ASTM D86-23ae2 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D86-23ae2 — Standard Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products and Liquid Fuels at Atmospheric Pressure. This edition (D86-23ae2) is the ASTM procedure for performing laboratory atmospheric batch distillation to determine boiling-range characteristics (initial boiling point, recovery points, and final boiling point) of motor and aviation gasolines, kerosenes, diesel fuels, biodiesel blends (up to specified limits), and related petroleum distillates.

Abstract

Test Method D86 specifies apparatus, sample handling, temperature measurement, distillation procedure (manual and automated), calculation of distillation recovery and end-point, and precision and bias statements for routine determination of boiling-range characteristics of light and middle petroleum distillates. The method includes safety cautions (notably about mercury thermometers), guidance on applicability and limitations (not suitable for products with appreciable residuals), and provisions for both manual and automated instruments.

General information

• Status: Current / Active (latest published revision D86-23ae2).
• Publication date: Published December 1, 2023 (effective edition D86-23ae2; includes subsequent amendments noted in ASTM records).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 75.080 (Petroleum products in general); Volatility / distillation methods.
• Edition / version: Designation D86-23ae2 (includes edition and amendment identifiers).
• Number of pages: 31 pages.

Scope

This test method covers atmospheric distillation of petroleum products and liquid fuels using a laboratory batch distillation unit to determine boiling-range characteristics for light and middle distillates including automotive and aviation gasolines (with or without oxygenates), aviation turbine fuels, diesel fuels, biodiesel blends up to specified limits, marine fuels, naphthas, kerosines, and Grades 1 and 2 burner fuels. The method applies to both manual and automated apparatus and is not intended for products containing appreciable residual (heavy) material. Safety warnings (for example about mercury-containing thermometers) and unit conversions (SI and inch‑pound) are provided.

Key topics and requirements

• Apparatus and glassware requirements for batch distillation (flask sizes, condensers, receivers); manual and automated setups.
• Temperature measurement and calibration requirements (traditional liquid-in-glass thermometers historically specified; method discusses verification and growing acceptance/need for properly verified electronic temperature systems).
• Sample handling and preparation, including applicability to fuel blends and limits (e.g., ethanol and biodiesel considerations referenced).
• Procedure for recording initial boiling point (IBP), percent recoveries at specified volume fractions, and final boiling point (FBP); method for calculating distillation temperatures and reporting.
• Precision, repeatability, and reproducibility statements derived from interlaboratory studies; use of check standards (low-range and high-range) for temperature verification and quality control.
• Limitations and safety notes (e.g., the hazards associated with mercury thermometers and regulatory considerations about mercury use).

Typical use and users

Laboratories in refineries, fuel testing and certification bodies, quality control/assurance laboratories, regulatory agencies, and instrument manufacturers use D86 to characterize volatility and boiling-range behavior of petroleum distillates for specification compliance, product development, and process control. It is used both as a primary test and as a reference when comparing alternative rapid distillation or GC-based boiling-range methods.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and related standards include ISO 3405 (Determination of distillation characteristics of petroleum products — atmospheric distillation), ASTM practices for sampling and handling such as D5842, and other petroleum distillation or boiling-range methods and alternatives (for example ASTM D7345, D6352, and D7500 in contexts where GC or micro‑distillation alternatives are used). The standard also aligns with international test methods (IP 123) used for atmospheric distillation.

Keywords

batch distillation; distillation; boiling range; petroleum distillates; liquid fuels; atmospheric distillation; volatility; gasoline; kerosene; diesel; biodiesel blends; temperature verification; check standards.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D86-23ae2 is the ASTM test method for performing laboratory atmospheric distillation to determine the boiling-range characteristics of petroleum products and liquid fuels. It defines apparatus, procedures, temperature measurement, calculations, and precision.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the atmospheric batch distillation procedure (manual and automated) used to report initial boiling point, distillation recovery temperatures at specified percentages, and final boiling point for light and middle petroleum distillates and many fuel blends. It also gives precision/reproducibility statements, safety notes (including mercury cautions), and guidance on check standards and instrument verification.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Fuel testing and QC laboratories in refineries, fuel retailers, aviation and automotive fuel certifiers, standards bodies, instrument manufacturers, and regulatory agencies. It is a routine method for specification compliance and comparison of distillation behavior across products and batches.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of the D86-23ae2 designation this document is a current/active ASTM standard (published in late 2023 as D86-23ae2 and maintained by Committee D02). Users should check ASTM records for any later amendments or active revision work items. (ASTM has active work items and periodic amendments addressing thermometer/electronic measurement verification and other refinements.)

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D86 is a long-standing ASTM test method within Committee D02 (Volatility subcommittee D02.08) and is cross-referenced by many other fuel and petroleum standards and specifications; related ASTM and international methods (ISO, IP) provide complementary or alternative boiling-range test procedures.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: batch distillation, distillates, distillation, laboratory distillation, boiling range, petroleum products, volatility, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, biodiesel blends.