ASTM D5236 vs. Other Distillation Standards: Key Differences
Refining heavy crude oils requires the right distillation method, but not all ASTM standards handle heavy hydrocarbon mixtures the same way. This blog breaks down ASTM D5236 vs. other distillation standards and their key differences.
ASTM D5236, the Vacuum Potstill Method, works with initial boiling points greater than 150°C (300°F), using vacuum conditions to prevent thermal cracking. Other test methods, like ASTM D2892 and ASTM D7169, impact TBP curves, product quality, and refinery efficiency differently.
This blog covers key differences, procedures, and strengths, helping refiners choose the best method for crude oil processing, calibration, and yield optimization.
Key Takeaways
- ASTM D5236 is the preferred test method for refining heavy crude oils and vacuum residues, ensuring accurate separation of high-boiling fractions.
- Using the wrong distillation method can lead to inaccurate yields, poor refinery performance, and costly inefficiencies.
- The DIST D-5236 CC from Performance Distillation Solutions automates ASTM D5236 testing with precision, improving efficiency and reliability in high-demand labs.
How Distillation Standards Define Crude Oil Processing
Distillation separates crude oil into useful fractions like gas oil, diesel, and petroleum distillates based on boiling ranges. Refiners heat the whole crude, allowing different components to evaporate at precise temperatures and helping determine yields and product quality.
ASTM standards define test methods for refining heavy crude oils with initial boiling points greater than 150°C (300°F). Methods like ASTM D2892, ASTM D5236, and ASTM D7169 help refiners characterize fractions, set mutually agreed cut points, and maintain consistency in analytical studies.
The right distillation method improves refinery performance, optimizes TBP curves, and maximizes distillate fractions. ASTM standards guide conversion processes, enhance specific gravity calculations, and refine heavy crudes with accuracy.
What Is ASTM D5236?
The Vacuum Potstill Method, also known as ASTM D5236, is built for the heavyweights of crude refining. When dealing with heavy hydrocarbon mixtures, standard distillation methods fall short.
High atmospheric equivalent temperatures can lead to thermal cracking, distorting yields and reducing product quality. ASTM D5236 solves this by using vacuum conditions to separate distillate fractions without damaging high-value components.
This method is essential for heavy crude analysis, vacuum residue characterization, and asphalt production. It refines whole crude across various boiling ranges, providing accurate TBP curves and specific gravity readings.
For refiners who need precise data without compromising product integrity, ASTM D5236 is the method that gets it right.
How ASTM D5236 Stacks Up: Comparing Major Distillation Standards
Refiners rely on different distillation methods to separate crude oils into valuable petroleum products, but not every method is built for heavy fractions.
Some focus on lighter components, while others handle heavy hydrocarbon mixtures at high atmospheric equivalent temperatures. ASTM D5236 is specifically designed for processing whole crude and residue, but how does it compare to other industry standards?
ASTM D5236 vs. ASTM D2892: When heavy fractions matter
ASTM D2892, the True Boiling Point (TBP) Distillation method, is ideal for crude oils with cutpoints up to 400°C (752°F) AET. It uses a packed column with 15 theoretical plates, offering high fractionation efficiency and detailed separation of lighter fractions like gas oil and other mid-range petroleum products.
ASTM D5236, in contrast, is designed for heavier crude fractions, reaching AETs up to 565°C (1050°F). While both methods are used to generate TBP curves, their results are not directly comparable.
ASTM D5236 operates under vacuum with minimal fractionation, making it better suited for residue determination and the separation of high-boiling fractions without cracking.
ASTM D5236 vs. ASTM D7169: Real fractions vs. simulated data
ASTM D7169 uses chromatography to simulate distillation curves rather than physically separating fractions. While this allows for quick data generation, it does not provide actual samples for further analytical studies.
ASTM D5236 produces physical distillate fractions, enabling refiners to determine key properties such as specific gravity, corrosive potential, and overall performance in refining operations.
ASTM D5236 vs. ASTM D1160: Processing heavy vs. light products
ASTM D1160 is designed for lighter petroleum products such as diesel and lubricants. It operates under vacuum, but its temperature range is much lower than ASTM D5236, making it unsuitable for analyzing heavy crude oils or bitumen.
For refiners needing higher AETs, modified ASTM D5236 units can extend the range to 560-600°C AET by operating at ultra-low pressures (0.001 mmHg). This makes it the preferred choice for processing high-boiling residues while preserving fraction integrity.
Which method works best?
The best distillation procedure depends on the type of crude, its boiling range, and the level of detail required. When working with heavy fractions, ASTM D5236 provides results that other methods cannot match.
