[20†L80-L89]

ASTM D95, formally titled Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation , is a classic standardized test method used to determine the water content of these materials. While the standard is often sought after in digital format (PDF) for quick reference, understanding the technical intricacies of the procedure is essential for accurate implementation. This paper explores the technical aspects of the standard, emphasizing the scientific principles behind the distillation method.

The presence of water and sediment in crude oil can have detrimental effects on the refining process and the quality of the final petroleum products. Water can lead to corrosion in refining equipment, while sediment can cause abrasion and clogging of pipelines and processing machinery. Therefore, accurately quantifying these contaminants is critical for both the economic and operational viability of crude oil processing.

These previews are useful for researchers who only need an overview of the standard's requirements.

Many petroleum products have boiling points significantly higher than water. However, simply boiling the sample may not efficiently separate the water, especially if the sample is viscous or tends to emulsify. ASTM D95 utilizes a water-immiscible solvent (typically a petroleum distillate like xylene, toluene, or a petroleum naphtha) that has a lower boiling point than water.

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Add an equal volume of the selected carrier solvent (e.g., 100 mL of xylene) to the flask. Add a few boiling chips or anti-bumping granules to ensure smooth, non-explosive boiling.

A specialized distillation method tailored specifically for crude oils. Accessing the Official ASTM D95 PDF

Crude oil trading prices are directly adjusted based on basic sediment and water (BS&W) percentages. Principle of the Distillation Method (Dean-Stark Method)