HK-6536A Single-Tube Atmospheric Distillation Apparatus for Petroleum Products
| Brand | Other Brands |
|---|---|
| Origin | Imported |
| Manufacturer Type | General Distributor |
| Model | HK-6536A |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V ±10%, 50 Hz |
| Heating Power | 0–1000 W (continuously adjustable) |
| Bath Temperature Range | 0–60 °C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±0.5 °C |
| Voltage Regulation | Solid-State Phase-Angle Controller (stepless) |
| Stirring Method | Motor-Driven Stirring |
| Flask Capacity | 125 mL |
| Graduated Cylinder Capacity | 100 mL |
| Ambient Operating Conditions | 10–40 °C, ≤85% RH |
| Distillation Configuration | Single-Tube, Ambient Pressure |
| Compliance | GB/T 6536 |
Overview
The HK-6536A Single-Tube Atmospheric Distillation Apparatus is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed to determine the atmospheric distillation characteristics of petroleum products in strict accordance with GB/T 6536—China’s national standard equivalent to ASTM D86 and ISO 3405. It operates under ambient pressure conditions and employs classical batch distillation principles based on controlled heating, vaporization, condensation, and volumetric collection. The apparatus enables reproducible measurement of key distillation parameters—including initial boiling point (IBP), 10%, 50%, 90% recovery temperatures, and final boiling point (FBP)—for a broad spectrum of hydrocarbon-based fuels and intermediates. Its design prioritizes thermal stability, mechanical repeatability, and operator safety during extended thermal cycles, making it suitable for routine quality control laboratories in refineries, independent testing facilities, and R&D centers engaged in fuel specification compliance.
Key Features
- Quartz-tube electric furnace assembly providing uniform radiant heating and enhanced thermal transparency for real-time visual monitoring of boiling behavior.
- Stainless steel bath tank and vertical lifting frame engineered for corrosion resistance and long-term dimensional stability under repeated thermal cycling.
- Dual-purpose silicone rubber stopper system securing both the calibrated ASTM/IP thermometer and 125 mL distillation flask, ensuring consistent axial alignment and minimizing heat loss at the vapor path interface.
- Integrated insulated graduated cylinder bath (100 mL capacity) with stainless steel lift mechanism, compression weight, and sealing cap to maintain condensate temperature stability during collection.
- Front-mounted quartz observation window combined with high-luminance LED auxiliary lighting, enabling unobstructed visual assessment of vapor formation, reflux dynamics, and condensate flow without compromising thermal integrity.
- Digital voltage indicator integrated into the control panel for precise monitoring of applied heating power—critical for method adherence and inter-laboratory comparability.
- Motor-driven magnetic stirring within the bath ensures homogeneous temperature distribution across the heating medium, reducing thermal gradients that could affect distillation curve linearity.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HK-6536A supports standardized distillation analysis of light to mid-boiling petroleum fractions including but not limited to: stabilized natural gasoline (light hydrocarbons), automotive spark-ignition fuels (e.g., gasoline blends), aviation gasoline (AVGAS), jet fuels (Jet A/A-1), diesel fuels (EN 590, ASTM D975), kerosene, naphthas, and petroleum solvent oils. All operational procedures align with GB/T 6536 requirements for apparatus geometry, thermometer calibration, flask positioning, condenser cooling specifications (external air-cooled condenser), and data recording intervals. While this model does not incorporate active refrigeration, its bath temperature control (0–60 °C) and thermal insulation architecture meet the ambient-condition constraints defined in Clause 6.2 of GB/T 6536 for non-refrigerated setups. The apparatus is compatible with GLP-compliant documentation workflows when paired with external electronic lab notebooks or LIMS-integrated data loggers.
Software & Data Management
The HK-6536A is a manually operated, analog-controlled distillation apparatus with no embedded microprocessor or digital data acquisition system. Temperature readings are obtained via certified ASTM E1, IP 177, or ISO 4885 Class I mercury-in-glass or platinum resistance thermometers; volume collection is recorded using a calibrated 100 mL graduated cylinder conforming to ISO 4787 or ASTM E288. For regulatory traceability, laboratories may integrate external USB-connected thermocouple loggers (e.g., compliant with NIST-traceable calibration) and time-synchronized video capture systems to reconstruct distillation curves. All manual entries must follow ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) to satisfy internal QA audits or external accreditation bodies such as CNAS or ILAC-MRA signatories.
Applications
- Quality assurance of refinery product streams against contractual distillation specifications (e.g., ASTM D439, D4814, D1655).
- Batch release testing of commercial gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel prior to distribution.
- Investigation of fractionation efficiency in pilot-scale separation studies.
- Verification of blending component volatility contributions in reformulated fuel development.
- Educational use in petroleum engineering curricula for teaching fundamental distillation theory and standard test methodology.
- Supporting root-cause analysis of engine knock, vapor lock, or cold-start performance issues through correlation with IBP/10% recovery data.
FAQ
Does the HK-6536A comply with ASTM D86 or ISO 3405?
Yes—its physical configuration, flask geometry, condenser dimensions, and procedural workflow are fully aligned with the apparatus requirements of GB/T 6536, which is technically harmonized with ASTM D86 and ISO 3405 for atmospheric distillation testing.
Is active condenser cooling supported?
No—the HK-6536A uses an air-cooled condenser per GB/T 6536 Section 6.3; it does not include water-jacketed or refrigerated condensation systems.
Can the apparatus be used for heavy fuel oils or residual products?
No—it is strictly intended for distillate-range products with initial boiling points below 370 °C; residues, bitumens, or vacuum gas oils require vacuum distillation equipment (e.g., ASTM D1160 or D2892).
What thermometer calibration standards apply?
Thermometers must conform to ASTM E1, IP 177, or ISO 4885, with verification traceable to national metrology institutes (e.g., NIM, NIST, PTB) and documented in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025.
Is the unit suitable for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories?
Yes—provided all ancillary equipment (thermometers, cylinders, timers) is calibrated, maintained, and documented per Clause 6.4 of ISO/IEC 17025, and operators demonstrate technical competence per Clause 6.2.

