleum products. Needles and Accessories “Bitumens and Waxes”

Reid Vapor Pressure Determines the volatility of gasoline Reid Vapor Pressure Bombs, Gauges, ASTM D323, D1267, DIN 51616,
and other petroleum products. Constant Temperature Bath, DIN 51754, FTM 791-1201, IP 69,
Accessories 161, ISO 3007, ISO 4256

Rust Protection Used to test the ability of metal Humidity Cabinet ASTM D1748, FTM 791-5310,
preservatives to prevent steel from JAN-H-792
rusting under conditions of high
humidity.

Salt in Crude Part of the preliminary assay for Salts in Crude Determination ASTM D3230
crude oils. Apparatus

Sampling Obtaining liquid samples from Sampling Bombs and Beakers; ASTM D270, D923, D1085, D1265,
storage tanks, tank cars, tank trucks, Drum Thief; LPG Sampling Cylinders D4057
ship and barge tanks, drums,
pipelines, etc.

Saybolt Color Used for quality control and Saybolt Chromometer; Saybolt Wax ASTM D156, DIN 51411,
identification of highly refined Chromometer FTM 791-101
products and for detection of
product contamination.

Saybolt Viscosity Critical characteristic in the design, Saybolt Viscometer Tubes, Universal ASTM D88, E102, D244, AASHTO
manufacture and use of all types of and Furol Orifices, Constant T72, FTM 791-304
petroleum products. Temperature Baths and Accessories

Sediment Content Used to determine the amount of Sediment Extraction Apparatus ASTM D473, FTM 791-3002, IP 53,
sediment contamination in crude DIN 51789, ISO 3735
and fuel oils.

Sulfur Content Measures sulfur and trace sulfur Wickbold Apparatus ASTM D2384, D2784, D2785, IP 243
(Wickbold Method) content by burning a sample in an
oxy-hydrogen burner.

Thermometer Calibration of ASTM Thermometers Constant Temperature Comparator ASTM E77

Calibration (Calibration Bath)

Unsulfonated Evaluates the degree of refinement Combined Shaking Machine and ASTM D483, DIN 51362
Residue of plant spray oils. Steam Bath, Cooling Bath

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 L U B R I C A T I N G G R E A S E T E S T S

TEST PURPOSE EQUIPMENT TEST STANDARDS

Apparent Viscosity Measures pumpability and handling Apparent Viscosimeter; Refrigerated ASTM D1092, FTM 791-306
characteristics of grease. Apparent Viscosimeter

Copper Strip Used to evaluate the corrosivity of Copper Strips, Corrosion Standards, ASTM D4048, FTM 791-5325
Corrosion petroleum products. Constant Temperature Bath,
Polishing Equipment

Corrosion Preventative Determines the ability of lubricating Corrosion Preventative Properties ASTM D1743, FTM 791-4012
Properties grease to prevent rusting of metal Apparatus
bearing surfaces.

Dropping Point Determines the temperature at which Dropping Point Apparatus; High ASTM D566, D2265, DIN 51801,
grease passes from a semisolid to a Temperature Dropping Point FTM 791-1421, IP 132, ISO 2176
liquid state. Apparatus

Evaporation Loss Measures the tendency of components Evaporation Test Cell and Constant ASTM D972, D2595, FTM 791-351,
in oils or greases to evaporate at Temperature Bath; High Temperature IP 183
high temperature. Evaporation Loss Apparatus

Grease Mobility Used to predict pumpability Grease Mobility Tester U.S. Steel/ASTM test currently in
characteristics of lubricating grease ballot
under low temperature operating
conditions.

Leakage Tendencies Evaluates the tendency of automotive Leakage Tendencies Tester; High ASTM D1263, D4290, FTM 791-3454
wheel bearing greases to separate oil Temperature Wheel Bearing
or grease (standard or accelerated Grease Tester
methods).

Life Performance Evaluates the high temperature High Temperature Wheel Bearing ASTM D3527
stability of automotive wheel Grease Tester
bearing greases.

