SPECTRA INVENT HX-DR1510A Single-Tube Automatic Distillation Analyzer
| Brand | SPECTRA INVENT |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Regional Classification | Domestic (PRC) |
| Model | HX-DR1510A |
| Operating Pressure | Atmospheric |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to 400 °C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±0.1 °C |
| Cold Bath Temperature Range | 0–60 °C |
| Distillation Rate | 4–5 mL/min |
| Volume Measurement Range | 0–100 mL |
| Volume Resolution | 0.1 mL |
Overview
The SPECTRA INVENT HX-DR1510A Single-Tube Automatic Distillation Analyzer is a precision-engineered instrument designed for standardized determination of distillation characteristics of petroleum products—including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, naphtha, and light hydrocarbon fractions—according to ASTM D86, ASTM D1078, ISO 3405, IP 123, and GB/T 6536. It operates on the classical batch distillation principle under atmospheric pressure, integrating controlled heating, real-time temperature monitoring, automated condensate collection, and volumetric endpoint detection in a single vertical distillation column configuration. The system employs a calibrated platinum resistance thermometer (PRT) for temperature sensing, coupled with a high-stability heating mantle and PID-regulated thermal management to ensure consistent vaporization kinetics across the boiling range. Its compact single-tube architecture minimizes thermal lag and inter-sample carryover, supporting method reproducibility required for quality control laboratories operating under ISO/IEC 17025 or refinery QA/QC protocols.
Key Features
- Atmospheric-pressure distillation platform compliant with major international standard methods (ASTM D86, ISO 3405, GB/T 6536)
- Precision temperature control from ambient to 400 °C with ±0.1 °C accuracy, validated per ASTM E77 calibration procedures
- Integrated cold bath unit maintaining 0–60 °C condenser temperature, adjustable in 0.1 °C increments for precise vapor condensation control
- Automated volume measurement system with 0.1 mL resolution over 0–100 mL range, utilizing optical liquid-level detection and linearized volumetric calibration
- Controlled distillation rate of 4–5 mL/min, dynamically regulated via reflux ratio and heating power modulation to meet standard ramp requirements
- Modular hardware design supporting field-replaceable sensors, detachable distillation flask assemblies, and maintenance-accessible vapor path components
- Embedded microprocessor controller with non-volatile memory for method storage, run logging, and audit-ready timestamped event records
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HX-DR1510A accommodates standard 125 mL distillation flasks and 100 mL receiving cylinders as specified in ASTM D86 Annex A1. It is validated for use with volatile and semi-volatile petroleum fractions having initial boiling points ≥30 °C and final boiling points ≤400 °C. All wetted parts are constructed from borosilicate glass and PTFE-sealed stainless steel to resist corrosion from sulfur-containing fuels and oxygenated blends. The analyzer meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per IEC 61326-1 and safety standards aligned with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment. While not certified for hazardous area operation (e.g., ATEX or IECEx), it is intended for use in ventilated analytical laboratories complying with OSHA 1910.1200 and local fire codes governing flammable liquid handling.
Software & Data Management
The instrument operates via an embedded GUI interface with tactile navigation and real-time graphical display of temperature vs. recovered volume curves. Data export is supported via USB 2.0 to CSV or PDF formats, preserving raw sensor timestamps, intermediate volume readings, and endpoint flags (IBP, EP, FBP, 10/50/90% recovery points). Optional PC-based software (SPECTRA DistillSuite v3.2) provides GLP-compliant features including user access levels, electronic signatures, 21 CFR Part 11–ready audit trails, and automatic report generation with customizable templates aligned to internal SOPs or regulatory submission formats. All calibration parameters and method files are digitally signed and version-controlled within the firmware.
Applications
- Refinery process control: Monitoring cut point consistency in atmospheric distillation units (ADU) and hydrotreater feedstock characterization
- Fuel specification compliance: Verification of gasoline volatility (RVP correlation), diesel distillation curve shape, and kerosene flash point proxies
- Research & development: Screening of bio-blendstock distillation behavior, additive interaction studies, and reformulated fuel stability assessment
- Contract testing laboratories: Accredited testing per ISO/IEC 17025 for third-party certification of commercial petroleum shipments
- Educational labs: Teaching fundamental distillation thermodynamics, phase equilibrium concepts, and standardized test methodology execution
FAQ
Does the HX-DR1510A support vacuum distillation?
No. This model is configured exclusively for atmospheric-pressure distillation per ASTM D86 and related standards. Vacuum-capable variants (e.g., HX-DR2510V) are available separately.
Can the system be integrated into a LIMS environment?
Yes—via optional RS-232 or Ethernet module, enabling structured data push to LIMS using ASTM E1384 or HL7-compatible message framing.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for routine operation?
Optical sensors require quarterly cleaning; PRT calibration verification is advised every six months using NIST-traceable reference thermometers; cold bath coolant should be replaced annually.
Is the instrument suitable for biodiesel (B100) analysis?
Yes—provided samples are pre-filtered to <5 µm and tested within 24 hours of opening to prevent oxidation-induced boiling point drift.
How is temperature uniformity across the distillation flask verified?
Per ASTM D86 Section 7.2.3, users perform a multi-point thermal mapping validation using a secondary calibrated PRT inserted at defined axial positions during a dry-run calibration sequence.
