Spectra Invent HX-IP1300A Automatic Cloud and Pour Point Tester
| Brand | Spectra Invent |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | HX-IP1300A |
| Price Range | USD 1,400 – 14,000 |
| Power Consumption | 740 W |
| Ambient Temperature | 5–40 °C |
| Supply Voltage | 220 V ±10% |
| Relative Humidity | <70% RH |
| Measurement Range | Room Temperature to –65 °C |
| Accuracy | ±0.2% of full scale |
| Resolution | 0.1 °C |
| Repeatability | ±0.3 °C |
| Reproducibility | ±0.5 °C at –70 °C |
| Refrigeration Depth | ≤ –70 °C |
| Stirring Frequency | 60 cycles/min |
| Refrigeration System | Dual-stage cascade compressor (2 × 370 W) |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 680 × 450 × 650 mm |
| Weight | 50 kg |
Overview
The Spectra Invent HX-IP1300A Automatic Cloud and Pour Point Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed for the standardized determination of cloud point and pour point in petroleum products—including diesel fuels, lubricating oils, base stocks, and biodiesel blends—according to internationally recognized test methods including SH/T 0090, ASTM D2500, ASTM D97, ISO 3016, and IP 15.
Operating on the principle of controlled thermal descent with real-time dual-channel temperature monitoring, the HX-IP1300A employs a microprocessor-driven cooling algorithm that precisely replicates the mandated cooling rate profiles defined in each standard. A high-stability Pt100 sensor array continuously monitors both sample and bath temperatures, while a programmable mechanical stirrer ensures uniform crystallization kinetics during cloud formation and wax deposition. Upon detection of the first visible hydrocarbon crystal (cloud point) or cessation of flow under gravity (pour point), the system automatically locks and records the corresponding temperature with traceable timestamping.
Key Features
- Dual-stage cascade refrigeration system using two imported compressors (370 W each), enabling stable operation down to –70 °C with minimal thermal drift
- Real-time dual-channel digital temperature display (sample + coolant bath) with 0.1 °C resolution and ±0.2% full-scale accuracy
- Programmable stirring mechanism operating at 60 cycles per minute, synchronized with cooling ramp to ensure reproducible nucleation conditions
- Automated endpoint detection logic compliant with SH/T 0090 decision criteria—no operator interpretation required
- Robust stainless-steel sample chamber with integrated thermal insulation and grounding-compatible chassis for laboratory safety compliance
- Integrated thermal protection circuitry with automatic shutdown on overtemperature, voltage fluctuation (>±10%), or refrigerant pressure anomaly
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HX-IP1300A accommodates standard ASTM/IP/SH sample containers (e.g., 40-mL cylindrical glass tubes per ASTM D2500) and supports viscous and low-volatility samples up to 300 cSt at 40 °C. Its thermal control architecture meets the dynamic cooling rate requirements of SH/T 0090 (1.0–1.5 °C/min between –10 °C and cloud point) and ASTM D97 (1.0–3.0 °C/min in the critical range).
All measurement protocols are fully traceable to national metrological standards via internal calibration certificate referencing NIM (National Institute of Metrology, China) accredited reference fluids. The instrument’s firmware and data logging structure support audit-ready documentation for GLP and ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories. Optional calibration verification kits (certified cloud/pour point standards traceable to NIST SRMs) are available upon request.
Software & Data Management
The HX-IP1300A operates via embedded firmware with no external PC dependency. All test parameters—including cooling profile, stir timing, endpoint sensitivity, and pass/fail thresholds—are configurable via intuitive keypad navigation and LCD interface. Each test generates a time-stamped record containing: start time, ambient conditions, final cloud/pour temperature, cooling rate deviation, and system diagnostic flags.
Data export is supported via RS-232 serial interface to LIMS or Excel-compatible CSV files. For regulated environments, optional firmware upgrade enables 21 CFR Part 11-compliant user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails—including operator ID, parameter changes, and result modifications—with encrypted local storage (SD card slot, not included). All logs retain ≥10,000 test records with automatic overwrite protection.
Applications
- Quality control of middle distillates (diesel, jet fuel, heating oil) for cold-flow operability assurance
- R&D evaluation of pour point depressants (PPDs) and cold flow improvers (CFIs) in lubricant formulations
- Batch release testing in refinery and blending facilities under ISO 9001 and API RP 2003 quality systems
- Third-party certification labs performing contract testing per ASTM, ISO, or GB/T specifications
- Educational laboratories teaching petroleum product characterization and phase transition thermodynamics
FAQ
What standards does the HX-IP1300A comply with?
It supports SH/T 0090 (China), ASTM D2500 (cloud point), ASTM D97 (pour point), ISO 3016, and IP 15. Method selection is software-configurable per test sequence.
Is external cooling water required?
No—the unit uses self-contained air-cooled cascade compressors. However, ambient airflow must be unobstructed; operation in enclosed cabinets is prohibited.
Can the instrument measure both cloud and pour point in a single run?
Yes. The system executes sequential cloud detection followed by further cooling and pour point determination without manual intervention.
How is calibration verified?
Using certified reference materials (e.g., NIST-traceable mineral oil standards with assigned cloud/pour values), users perform periodic verification per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5. Calibration certificates are issued with each instrument.
What maintenance is required?
Annual inspection of refrigerant charge, stir rod alignment, and sensor calibration is recommended. No consumables are required beyond standard lab-grade sample tubes and cleaning solvents.