Low Temperature Significant for the design and Low Temperature Torque Apparatus, ASTM D1478, D4693, FTM 791-334
Torque specification of greases for low Low Temperature Wheel Bearing
temperature service. Torque Apparatus

Oil Separation Determines the tendency of Pressure Bleeding Test Cell and ASTM D1742, FTM 791-321.2, FTM
lubricating grease to bleed oil Constant Temperature Air Cabinet; 791-322, IP 121
during storage. Oil Separation Apparatus

Oxidation Stability An accelerated aging test for quality Oxidation Bomb, Pressure Gauge, ASTM D942, DIN 51808, FTM 791-
control. Constant Temperature Bath 3453, IP 142

Particle A rapid test for determining the ASTM Deleterious Particles ASTM D1404
Contamination presence of deleterious particles in Determination Apparatus
lubricating greases.

Penetration Determines the consistency of Penetrometer (Automatic, manual), ASTM D217, D1403, DIN 51580,
lubricating greases. Penetration Cone, Grease Worker, DIN 51804, FTM 791-311, 312, 313,
Constant Temperature Bath, IP 50, IP 179, IP 310, ISO 2137
Accessories

Roll Stability Used together with the ASTM D1403 Roll Stability Tester, Quarter-Scale or ASTM D1831, MIL-G-10924SA
Cone Penetration test to evaluate Half-Scale Penetration Test Equipment
shear stability.

Water Leaching Determines the ability of silicone Gas Evolution/Water Leaching Test API (BUL 5A2)
thread compounds to resist the wash- Apparatus
ing action of water.

Water Spray Off Evaluates the tendency of a Water Spray Off Tester ASTM D4049
lubricating grease to adhere to a
metal surface under direct water
spray.

Water Washout Evaluates the adhesion properties Water Washout Tester ASTM D1264, FTM 791-3252, IP 215
Characteristics of grease when subjected to direct
water stream.

L U B R I C A T I N G O I L T E S T S
Cloud & Pour Points Determines low temperature flow Cloud and Pour Point Chamber; Re- ASTM D97, D2500, FTM 791-201, IP 15,
characteristics of petroleum oils. frigerated Cloud & Pour Point Baths DIN 51597, IP 219, ISO 3015, ISO 3016

Coking Tendency Test the tendency of finished oils Panel Coker FTM 791-3462
to form coke deposits in high
temperature applications.

Copper Strip Used to evaluate the corrosivity of Copper Strip Corrosion Test Bath, ASTM D130, FTM 791-5325, FSPT
Corrosion lubricants and other petroleum Strips, Standards, Polishing DT-28-65, IP 154, DIN 51759, ISO 2160
products. Equipment

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 L U B R I C A T I N G O I L T E S T S ( C O N T ’ D )

TEST PURPOSE EQUIPMENT TEST STANDARDS

Corrosion of Lead Measures the corrosiveness of Lead Corrosion Test Apparatus FTM 791-5321
lubricating oils or lead in the
presence of a copper catalyst.

Corrosivity/Oxidation Evaluates ability of lubricants Corrosivity/Oxidation Stability ASTM D4636, FTM 791-5308,
to avoid thermal breakdown and Test Apparatus DIN 51394, FTM 791-5307
formation of corrosive compounds.

Demulsibility Tests the ability of lubricating oils Stirrer Assemblies, Constant ASTM D2711, DIN 51353
Characteristics to separate from water when Temperature Bath, Separatory
emulsions are formed. Funnels, Accessories

Evaporation Loss Measures the tendency of components Evaporation Test Cell and Constant ASTM D972, FTM 791-351, IP 183
in oils or greases to evaporate at Temperature Bath; High Temperature
high temperatures. Evaporation Loss Apparatus

Foaming Evaluates suitability of lubricating Foaming Characteristics Test Bath, ASTM D892, DIN 51566, FTM 791-
Characteristics oils for applications where foaming High Temperature Foam Test Bath 3211, 3213, IP 146, ASTM High Temp.
is encountered. Foam Test Draft

Gear Oil Standard test method for evaluation L-60-1 test stand with complete ASTM D5704 (L-60-1 test method)
Oxidation Test of thermal and oxidative stability instrumentation, test gears, bearings,
of lubricating oils used for manual seals and accessories.
transmissions and final drive axles.

