ASTM D323
In the above diagram, A represents the vapor chamber which has a length
of 254 mm and a diameter of 51 mm. The ratio of the volume of the vapor
chamber A to the liquid chamber B shall be between 3.8 and 4.2. The diameters
of both the vapor chamber and the liquid chamber shall be the same.
The liquid test sample is placed in the liquid chamber to fill the vessel. The liquid
chamber is then connected to the vapor chamber and the pressure gauge
inserted as shown in the diagram. The assembled apparatus is then immersed
vertically in a water bath up to a level of 190 mm of the vapor chamber. The water
bath is kept at a temperature of 100
F for 30 min and then removed, tilted once or
twice, and replaced for 15 min further. At the end of this time, the vapor pressure
of the test sample is read from the pressure gauge to the nearest 0.2 psi.
Weathering Test for the Volatility of LPG
This test is a measure of the relative purity of liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs).
The test results give the indication of the pentane content of butane LPG or the
amount of butane in a sample of propane LPG. Volatility expressed in terms of
95 % evaporated temperature of the test sample indicates the measure of the least
volatile fuel components present. The apparatus used for this test is shown in Fig. 6.
The weathering tube is a centrifuge cone-shaped tube conforming to the dimensions given in Fig. 6. The shape of the lower tip is especially important – the taper
shall be uniform and the bottom rounded as shown in Fig. 6. The tube is calibrated
as shown and the calibration tolerances are given in the following Table 15.
ASTM D1837
Testing a Butane or a Butane–Propane Mixture
If the sample is at a temperature of 10
F or below, allow it to weather in the
atmosphere to 10
F then introduce the thermometer and assemble the apparatus as
shown in Fig. 6. Place the weathering tube vertically in a water bath (temperature
between 60
F and 70
F), submerging it to the 1.5 ml mark on the tube. Record the
temperature when 95 % of the sample has evaporated.
Weathering Propane-Type LPG
Allow the test sample to weather in the atmosphere. Clean off the frost that will
accumulate on the vessel outer surface with a swab containing acetone or alcohol.
Read off the temperature at 95 % as in the case for butane.
Smoke Point of Kerosenes and Aviation Turbine Fuels
The sample is burned in an enclosed wick-fed lamp that is calibrated daily against
pure aromatic blends of known smoke point. The smoke point of the test sample is
670
D.S.J. Jones
In the above diagram, A represents the vapor chamber which has a length
of 254 mm and a diameter of 51 mm. The ratio of the volume of the vapor
chamber A to the liquid chamber B shall be between 3.8 and 4.2. The diameters
of both the vapor chamber and the liquid chamber shall be the same.
The liquid test sample is placed in the liquid chamber to fill the vessel. The liquid
chamber is then connected to the vapor chamber and the pressure gauge
inserted as shown in the diagram. The assembled apparatus is then immersed
vertically in a water bath up to a level of 190 mm of the vapor chamber. The water
bath is kept at a temperature of 100
F for 30 min and then removed, tilted once or
twice, and replaced for 15 min further. At the end of this time, the vapor pressure
of the test sample is read from the pressure gauge to the nearest 0.2 psi.
Weathering Test for the Volatility of LPG
This test is a measure of the relative purity of liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs).
The test results give the indication of the pentane content of butane LPG or the
amount of butane in a sample of propane LPG. Volatility expressed in terms of
95 % evaporated temperature of the test sample indicates the measure of the least
volatile fuel components present. The apparatus used for this test is shown in Fig. 6.
The weathering tube is a centrifuge cone-shaped tube conforming to the dimensions given in Fig. 6. The shape of the lower tip is especially important – the taper
shall be uniform and the bottom rounded as shown in Fig. 6. The tube is calibrated
as shown and the calibration tolerances are given in the following Table 15.
ASTM D1837
Testing a Butane or a Butane–Propane Mixture
If the sample is at a temperature of 10
F or below, allow it to weather in the
atmosphere to 10
F then introduce the thermometer and assemble the apparatus as
shown in Fig. 6. Place the weathering tube vertically in a water bath (temperature
between 60
F and 70
F), submerging it to the 1.5 ml mark on the tube. Record the
temperature when 95 % of the sample has evaporated.
Weathering Propane-Type LPG
Allow the test sample to weather in the atmosphere. Clean off the frost that will
accumulate on the vessel outer surface with a swab containing acetone or alcohol.
Read off the temperature at 95 % as in the case for butane.
Smoke Point of Kerosenes and Aviation Turbine Fuels
The sample is burned in an enclosed wick-fed lamp that is calibrated daily against
pure aromatic blends of known smoke point. The smoke point of the test sample is
670
D.S.J. Jones