PULUODY PLD-0248B Diesel Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) Tester

Overview

The PULUODY PLD-0248B Diesel Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP) Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed for the standardized determination of the Cold Filter Plugging Point of middle distillate fuels—primarily diesel fuel and heating oil—according to SH/T 0248–2006, the Chinese national standard aligned with ASTM D6371 and ISO 3015 methodologies. CFPP is a critical low-temperature performance parameter indicating the lowest temperature at which a given fuel can pass through a standardized wire mesh filter under specified vacuum conditions within 60 seconds. This measurement directly correlates with real-world operability in diesel engines and domestic heating systems during cold ambient conditions, making it indispensable for fuel formulation, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance in petroleum refining and distribution.

Key Features

• Compliant design per SH/T 0248–2006, ensuring traceable, repeatable, and inter-laboratory comparable results.
• Cascade dual-stage compressor refrigeration system enabling stable and uniform cooling from ambient down to –40 °C, with high thermal inertia and minimal temperature fluctuation.
• Digital microprocessor-based temperature controller with ±1 °C accuracy across the full operating range, integrated with real-time display and manual setpoint adjustment.
• Integrated electro-pneumatic suction filtration module featuring calibrated U-tube manometer, constant-head water reservoir, vacuum pump, pressure relief valve, and sealed gas circuitry—all optimized for precise differential pressure application (200 mm H₂O).
• Modular mechanical architecture comprising test cup assembly, concentric jacketed cold bath, stainless-steel filtration funnel, calibrated suction pipette, magnetic stirrer with adjustable speed, and insulated thermal housing.
• No external cryogenic media required—uses anhydrous ethanol as the primary heat transfer fluid, minimizing operational hazards and maintenance complexity.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PLD-0248B accommodates standard 45 mL fuel samples—including conventional diesel, biodiesel blends (B5–B20), kerosene-type heating oils, and fuels containing flow improvers or wax modifiers—as defined in SH/T 0248 and referenced in ASTM D97 (pour point), ASTM D5853 (low-temperature operability), and EN 116 (cold filter plugging point for automotive diesel). All wetted components are chemically resistant to hydrocarbon solvents and non-corrosive to fuel additives. The instrument’s operational protocol supports GLP-aligned documentation practices, including manual logbook entries for sample ID, ambient lab temperature, bath setpoint, filtration time, and observed plugging temperature. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant (as it lacks electronic audit trail functionality), its procedural consistency and adherence to SH/T 0248 make it suitable for QC laboratories operating under ISO/IEC 17025 quality management systems.

Software & Data Management

The PLD-0248B operates as a standalone benchtop instrument without embedded software or digital data export capability. Temperature control and vacuum actuation are fully manual or semi-automated via front-panel controls. Users record all test parameters—including bath temperature increments (1 °C steps), filtration start/stop times, and visual confirmation of plugging—using laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated paper-based workflows. For laboratories requiring digital traceability, third-party data capture solutions (e.g., USB-connected thermocouple loggers or time-stamped video recording of the filtration event) may be employed in conjunction with the unit. No firmware updates, remote diagnostics, or cloud connectivity are provided.

Applications

• Quality control of diesel fuel batches prior to dispatch from refineries and terminals.
• Evaluation of cold-flow improver (CFI) efficacy during additive development and field trials.
• Monitoring seasonal fuel specification compliance (e.g., winter-grade vs. summer-grade diesel).
• Research into paraffin crystallization behavior and wax appearance temperature (WAT) correlation studies.
• Supporting ASTM D97 (pour point), ASTM D5853 (low-temperature operability), and EN 116 certification testing in contract laboratories.
• Training and method validation in petroleum technology education programs.

FAQ

What standards does the PLD-0248B comply with?
It is engineered and validated per SH/T 0248–2006, the primary Chinese standard for cold filter plugging point determination, and is functionally equivalent to ASTM D6371 and ISO 3015.
Does the instrument require liquid nitrogen or dry ice?
No—it uses a self-contained cascade compressor refrigeration system with anhydrous ethanol as the heat transfer medium, eliminating dependency on cryogenic consumables.
Can it test biodiesel blends?
Yes, it is validated for B5–B20 blends as specified in SH/T 0248, provided samples are homogenized and free of phase separation prior to testing.
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
Temperature sensors are factory-calibrated against NIST-traceable references; users are advised to perform periodic verification using certified thermometer standards per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
What maintenance is required?
Routine tasks include ethanol level checks, condenser coil cleaning, vacuum line inspection for leaks, and periodic verification of stirrer motor function and filter mesh integrity.