Oxidation Stability Accelerated aging tests to determine Oxidation Bath, Catalyst Coils, ASTM D943, D2440, D2893, D4310,
oxidation stability of lubricants. Accessories, Glassware DIN 51586, DIN 51587, IP 280, IP 306,
See also: ‘RBOT’ & ‘TFOUT’. IP 307, IP 335

Rotating Bomb An accelerated test for determining the Oxidation Bombs, RBOT Bath, ASTM D2112, D2272, IP 229
Oxidation (RBOT) oxidation stability of lubricants. Pressure Recording Equipment,
Data Acq. Software, Accessories

Rust Preventing Used to determine the ability of Rust Prevention Characteristics Bath- ASTM D665, D3603, DIN 51585,
Characteristics lubricants to prevent rusting of Standard Method; Horizontal Disc FTM 791-4011, IP 135, NACE TM01-72
metal parts in steam turbines. Method

Thermal Oxidation Used to determine the deterioration Thermal Oxidation Stability Test FTM 791-2504
Stability of lubricants under severe oxidation Apparatus
conditions.

Thin Film Oxidation A variation of the ‘RBOT’ test - Oxidation Bombs, RBOT Bath, ASTM D4742
Uptake (TFOUT) evaluates the oxidation stability of TFOUT Adapters, Catalyst Pkgs.
automotive engine oils. Data Acq. Software, Accessories

Water Separability A variation of the ‘Demulsibility New multiple position ASTM D1401, DIN 51599,
Characteristics’ test - used for Water Separability Tester FTM 791-3201, ISO 6614
light oils.

F U E L T E S T S
Antirust Properties Used to control corrosion in product Rust Preventing Characteristics NACE TM-01-72
of Pipeline Cargoes pipelines by moisture condensed Bath and Accessories
from gasoline & distillate fuels.

Carbon Residue Evaluates the deposit forming Ramsbottom Carbon Residue ASTM D189, D524, FTM 791-5001,
tendencies of fuels. & Conradson Residue Apparatus FTM 791-5002, IP 13, IP 14, ISO 4262

Cold Filter Determines the lowest temperature Cold Filter Plugging Point DIN 51428, IP 309
Plugging Point at which a lubricant will flow at a Apparatus, Cooling Bath, Vacuum
prescribed rate. System

Commercial Used for testing dryness of com- Cobalt Bromide Test Apparatus GPA Standard 2140
Propane Dryness mercial propane & propane HD5.

Copper Strip Used to evaluate the corrosivity Copper Strip Corrosion Test Bombs, ASTM D130, D1838, FTM 791-5325,
Corrosion of petroleum products. Strips, Standards, Constant Temp. ISO 6251, DIIN 51759, FSPT DT-28-65,
Bath, Polishing Equipment IP 154, IP 227, ISO 2160

Existent Gum Determines amount of gum pre- Evaporation Bath, Steam Superheater, ASTM D381, DIN 51784,
Content sent in automotive & aviation fuels. Steam Generator FTM 791-3302, IP 131, ISO 6246

Freezing Point Used for evaluating low temperature Freezing Point Apparatus ASTM D1177, D2386, D3117, D3799,
flow characteristics. DIN 51421, FTM 791-1411, IP 16,
ISO 3013

Oxidation Stability Evaluates the tendency of automotive Oxidation Bomb, Data Acq. Software, ASTM D525, D873, DIN 51780,
and aviation fuels to form gum in Constant Temperature Bath, and FTM 791-3352, FTM 791-3354, IP 40,
storage. Accessories IP 138

Oxidation Stability Evaluates the storage stability of Oxidation Bath, Accessories ASTM D2274, DIN 51799
middle distillate fuels.

5
 F U E L T E S T S ( C O N T ’ D )

TEST PURPOSE EQUIPMENT TEST STANDARDS

Reid Vapor Pressure The basic test for volatility of Reid Vapor Pressure Bombs, Gauges, ASTM D323, D1267, DIN 51616, 51754,
automotive gasoline, LPG, and Constant Temperature Bath FTM 791-1201, IP 69, ISO 3007, 4256
other fuels.

