Koehler K26400 Wax Melting Point Tester
| Brand | Koehler |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Status | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Origin | Imported |
| Model | K26400 |
| Price | Upon Request |
Overview
The Koehler K26400 Wax Melting Point Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed for the standardized determination of the melting point of petroleum waxes according to ASTM D87, IP 55, ISO 3841, DIN 51570, FTM 791-1402, and NF T 60-114. It operates on the principle of controlled air-bath cooling combined with precise visual observation of thermal arrest during solidification—the defining feature of wax melting point measurement. Unlike differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) or hot-stage microscopy, this method relies on classical thermal equilibrium detection: as molten wax cools in a vertically oriented test tube suspended within a regulated air bath, the temperature at which solidification initiates—and where the cooling curve exhibits a distinct plateau (thermal arrest)—is recorded as the melting point. This approach ensures direct traceability to internationally accepted reference methods and remains the benchmark for quality control laboratories in refining, lubricant formulation, and candle manufacturing.
Key Features
- Air-bath cooling system with adjustable airflow and calibrated temperature control, engineered for stable thermal gradients across the sample zone
- Vertically mounted sample holder assembly featuring dual thermometer clamps (supplied) to ensure reproducible positioning and alignment per ASTM D87 requirements
- Corrosion-resistant nickel-plated construction for long-term durability in laboratory environments handling hydrocarbon-based samples
- Integrated hinged access door enabling unobstructed insertion and retrieval of test tubes without disrupting ambient thermal conditions
- Compact footprint (51.2 × 7 in / 14 × 18 cm) optimized for benchtop deployment in QC labs with space constraints
- Compliance-ready design supporting documented calibration intervals, operator training records, and routine performance verification protocols
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The K26400 accommodates standard ASTM D87 test tubes (typically 13–16 mm ID, 100–150 mm length) filled with refined paraffin, microcrystalline, or petrolatum-based waxes. Sample preparation follows strict procedural guidance outlined in ASTM D87 Section 7—requiring uniform melting, controlled pouring, and specified immersion depth of the thermometer bulb. The instrument’s air-bath geometry ensures uniform convective cooling rates across the sample column, minimizing supercooling artifacts and enhancing inter-laboratory reproducibility. Regulatory alignment includes full support for GLP-compliant workflows: all operational parameters—including ambient room temperature logging, bath setpoint verification, and observer identification—can be captured in associated lab notebooks or electronic records. While the instrument itself does not generate digital audit trails, its mechanical design facilitates integration into 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data management systems when paired with validated external temperature loggers and SOP-controlled observation protocols.
Software & Data Management
The K26400 is a manually operated, analog-dominant instrument requiring visual interpretation of the cooling curve plateau. It does not include embedded firmware or proprietary software. However, its operation is fully compatible with modern laboratory informatics infrastructure: users may integrate digital thermometers with RS-232 or USB output (e.g., certified platinum resistance thermometers meeting ASTM E1137 Class A tolerances), feeding real-time temperature vs. time data into LIMS or ELN platforms such as LabWare, Thermo Fisher SampleManager, or Veeva Vault QMS. Calibration certificates for ancillary equipment—including NIST-traceable thermometers and reference standards—must be maintained per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements. Koehler provides comprehensive documentation packages including user manuals, calibration checklists, and method validation templates aligned with ISO 17025 Clause 7.7.
Applications
- Quality assurance of petroleum waxes in refinery off-gas processing units
- Batch release testing for microcrystalline wax used in pharmaceutical tablet coatings (per USP material characterization)
- Specification conformance verification for candle-grade paraffin in OEM supplier audits
- Research-scale evaluation of wax blend behavior under variable cooling rates
- Training platform for ASTM method instruction in analytical chemistry curricula
FAQ
Does the K26400 include a built-in temperature recording system?
No. It is a manual, observer-dependent instrument per ASTM D87. Users must employ externally calibrated thermometers and record observations manually or via connected digital acquisition systems.
Can the K26400 be used for non-petroleum waxes such as beeswax or carnauba?
ASTM D87 explicitly applies to petroleum-derived waxes. For botanical or synthetic waxes, ISO 6383 or ASTM D3418 (DSC-based) are recommended alternatives.
What maintenance is required to sustain compliance with ASTM D87?
Monthly verification of air-bath temperature uniformity using three-point probe mapping, annual recalibration of supporting thermometers, and quarterly inspection of nickel plating integrity per Koehler Service Bulletin SB-K26400-02.
Is the K26400 suitable for GMP-regulated environments?
Yes—when operated within a validated SOP framework that includes equipment qualification (IQ/OQ), analyst training records, and raw data archiving per FDA Guidance for Industry: “Data Integrity and Compliance With Drug CGMP.”
Are replacement parts and accessories available directly from Koehler?
Yes. Koehler supplies genuine components including replacement air-bath doors, thermometer clamps, and ASTM-specified test tubes through authorized global distributors—with lead times typically under 10 business days.
