ASTM D2892 (TBP)
True boiling point distillation of crude petroleum with a 15-theoretical-plate packed column and controlled reflux. Typically run to about 400°C atmospheric equivalent temperature (AET).
Crude Oil Distillation Equipment
Laboratory crude oil distillation systems for ASTM D2892 true boiling point and ASTM D5236 vacuum pot still, plus mini and micro systems for small-sample crude assay. Turn-key, PC-controlled, made in the USA.
01
Lab-Scale Crude Oil Distillation Methods
ASTM D5236 (Pot Still)
Vacuum pot still method for heavy hydrocarbon mixtures. Extends the crude assay into the residue range after D2892, typically into the 370-565°C AET region.
ASTM D4929
Naphtha-cut distillation for organic chloride determination in crude oil. Precise fraction collection to 204°C (400°F).
Mini and Micro
When only milliliters of crude are available: mini (50-1000 ml) and micro (3-100 ml) systems distill from IBP to above 500°C on a single column.
02
Why B/R
Why Choose B/R Crude Oil Distillation?
Turn-Key Systems
Everything needed to perform a crude oil distillation in one package: column, vacuum, fraction collection, baths, and PC control. All you need is a sample and an operator.
PC Control & Records
Software guides the distillation from start to finish. Automatic vacuum control, fraction collection, AET calculation, and a permanent record of every run.
Expert Support
B/R offers expert support for crude oil distillation. A petroleum chemist is on staff who is a 30+ year member of ASTM.
03
Models
Crude Oil Distillation Systems
ASTM D4929
Naphtha-cut distillation for organic chloride determination in crude oil.
D4929 apparatus
ASTM D2892 / D5236
Perform ASTM D2892 D5236 crude oil distillation. Highly automated but easily affordable.
Combined system
Mini Crude Oil Distillation
A unique solution for distilling small crude oil samples (50 to 1000 ml) from IBP out to above 500 °C with a single distillation column.
Learn More
Micro Crude Oil Distillation
A unique solution for distilling very small crude oil samples (3 to 100 ml) from IBP out to above 500 °C with a single distillation column.
Learn More
04
Compare
Compare Models
| ASTM Crude Oil Distillation | Mini | Micro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distillation Type | D2892 D5236 | Proprietary Method | Proprietary Method |
| Sample Size | 0.5 to 60 liters | 50 to 1000 ml | 3 to 100 ml |
| Control and Test Report from PC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Temperature and Vacuum Display | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vacuum Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Distillation Rate Control | |||
| Volume Measurement | |||
| Condenser/Receiver Temperature | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shut Down on Test Completion | Yes | Yes | Yes |
05
Brand Name Components
This system features well known brand components such as Edwards vacuum pump, MKS vacuum system, Dell computer and Polyscience bath.
- Vacuum System: Atmospheric sensor, vacuum sensors (100-1 mmHg, 1-0.1 mmHg ranges) and automatic control valve
- Vacuum Pump: Edwards vacuum pump
- Circulating Bath: Programmable, -20 to 100°C, with low liquid and over temperature cut off
- Fraction Collector: 8 fractions at each pressure level, automatic collection by vapor temperature
Automatic Control Functions
All systems include PC control with automatic functions:
- Fraction Collection
- Vacuum Control
- Condenser Temperature Control
- Reflux Ratio
- AET Temperature Calculation
- Distillation Column Heated Jacket Control
- Recording of Distillation Data
- Ending of Distillation and Cool Down
06
Specifications
ASTM D2892 and D5236 Column Specifications
ASTM D2892 Distillation Column Sizes (Propak)
| Diameter | Packed Height | Sample Range |
|---|---|---|
| 70 mm | 91 cm | 15-60 liters |
| 50 mm | 80 cm | 6-24 liters |
| 25 mm | 57 cm | 1.2-4.8 liters |
Columns also available with mesh packing (Goodloe) and real plate distillation columns. 15 theoretical plates standard, other efficiencies available.
ASTM D5236 Distillation Column Sizes
| Diameter | Boiling Flask | Sample Range |
|---|---|---|
| 70 mm | 12-24 liters | 8-16 liters |
| 50 mm | 6-12 liters | 4-8 liters |
| 36 mm | 3-6 liters | 2-4 liters |
| 25 mm | 2-3 liters | 1-2 liters |
Boiling flask sizes: 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 22, 30, 50, 100 liters. Other sizes available. Stainless steel standard, optional glass flasks available.
07
Questions
Crude Oil Distillation FAQ
What is laboratory crude oil distillation?
Lab-scale crude oil distillation separates crude into boiling-range fractions that model refinery yields. It provides true boiling point data for assay, quality control, purchase decisions, and refining models. See why labs distill crude on a lab scale.
What is the difference between ASTM D2892 and D5236?
ASTM D2892 is true boiling point distillation with a 15-plate packed column and reflux (typically to ~400°C AET). ASTM D5236 is the vacuum pot still method that continues the assay into heavy fractions. Many labs run both on complementary B/R systems. Read more on D2892 TBP and D5236 pot still.
What sample sizes are available?
How does this relate to ASTM D1160?
ASTM D1160 is vacuum distillation of petroleum products (heavy oils, residuals, biodiesel) at reduced pressure, not full crude TBP assay. For D1160 boiling-range work, see our ASTM D1160 vacuum distillation apparatus.
08
Related
Related Articles
Why Distill Crude Oil on a Lab Scale?
How refineries use lab-scale distillation for quality control, and why true boiling point data matters before purchasing or blending crude.
Why distill crude on a lab scaleTrue Boiling Point Distillation: ASTM D2892
ASTM D2892 true boiling point distillation: what it measures, how it works, and when labs require it.
ASTM D2892 true boiling pointModeling Refining with Lab-Scale Distillation
Lab-scale crude oil distillation mirrors what happens in the refinery, and how results are used to predict yields and plan blending.
Modeling refining with lab-scale distillationASTM D5236: Vacuum Pot Still for Heavy Hydrocarbons
How the vacuum pot still extends crude oil distillation into the heavy fraction (370-565°C) per ASTM D5236.
ASTM D5236 vacuum pot stillQuotation
Request a quotation
Tell us the sample, charge size, and what you need the system to do. We build custom solutions for any problem.