Sediment Content Determines amount of sediment pre- Extraction Apparatus ASTM D473, DIN 51789,
sent in crude & fuel oils by extraction. FTM 791-3002, IP 53, ISO 3735

Silver Corrosion Determines the corrosiveness of Silver Strips, Glassware, Corrosion IP 227
aviation fuels toward silver. Standard Constant Temp. Bath

Smoke Point Gives an indication of combustion Smoke Point Lamp ASTM D1322, DIN 51406,
qualities of aviation turbine oils and FTM 791-2107, IP 57, ISO 3014
kerosene.

Thermal Stability Tests the preheater fouling Thermal Stability Apparatus ASTM D1661, FTM 791-2506
tendencies of burner fuel oil.

Volatility of LPG Provides measure of least volatile Precooling Apparatus and Accessories ASTM D1837, D2158, GPA 2140
Residues in LPG fuel components present in product.

B I T U M E N A N D W A X T E S T S
Blocking & Picking Indicates the lowest temperature at Wax Coating Device, Blocking Plate ASTM D1465, TAPPI T652
Points of Wax which surface film injury will occur
when waxed surfaces come in contact.

Breaking Point For solid and semisolid bitumens. Bending Apparatus IP 80

Ductility Evaluates the tensile properties of Ductility Testing Machine, Force ASTM D113, D-4 Proposal P226,
bituminous materials by pulling a Measuring Adapter AASHTO T51, ANS A37.11, Federal
briquet specimen apart under Specification SS-R-406C, USDA method
controlled conditions. 51 (BUL 12-16), IP 32, DIN 52013

Melting Point Used to determine the suitability of Wax Melting Point Apparatus ASTM D87, FTM 791-1402, IP 55,
petroleum waxes for most applications. ISO 3841, TAPPI T630M-61

Oil Content and Determines the oil or solvent Oil Solvent Extractables Content ASTM D721, D3235, DIN 51571/2,
Solvent Extractables extractables content of petroleum Apparatus FTM 791-5431, IP 158, ISO 2908,
waxes. TAPPI T636

Penetration Determines the consistency of solid Penetrometer, Wax Penetration Needle, ASTM D5, D937, D1321, DIN 51579,
and semisolid bituminous materials. Constant Temp. Bath Accessories IP 49

Residue & Oil Determines the amounts and Aluminum Still, Ring Burner, ASTM D244, AASHTO T59
Distillate properties of asphalt cement in Glassware
emulsified asphalts.

Softening Point Used for determining the consistency Ring-and-Ball Apparatus ASTM D36, D2398, E28, AASHTO T53
(Ring-and-Ball) of bituminous materials.

Staining Properties Used for asphalts having ring-and- Staining Properties Apparatus ASTM D1328
ball softening points of 65.6 Degrees
C (150 Degrees F) or greater.

Tensile Strength Determines the tensile strength of Wax Sample Molds, Curing Bath, ASTM D1320, TAPPI 644M
paraffin waxes. Accessories

Thin Film Oven Test Used to determine changes in asphalt Thin Film Oven Pans ASTM D1754
properties during hot-mixing.

Water Content Used to determine the water Metal Still, Ring Burner, Glassware, ASTM D95, D244, AASHTO T55, T59,
content of emulsified asphalts Accessories E123, IP 74, IP 291
and bituminous materials.

F L O W C O N V E R S I O N C H A R T
To convert the numerical
value of a property UNITS gal (US)/min cu ft/min liters/sec cu m/hr
ex-pressed in one of the
units in the left-hand gal (US)/min 1 0.134 0.063 0.227
column of the table to
the numerical value cu ft/min 7.48 1 0.472 1.69
expressed in one of the
units in the top row of
the table, multiply the liters/sec 15.85 2.12 1 3.6
former value by the
factor in the block com- cu m/hr 4.40 0.588 0.277 1
mon to both units.

