When is ASTM D86 Useful?

Atmospheric distillation is one of the most useful ways to analyse the boiling range distribution of petroleum-derived products. The range at which a petroleum product boils can have a big impact on important characteristics such as volatility, performance and the formation of combustion deposits. This makes boiling range distribution a big concern for automotive, aviation and maritime fuel producers, as well as companies manufacturing distillates, naphthas and biodiesel blends.

Around the world, scientists rely on the ASTM D86 Standard Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products and Liquid Fuels at Atmospheric Pressure to analyse boiling range characteristics.  

The ASTM website describes the method as the following:

“This test method covers the atmospheric distillation of petroleum products and liquid fuels using a laboratory batch distillation unit to determine quantitatively the boiling range characteristics of such products as light and middle distillates, automotive spark-ignition engine fuels with or without oxygenates, aviation gasolines, aviation turbine fuels, diesel fuels, biodiesel blends up to 30 % volume, marine fuels, special petroleum spirits, naphthas, white spirits, kerosines, and Grades 1 and 2 burner fuels.”

Why boiling range distribution matters

Below, we spotlight some of the reasons that make boiling range distribution such an important characteristic of petroleum products:

Volatility

Boiling range distribution can have a big impact on the overall volatility of a petroleum product. This describes its tendency to form and release potentially flammable vapours. Volatility matters as it can affect safety, as well as suitability for different applications. For example, jet fuels with insufficient volatility can wash away lubricants as they enter the cylinders. This can increase engine wear and dilute lubricating oil. Similarly, if volatility is too high it can prematurely vaporise in the plane’s fuel tank and distribution lines.

Fuel performance

As well as volatility, boiling range distribution can affect performance. For example, fuels with high boiling ranges often have inferior atomisation, which can have a negative impact on economy. Boiling range distribution can also be used to calculate the risk of vapor lock. This issue sees liquid fuels transition to a gaseous state while travelling through the fuel delivery system of an internal combustion engine.

Formation of combustion deposits

Fuels with high boiling range distribution are more likely to form combustion deposits. These can block fuel lines and contribute to engine failure.

Storage and transport

Insight into the boiling range distribution reveals information about the chemical composition of petroleum products. This can be used to predict how a product will behave during storage and transport. For example, boiling range distribution is often used to determine the volatility of fuel samples. This ensures products with a tendency to release combustible vapours are handled with care.

ASTM D86 is one of many standard test methods used to analyse petroleum-derived products. Find out more about other universally recognised test methods such as ASTM-D287, and how they’re used to determine price and quality in ‘Petroleum Testing - A Comprehensive Guide’.