The ASTM D7061 outlines the measurement of the separability of asphaltene-containing heavy fuels, diluted in a toluene phase, and mixed with heptane. The result is given as a separability number, which indicates how easily the asphaltene separates from the mixture.
ASTM D7061: Application and Use
The aim of this standard is to establish a method to measure the stability reserve of an oil. The test method is meant for refineries to control their process as well as users of oils, to test it before, during and after the storage. To mimic asphaltene precipitation processes, the following test conditions are used: heptane is added to asphaltene-containing heavy fuels, diluted in a toluene phase, the phases start to separate. To quantitatively measure this separation, the ASTM D7061 defines a separability number.
ASTM D7061: Experimentation
Apparatus
To conduct the measurement, the following apparatus is needed:
- Computer with adequate measuring software
- Optical scanning device, comprised of:
- movable reading head with an infrared light source
- movable detector at the opposite end of the sample vial to read the transmitted light
The MS 20 Dispersion Stability Analysis-System from DataPhysics Instruments complies with this standard.
Procedure and Calculation
With this device, the sample tube is repeatedly scanned from bottom to top. The scans are conducted every 60s for the duration of 15 mins.
The ASTM D7061 is in use since 2004 and was last updated in 2024.
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