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 C O M P A R I S O N O F V I S C O S I T Y C L A S S I F I C A T I O N S

Approximate equivalents. Viscosities can be related horizontally only. Viscosities based on 95 VI single grade oils.
KINEMATIC VISOCITIES SAYBOLT VISCOSITIES ISO VG SAE GRADES SAE GRADES AGMA GRADES
OILS GEAR OILS
CST/ CST/ SUS/ SUS/
40°C 100°C 100°F 210°F CST @ 40°C CST @ 100°C CST @ 100°C SUS @ 100°F

2000 10000
70 8000 300 1500
60
6000 1000 250
1000 50 5000 8A
800 4000 200
40 880
600 3000 8
460 140
500 30
2000 7
400
1500 320
300 6
20 100
90 220 50 90
200 1000 5
800 80 150
70 40 4
600
100 100 85W
500
10 60 30
80 400 3
9 55 68
60 8 300 80W
50 2
50 7 20
200 46
40 6 1
45
30 5 150 32
10W 75W
20 4 100 40 22
5W
80
70 15
10 60 10
8
50 7
6
5
40 5
4
3
35 3
2
32 2

V I S C O S I T Y

Approximate equivalents at same temperature

KINEMATIC SAYBOLT SAYBOLT KINEMATIC SAYBOLT SAYBOLT KINEMATIC SAYBOLT SAYBOLT

(CENTISTOKES) UNIVERSAL FUROL (CENTISTOKES) UNIVERSAL FUROL (CENTISTOKES) UNIVERSAL FUROL
(SECONDS) (SECONDS) (SECONDS) (SECONDS) (SECONDS) (SECONDS) (SECONDS) (SECONDS) (SECONDS)

1.8 32 – 40.6 190 – 205 950 96

2.7 35 – 42.8 200 23.0 215 1,000 100
4.2 40 – 47.2 220 25.3 259 1,200 121
5.8 45 – 51.8 240 27.0 302 1,400 141
7.4 50 – 55.9 260 28.7 345 1,600 160
8.9 55 – 60.2 280 30.5 388 1,800 180
10.3 60 – 64.5 300 32.5 432 2,000 200
11.7 65 – 69.9 325 35.0 541 2,500 250
13.0 70 – 75.3 350 37.2 650 3,000 300
14.3 75 – 80.7 375 39.5 758 3,500 350
15.6 80 – 86.1 400 42.0 866 4,000 400
16.8 85 – 91.5 425 47.0 974 4,500 450
18.1 90 – 96.8 450 47.0 1,082 5,000 500
19.2 95 – 102.2 475 49 1,190 5,500 550
20.4 100 – 107.6 500 51 1,300 6,000 600
22.8 110 – 118.4 550 56 1,405 6,500 650
25.0 120 – 129.2 600 61 1,515 7,000 700
27.4 130 – 140.3 650 66 1,625 7,500 750
29.6 140 – 151.0 700 71 1,730 8,000 800
31.8 150 – 162.0 750 76 1,840 8,500 850
34.0 160 – 173.0 800 81 1,950 9,000 950
36.0 170 – 183.0 850 86 2,055 9,500 950
38.4 180 – 194.0 900 91 2,165 10,000 1,000

7
 P R E S S U R E C O N V E R S I O N S

To convert the numerical value of a property expressed in one of the units in the left-hand column of the table to the numerical value expressed in
one of the units in the top row of the table, multiply the former value by the factor in the block common to both units.

UNITS Bars Atmospheres Dynes/sq cm mmHg (1 Torr) at OC lb (Force)/sq in Pascals

Bars 1 0.987 106 750.06 14.50 1X105

Atmospheres 1.013 1 1.013X106 760 14.696 1.013X105

Dynes/sq cm 10-6 0.986X10-6 1 7.50X10-4 1.45X10-5 0.10

mmHg (1 Torr) at OC 1.33x10-3 1.31x10-3 1,333.2 1 0.0193 133.32

lb (Force)/sq in 0.0689 0.0680 68.94 51.715 1 6,894.7

Pascals 1X10-5 9.869X10-6 10.0 7.5X10-3 1.45X10-4 1

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