ASTM D5950-14(2020)

5.1 The pour point of a petroleum product is an index of the lowest temperature of its utility for certain applications. Flow characteristics, like pour point, can be critical for the correct operation of lubricating oil systems, fuel systems, and pipeline operations.

5.2 Petroleum blending operations require precise measurement of the pour point.

5.3 This test method can determine the pour point of the test specimen with a resolution of 1.0 °C.

5.4 Test results from this test method can be determined at either 1 °C or 3 °C intervals.

5.5 This test method yields a pour point in a format similar to Test Method D97/IP15 when the 3 °C interval results are reported.

5.6 This test method has better repeatability and reproducibility relative to Test Method D97/IP15 as measured in the 1998 interlaboratory test program. (See Section 13.)

1.1 This test method covers the determination of pour point of petroleum products by an automatic instrument that tilts the test jar during cooling and detects movement of the surface of the test specimen with an optical device.

1.2 This test method is designed to cover the range of temperatures from −66 °C to +51 °C; however, the range of temperatures included in the 1992 interlaboratory test program only covered the temperature range from −39 °C to +6 °C, and the range of temperatures included in the 1998 interlaboratory test program was −51 °C to −11 °C. (See Section 13.)

1.3 Test results from this test method can be determined at 1 °C or 3 °C intervals.

1.4 This test method is not intended for use with crude oils.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.