PLD-6536B Petroleum Distillation Apparatus
| Origin | Shaanxi, China |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Distributor |
| Model | PLD-6536B |
| Price | USD 2,200 (FOB) |
Overview
The PLD-6536B Petroleum Distillation Apparatus is a benchtop, manual ASTM D86–compliant distillation system engineered for standardized atmospheric distillation testing of light to medium petroleum fractions—including gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, and diesel fuels. It implements the classical batch distillation principle under controlled heating conditions, where sample vaporization, condensation, and fractional collection occur sequentially in accordance with established physical separation thermodynamics. The apparatus adheres to core design requirements specified in ASTM D86, IP 123, ISO 3405, and GB/T 6536, ensuring reproducible boiling point distribution data essential for refinery process control, fuel specification compliance, and quality assurance in downstream blending operations.
Key Features
- Modular three-section architecture: independent distillation unit, water-cooled condenser assembly, and volumetric receiving system—each optimized for thermal stability and operator safety.
- Programmable heating rate control via solid-state voltage regulator, enabling precise ramp adjustment (0–10 V DC output) with real-time voltage monitoring on an integrated analog meter for consistent thermal input calibration.
- Quartz-tube electric furnace: eliminates oil splash hazards, provides electrical insulation against high-voltage leakage, resists oxidation at sustained operating temperatures up to 400 °C, and delivers >92% thermal transfer efficiency compared to conventional coil-based heaters.
- Front-access hinged observation window: facilitates unobstructed visual monitoring of flask positioning, meniscus formation, and distillate flow dynamics during active distillation—critical for endpoint determination and method adherence.
- Ergonomic vertical furnace lift mechanism: allows fine-tuned elevation adjustment (±15 mm range) to ensure optimal alignment between flask neck, condenser inlet, and vapor path geometry—minimizing reflux loss and improving fraction recovery accuracy.
- Translucent acrylic receiver bath: accommodates standard 100 mL graduated cylinder; integrated LED illumination ensures clear meniscus reading under ambient lab lighting while permitting direct observation of phase separation or haze formation in distillate samples.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PLD-6536B supports liquid petroleum samples with initial boiling points between 30 °C and 350 °C and final boiling points ≤ 400 °C. It is validated for use with hydrocarbon mixtures meeting ASTM D1298 density specifications and free of suspended solids or excessive water content (>0.05 vol%). All mechanical and thermal components comply with IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment. The system supports documentation traceability required under GLP environments and is compatible with audit-ready recordkeeping when paired with external digital loggers (e.g., temperature/time stamping via USB data acquisition modules). While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, its analog control architecture permits integration into validated workflows where manual entry and signature-controlled SOPs govern data integrity protocols.
Software & Data Management
The PLD-6536B operates as a standalone hardware platform without embedded firmware or proprietary software. All operational parameters—including observed distillation temperatures (°C), recovered volumes (mL), and corresponding time stamps—are recorded manually per ASTM D86 Section 7.2. Users may digitize results using LIMS-compatible templates (e.g., CSV or Excel formats) aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 reporting structures. Optional third-party data acquisition systems—such as NI CompactDAQ or Omega OM-DAQ—can be interfaced via analog voltage outputs (0–10 V) from the temperature sensor circuit and digital pulse signals from the volume counter module, enabling automated curve generation (T vs. % recovered) and statistical analysis (e.g., 10%, 50%, 90% IBP/EP/FBP calculations).
Applications
- Refinery QC laboratories performing routine D86 distillation on crude cuts and finished fuels.
- Fuel trading labs verifying conformance to EN 590 (diesel), ASTM D439 (gasoline), or JIS K 2204 (kerosene) volatility specifications.
- R&D facilities studying fractional composition shifts during catalytic cracking or hydrotreating pilot runs.
- Academic teaching labs demonstrating fundamental distillation thermodynamics and vapor–liquid equilibrium behavior.
- Third-party testing agencies conducting certified reference material (CRM) validation studies per ISO Guide 34 requirements.
FAQ
What distillation standards does the PLD-6536B support?
ASTM D86, ISO 3405, IP 123, and GB/T 6536—covering atmospheric distillation of volatile petroleum products.
Is the instrument suitable for vacuum distillation?
No. The PLD-6536B is designed exclusively for atmospheric pressure operation and lacks vacuum sealing or pressure regulation capability.
Can it be used for biodiesel or ethanol-blended fuels?
Yes, provided the blend exhibits homogeneous phase behavior and meets the viscosity (<10 cSt) and water content (<0.05 vol%) limits specified in ASTM D86 Annex A1.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Quarterly inspection of quartz tube integrity, annual recalibration of the analog voltage meter against NIST-traceable references, and periodic cleaning of condenser bore with ethanol to prevent residue buildup.
Does the system include a certified thermometer?
No. Users must supply a calibrated ASTM E1 thermometer (e.g., ASTM 10C or 12C grade) meeting the immersion depth and scale graduation requirements defined in D86 Section 6.3.
