Standard Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products at Reduced Pressure

Abstract

5.1 This test method is used for the determination of the distillation characteristics of petroleum products, biodiesel, and fractions that may decompose if distilled at atmospheric pressure. This boiling range, obtained at conditions designed to obtain approximately one theoretical plate fractionation, can be used in engineering calculations to design distillation equipment, to prepare appropriate blends for industrial purposes, to determine compliance with regulatory rules, to determine the suitability of the product as feed to a refining process, or for a host of other purposes. 5.2 The boiling range is directly related to viscosity, vapor pressure, heating value, average molecular weight, and many other chemical, physical, and mechanical properties. Any of these properties can be the determining factor in the suitability of the product in its intended application. 5.3 Petroleum product specifications often include distillation limits based on data by this test method. 5.4 Many engineering design correlations have been developed on data by this test method. These correlative methods are used extensively in current engineering practice.