NDI 440 Automatic Distillation test procedure

Summary

The boiling point characteristics of a petroleum product are determined by the distillation of a petroleum product sample. These characteristics are determined from the boiling point curve of the sample resulting from the distillation. The sample is contained in a heating flask which is continuously heated on a heating block inside the apparatus. The sample is slowly evaporated and distilled. The condensate is collected in a receiver test tube, which is housed in the receiver compartment. The results of the experiment are displayed on the computer screen as a sample temperature curve and flowrate curve (both plotted against volume of distillate).

Apparatus Preparation (See hard copy file for information on electronic connections)

• Ensure that the machine is connected to the main supply, computer monitor etc.

• Set both the circuit breaker and differential circuit breaker, situated on the lower left hand side of the machine.

• Unbolt the emergency stop button.

• Thoroughly clean the heating flask using acetone and ensure that it is dry after cleaning.

• Ensure that the heating plate is properly fastened onto the heating block.

Test Procedure

1. Fill the receiver test tube with 100ml of the petroleum product sample.

2. Add the ponce stone to the heating flask?

3. Transfer the sample from the receiver test tube to the heating flask.

4. Place the receiver test tube in receiver compartment.

5. Place the stopper and thermocouple probe into the heating flask.

6. Install the flask by placing it inside the heating compartment on top of the heating block and connecting the arm of the flask to the machine.

7. Close both the receiver compartment and heating compartment doors before commencing with the test.

8. Select “Start Run” under the “Run” menu on the monitor (F10: gain access to the main menu).

9. A product file summary will appear on the screen. Verify the product file by pressing “enter”.

10. The test will now commence. Do not, under any circumstances, open the receiver compartment door during the test run.

11. Results will be displayed on the monitor screen during the test in the form of a graph.

12. The result can be printed in both graphical and tabular formats.