Koehler K77000 Automated Cloud Point and Pour Point Analyzer
| Brand | Koehler |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Origin | Imported |
| Model | K77000 |
| Price | Upon Request |
| Temperature Range | −105 °C to +50 °C |
| Compliant Standards | ASTM D5771, D5950 |
| Detection Method | Pour Point — Tilting Method |
Overview
The Koehler K77000 Automated Cloud Point and Pour Point Analyzer is an engineered solution for precise, repeatable low-temperature performance evaluation of petroleum products and biodiesel fuels. It operates on two distinct physical principles: cloud point determination via optical detection of wax crystallization onset in a controlled cooling profile, and pour point assessment through automated mechanical tilting combined with real-time optical surface motion detection. Designed to meet the stringent procedural requirements of ASTM D5771 (cloud point) and ASTM D5950 (pour point), the instrument delivers high reproducibility across the full operational temperature range of −105 °C to +50 °C. Its dual-method architecture eliminates manual intervention, operator bias, and subjective endpoint interpretation—critical for laboratories subject to GLP, GMP, or ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. The system employs a closed-loop refrigeration unit with integrated thermal management, ensuring stable bath temperature control and minimal thermal lag during programmed cooling ramps.
Key Features
- Fully automated dual-parameter analysis: simultaneous or independent cloud point and pour point measurement within a single instrument platform
- Optical cloud point detection using a calibrated reflective photometric sensor array, sensitive to minute changes in light transmission and scattering induced by early-stage wax nucleation
- Motorized tilting mechanism for pour point determination, compliant with ASTM D5950’s prescribed 3-second tilt interval and 1°–5° user-selectable gradient (default 1 °C or 3 °C steps)
- 10.4-inch industrial-grade color touchscreen interface with multi-level password protection (administrator, analyst, and viewer roles)
- Preloaded standard test methods including ASTM D5771, D5950, D97, D2500, D5853, D6074, D6158; ISO 3015, 3016; IP 15, 219; DIN 51597; FTM 791-201; NF T 60-105; JIS K2269
- Three-tier calibration system: three-point electronic calibration, 10-point RTD probe calibration, and jacket temperature uniformity verification
- Integrated data visualization: real-time plotting of sample temperature vs. time and bath temperature vs. time, with automatic endpoint annotation and traceable timestamping
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The K77000 accommodates standard ASTM-compliant sample containers—including 40-mm pathlength cylindrical tubes for cloud point and 50-mL glass pour point bottles—and supports viscosity ranges typical of distillate fuels, lubricating oils, crude fractions, and hydrotreated biofuels. All test sequences adhere strictly to the cooling rate profiles, dwell times, and observation intervals defined in referenced standards. The instrument’s firmware enforces method-specific logic gates (e.g., mandatory hold periods before tilt cycles, minimum dwell at each temperature step), ensuring audit-ready compliance for regulatory submissions. Data integrity is maintained per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements through electronic signatures, immutable audit trails, and role-based access controls.
Software & Data Management
The embedded Windows-based software provides intuitive workflow navigation, customizable test templates, and seamless integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Test results—including raw temperature/time logs, derivative curves, endpoint temperatures, and pass/fail flags—are exportable in CSV, PDF, and XML formats. USB 2.0 (x4) and Ethernet (RJ-45) interfaces support local data backup, remote diagnostics, and networked instrument monitoring. All calibrations and method executions are logged with operator ID, timestamp, and environmental metadata, satisfying traceability requirements under ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 7.7 and ASTM E2500.
Applications
- Quality assurance of diesel fuels, jet fuels (Jet A/A-1), heating oils, and marine distillates during refining and blending
- Low-temperature specification validation for biodiesel (B100) and biodiesel blends (B5–B20) per ASTM D7467
- Research and development of cold-flow improvers and wax inhibitors
- Contract testing laboratories performing certified ASTM/ISO reporting for third-party certification bodies
- Refinery process control labs requiring rapid turnaround on batch-release testing
FAQ
What standards does the K77000 fully comply with for cloud point testing?
ASTM D5771 is the primary standard implemented; the instrument also demonstrates strong technical alignment with ASTM D2500, ISO 3015, IP 15, and JIS K2269.
Can the K77000 measure both cloud point and pour point in one run?
No—each test requires dedicated sample preparation and method selection. However, sequential measurements can be queued without manual reconfiguration.
Is external cryogenic fluid required for operation?
No—the K77000 features a self-contained mechanical refrigeration system capable of reaching −105 °C without liquid nitrogen or dry ice.
How is temperature accuracy verified during routine use?
Through the built-in three-point electronic calibration and optional NIST-traceable RTD probe verification at up to 10 points across the operating range.
Does the software support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—audit trail logging, electronic signatures, and user access tiering are enabled by default and configurable per site-specific validation protocols.
