Spectra Invent HX-DR1520S Dual-Tube Manual Distillation Apparatus
| Brand | Spectra Invent |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | HX-DR1520S |
| Operating Pressure | Atmospheric (101.3 kPa) |
| Temperature Range | −2 °C to 400 °C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±1 °C |
| Cold Bath Temperature Range | 0 °C to 60 °C |
| Volume Measurement Range | 1 mL to 100 mL |
| Volume Resolution | 1 mL |
Overview
The Spectra Invent HX-DR1520S Dual-Tube Manual Distillation Apparatus is a precision-engineered instrument designed for standardized atmospheric distillation testing of petroleum products in accordance with GB/T 6536—2023, the Chinese national standard equivalent to ASTM D86 and ISO 3405 for determination of distillation characteristics. It implements classical batch-wise, single-stage atmospheric distillation under controlled heating and condensation conditions, enabling reproducible measurement of initial boiling point (IBP), final boiling point (FBP), and intermediate recovery volumes at defined temperature intervals. The dual-tube configuration allows parallel analysis of two identical or dissimilar samples—enhancing laboratory throughput without compromising procedural integrity. Its manual operation mode ensures full operator control over heating rate, condenser cooling, and volumetric collection timing, making it especially suitable for method validation, reference lab verification, and training environments where procedural transparency and hands-on methodology are essential.
Key Features
- Dual independent distillation columns with matched glassware sets (ASTM D86-compliant condensers, receiving cylinders, and thermometers)
- Adjustable electric heating mantle with digital temperature ramp control and thermal cut-off protection
- Integrated cold bath unit with PID-controlled refrigeration, maintaining stable condenser coolant temperatures between 0 °C and 60 °C
- High-stability mercury-in-glass or platinum resistance thermometer (optional) calibrated to ±1 °C across −2 °C to 400 °C range
- Graduated 100 mL receiving cylinder with 1 mL volume resolution and meniscus-aligned scale markings per GB/T 6536 Annex A
- Robust stainless-steel frame with heat-resistant insulation and ergonomic sample access ports
- No embedded microprocessor or automated data logging—designed explicitly for manual GB/T 6536 compliance workflows
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HX-DR1520S is validated for use with volatile and semi-volatile petroleum fractions including gasoline, aviation gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, diesel fuel (including ultra-low-sulfur diesel), light cycle oil, and certain synthetic hydrocarbon blends. It is not intended for vacuum distillation, high-boiling residues (>400 °C), or reactive/corrosive feedstocks such as crude oil emulsions or bio-oil mixtures without prior stabilization. All operational procedures align strictly with GB/T 6536—2023, which references metrological traceability to national temperature and volume standards. Instrument setup, calibration, and performance verification follow documented laboratory SOPs compliant with CNAS-CL01 (equivalent to ISO/IEC 17025) requirements for testing laboratories.
Software & Data Management
The HX-DR1520S operates without proprietary software or digital connectivity. Data acquisition is performed manually using standardized GB/T 6536 reporting forms: operators record observed temperatures at 1 % and 5 % recovery increments, as well as cumulative volume collected at each 5 °C interval from IBP onward. Completed test records include analyst ID, date/time, ambient barometric pressure (for optional correction), and raw volume–temperature pairs. Laboratories may integrate results into LIMS or ELN systems via scanned PDF reports or typed entry; no electronic audit trail or 21 CFR Part 11 compliance features are included, consistent with its classification as a non-automated analytical apparatus.
Applications
- Quality control of refinery finished products against specification limits (e.g., ASTM D439, D975, D1655)
- Batch release testing in petrochemical manufacturing facilities operating under GMP-aligned QA frameworks
- Method comparison studies between manual and automated distillation platforms
- Educational demonstration of fractional volatility behavior in hydrocarbon mixtures
- Reference analysis for calibrating on-line near-infrared (NIR) or gas chromatography (GC) predictive models
- Supporting regulatory submissions requiring GB/T 6536-conforming distillation data for domestic market approval
FAQ
Does the HX-DR1520S support vacuum distillation?
No. It is configured exclusively for atmospheric-pressure distillation per GB/T 6536 and ASTM D86.
Can it be used for biodiesel or ethanol-blended fuels?
Yes—provided the blend remains homogeneous and within the specified boiling range; phase separation or low-flash components require pre-conditioning per Annex B of GB/T 6536.
Is thermometer calibration traceable to national standards?
Yes. Certified calibration certificates (with uncertainty statements) are available upon request, referencing CNAS-accredited temperature calibration labs.
What maintenance is required for long-term accuracy?
Annual verification of bath temperature uniformity, visual inspection of glassware for etching or distortion, and recalibration of the main thermometer using ice-point and zinc-point references.
Are replacement parts supplied with documentation?
All consumables—including ASTM-grade condensers, 100 mL graduated cylinders, and standardized thermometers—are supplied with dimensional drawings and material certifications compliant with GB/T 12805 and GB/T 12806.
