ASTM D1160 is the standard test method for distillation of petroleum products at reduced pressure. It is also published as ISO 6616. Labs use it when a sample would decompose if boiled at atmospheric pressure.
This note is for chemists and lab managers specifying an ASTM D1160 vacuum distillation apparatus. The matching product page is ASTM D1160 vacuum distillation apparatus.
What the method measures
D1160 collects boiling-range data under vacuum. Typical samples are heavy petroleum fractions, residual fuels, lubricating oil stocks, and biodiesel. Results are used for quality control, product specification, and process monitoring in refineries, independent labs, and biodiesel producers.
The method is about petroleum products at reduced pressure. It is not a full crude true boiling point assay.
D1160 vs D2892 and D5236
ASTM D2892 is true boiling point distillation of crude oil on a packed 15-plate column with reflux. ASTM D5236 is the vacuum pot still used to continue a crude assay into the residue range. D1160 is a different job: boiling range of a heavy product or biodiesel that cannot take atmospheric distillation.
If the sample is whole crude and you need TBP cuts, look at D2892/D5236. If the sample is a heavy product or biodiesel and you need D1160/ISO 6616 data, use a D1160 apparatus.
What the apparatus includes
B/R ships a complete vacuum distillation apparatus: ASTM D1160 glassware, vacuum control, temperature control, a mounting cabinet, and safety shields. Optional PC automation runs vacuum, bath temperature, distillation rate, and reporting. Manual and semi-automatic cabinets can be upgraded later.
- Fully automatic: PC control of vacuum, bath temperature, and distillation rate. Automatic reports, data export, first-drop (IBP) detection, automatic cleaning.
- Semi automatic: PC control of vacuum, bath temperature, and heating rates. Balance of automation and cost. Upgradeable.
- Manually operated: standard glassware in a cabinet with safety shields and digital displays. Upgradeable.
All three models use standard ASTM D1160 glassware and are described as conforming to ASTM D1160 / ISO 6616 on the product page.
How a lab usually specifies one
Start with the method (D1160 vs a crude TBP method), expected sample type, and how much automation you want. Throughput and whether you need unattended runs decide fully automatic versus semi or manual. Then review the models or request a quote with those details.
One refurbished automatic ASTM D1160 is listed now, refurbished in Easton, MD. See the used automatic D1160.
Related: crude oil distillation equipment if your work is TBP assay rather than product boiling range.