Why Choosing the Right Distillation Method Matters
Using the wrong distillation method can lead to miscalculated yields, mischaracterized vacuum residue, and poor refinery performance, costing millions.
Many refiners still rely on ASTM D1160, which works for lighter petroleum products like diesel but isn’t suitable for heavy hydrocarbon mixtures. It fails to separate high-boiling fractions accurately, leading to unreliable TBP curves and incorrect residue properties.
ASTM D5236, the Vacuum Potstill Method, is designed for whole crude and high-boiling fractions, operating under a vacuum to prevent thermal degradation. It provides detailed data on bitumen, residue, and synthetic mixtures, allowing refiners to produce samples, measure specific gravity, and refine petroleum products with precision.
Choosing the right test method improves yields, calibration accuracy, and overall refinery efficiency.
How Performance Distillation Solutions Optimizes ASTM D5236
Accurate distillation procedures are essential for refining crude oils, and even the best test methods require high-quality equipment for precise results.
Performance Distillation Solutions offers the DIST D-5236 CC, a computer-controlled ASTM D5236 system designed for the distillation of heavy residue, providing reliable performance in high-demand laboratories.
DIST D-5236 CC: Advanced automation for ASTM D5236
The DIST D-5236 CC is a fully automated system that streamlines ASTM D5236 testing by:
- Controlling distillation rates, cut points, fraction collection, and weighing with minimal manual input.
- Operating within a pressure range of 0.1 – 10 mmHg (Torr) to support accurate separation of bitumen, residue, and high-boiling fractions.
- Managing a final cut temperature of up to 575°C AET, depending on the product being tested.
- Providing consistent results, making it ideal for high-throughput laboratories.
Key technical specifications
- ASTM Compliance: Designed for ASTM D5236 heavy residue distillation
- Max Operation Temperature: 400°C in the distillation flask
- Final Cut Temperature: 540 – 575°C AET (dependent on product)
- Operation Pressure: 0.1 – 10 mmHg (Torr)
- Flask Size: 10 L (stainless steel)
- Charge Capacity: 3.3 – 6.7 L
- Fraction Collector: 12 x 1,000 mL
Why performance distillation solutions?
- Reliable performance: Trusted by high-demand laboratories for repeatable, accurate results.
- U.S.-based support: Access to technical assistance and spare parts for minimal downtime.
- Compliance with ASTM D5236: Engineered to meet industry standards for distillation of heavy residue.
For refineries and research labs that require precise TBP curves, accurate fraction determination, and dependable test results, the DIST D-5236 CC delivers. Contact Performance Distillation Solutions today to learn more.
Conclusion
No single test method suits every refining application.
ASTM D5236 is essential for analyzing heavy crude oils and vacuum residue, offering precise separation of high-boiling fractions where other methods fall short. Its ability to operate under vacuum conditions across a wide temperature range makes it the preferred standard test method for accurate refining.
Equally important is choosing the right distillation equipment. The DIST D-5236 CC from Performance Distillation Solutions complies with ASTM D5236, automating distillation rates, fraction collection, and weighing for improved efficiency, safety, and performance in high-demand labs.
For refiners looking to maximize yields and obtain reliable data on bitumen, residue, and high-boiling materials, investing in the right ASTM D5236 technology is key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ASTM and TBP distillation?
ASTM distillation methods follow standard test methods designed for specific oil samples, ensuring repeatability and compliance with industry standards.
True Boiling Point (TBP) distillation, often using a column with theoretical plates, provides a more detailed separation of crude oil fractions over a wide temperature range. While ASTM methods are used for quality control and refinery operations, TBP distillation is more suited for in-depth crude characterization and process simulation.
What is the ASTM D86 distillation method?
ASTM D86 is a test method used to determine the boiling range of petroleum products, particularly gasoline, jet fuel, and diesel. It involves heating a sample under atmospheric pressure and measuring the temperature at different distillation points.
This method is widely used in fuel specifications and production quality control, providing key insights into the efficiency and performance of refined fuels.
What is the difference between ASTM D86 and D1160?
ASTM D86 is designed for lighter petroleum products that distill at atmospheric pressure, making it ideal for fuels like gasoline.
ASTM D1160, however, is used for high-boiling fractions, requiring vacuum conditions to prevent thermal cracking. While D86 provides data on volatile fuels, D1160 is better suited for bitumen, residue, and heavy oil blends, offering a more accurate determination of their properties.
What is the significance of ASTM Distillation?
ASTM distillation methods are critical for maintaining safety, efficiency, and performance in refining. They provide standardized procedures for analyzing crude oil, blends, and petroleum products, ensuring consistency across refineries.
These tests help refiners estimate fuel quality, optimize production, and comply with industry regulations, making them essential for process control and product sales.