2025 Posters
The following posters will be presented in the Exhibit Hall at the 2025 Gulf Coast Conference.
Abstract # 106 - Poster
Advancements in Tribological Testing: Modern Methods and Instrumentation for Enhanced Lubricant Performance
- Koehler Instrument Company
Tribology plays an essential role in industrial performance, where friction, wear, and lubrication significantly impact equipment reliability, energy efficiency, and operational costs. In high-stakes sectors such as petroleum and aviation, inadequate lubricant performance can lead to accelerated component degradation, unplanned downtime, and increased maintenance expenditures. To mitigate these risks, advanced tribological testing methods have been developed to evaluate lubricants under controlled, standardized conditions. This poster presents recent innovations in tribological testing, emphasizing techniques such as wear scar analysis and extreme pressure evaluation in accordance with ASTM standards. It explores the functionality and application of key instruments—including the Four-Ball Wear and EP Testers, BOCLE (Ball-On-Cylinder Lubricity Evaluator), and HFRR (High-Frequency Reciprocating Rig)—for assessing the tribological properties of aviation fuels, diesel fuels, greases, and lubricating oils. Analyzing wear mechanisms and identifying failure thresholds provides fundamental insights for optimizing lubricant formulations and extending equipment life. The integration of modern instrumentation with standardized testing protocols supports more precise and reproducible performance evaluations. These advancements are driving innovation in lubricant development, contributing to improved machinery reliability, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced sustainability across industrial applications.
Abstract # 107 - Poster
Evaluating Air Release Properties in Lubricants: ASTM D3427 Compliance and Performance Benefits of Bio-Based Formulations
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
Trapped air in lubricants can negatively impact machinery performance, leading to inefficiencies, cavitation, and increased wear. To address this issue, standardized tribological testing methods have been developed to assess the air-release properties of lubricants under controlled conditions. This poster presents recent advancements in air release evaluation in accordance with ASTM D3427, a recognized method for determining the time required for dispersed air to separate from oil under specific temperature and pressure conditions. The study focuses on hydrocarbon-based lubricants, with particular attention to bio-based formulations such as epoxidized Karanja oil. Comparative analysis reveals that epoxidized oils exhibit significantly improved air release times when benchmarked against conventional base oils. These findings highlight the potential of functionalized bio-lubricants to enhance performance while supporting sustainability goals. By integrating standardized test protocols with advanced measurement techniques, researchers can gain deeper insights into lubricant behavior, enabling the development of formulations that improve system reliability, reduce operational risk, and extend machinery lifespan.
Abstract # 108 - Poster
Flash Point Analysis for Ensuring Safety in the Storage and Transport of Petroleum Products
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
Flash and fire points are important safety measures that influence how petroleum products are handled and stored. These thermal properties determine the temperature at which flammable vapors are released and can ignite, making them key indicators for hazard classification, labeling, and regulatory compliance. In industrial settings where safety and environmental risks are elevated, accurate determination of flash points is essential for minimizing fire hazards and ensuring proper operational protocols. This poster presents the evaluation of flash and fire points using the Cleveland Open Cup method, conducted in accordance with ASTM D92. This standardized approach measures the lowest temperature at which the vapor above a petroleum sample momentarily ignites when exposed to an ignition source. Unlike closed-cup methods, the open-cup procedure closely simulates real-world conditions, such as open-air spills or leaks, providing a more comprehensive assessment of ignition risk. By identifying ignition thresholds, engineers and safety professionals can implement better safeguards, improve storage and transportation practices, and comply with safety regulations. The integration of standardized flash point testing into quality control protocols enhances both industrial safety and environmental responsibility across the petroleum sector.
Abstract # 109 - Poster
Versatile Octane Engine Design for Evaluating Gasoline and Biofuel Blends
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
Octane rating is a fundamental parameter in assessing fuel quality, particularly for internal combustion engines where resistance to knocking is critical for optimal performance, efficiency, and emissions control. Higher octane numbers indicate a fuel’s greater ability to withstand premature ignition under pressure, which is essential for modern, high-compression engine designs. This poster presents the evaluation of octane performance using standardized testing protocols following ASTM D2699 for Research Octane Number (RON) and ASTM D2700 for Motor Octane Number (MON). These complementary methods provide a comprehensive understanding of a fuel’s behavior under varying operating conditions, from mild to severe. The testing system employs an engine with adjustable compression ratios, enabling accurate and repeatable octane measurements across a wide range of fuel formulations. Particular attention is given to bioethanol-gasoline blends, which demonstrate notable improvements in octane values as the proportion of bioethanol increases. This trend highlights the promise of renewable fuels not only in reducing environmental impact but also in enhancing engine performance. Standardized octane testing supports the development of advanced fuels that align with sustainability goals while meeting the performance demands of modern engines. By enabling precise characterization of combustion properties, this method can help in refining fuel formulations and guiding future innovations in the automotive and energy sectors.
Abstract # 110 - Poster
Evaluating Flash Point Variability Using the Pensky-Martens Closed-Cup Method
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
Flash point determination is essential for ensuring the safe handling, storage, and transportation of combustible materials. To investigate this variability, flash point testing was conducted using a closed-cup method in accordance with ASTM D93. This standardized approach provides controlled, enclosed conditions to simulate real-world scenarios where vapor containment plays a significant role in ignition risk. The study specifically examined the impact of varying heating rates on flash point measurements, with results indicating a clear inverse relationship. As heating rates increased, flash point readings decreased significantly, with sulfur igniting at temperatures as low as 195°C under rapid heating conditions. These results emphasize the need for controlled testing environments, especially when evaluating volatile materials or those sensitive to impurities. In this regard, the closed-cup method provides this by simulating real-world enclosed environments.
Abstract # 111 - Poster
High-Precision Kinematic Viscosity Measurement for Industrial Petroleum Products
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
Kinematic viscosity, defined as a fluid's resistance to flow under gravity, is a key characteristic that affects how lubricants perform in real-world conditions. In the context of lubricant performance, viscosity directly impacts film formation, load-bearing capacity, and energy efficiency in mechanical systems. Accurate viscosity measurements are essential for evaluating product consistency, ensuring quality control, and guiding formulation strategies in lubricant development. This poster highlights standardized kinematic viscosity testing conducted in accordance with ASTM D445 and ASTM D446. These procedures utilize a temperature-controlled bath designed to maintain uniform heating conditions and accommodate multiple capillary viscometers simultaneously. The dual-tank configuration supports precise thermal regulation and consistent liquid levels, ensuring stable testing environments across various temperature settings. The testing system enables reproducible measurements across a wide range of lubricant types, from light oils to high-viscosity greases. By replicating real-world operating temperatures, the method provides critical data on flow behavior, aiding in the selection and optimization of lubricants for specific applications.
Abstract # 112 - Poster
Combating Salt Contamination in Crude Oil: Analysis and Desalting Techniques
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
The presence of inorganic salts in crude oil poses significant operational challenges in the refining process. These salts, primarily composed of sodium, calcium, and magnesium chlorides, can lead to equipment corrosion, heat exchanger fouling, and catalyst deactivation, ultimately reducing efficiency and increasing maintenance costs. Effective detection and removal of these contaminants are essential to maintaining refinery integrity and performance. This poster presents standardized methods for measuring salt content in crude oil, with a focus on ASTM D3230. This test method utilizes an electrical conductivity-based technique to quantify the total amount of dissolved salts, providing rapid and reliable results suitable for both field and laboratory analysis. Accurate salt measurement enables refiners to assess incoming crude quality and determine the effectiveness of pre-treatment processes. In addition to measurement techniques, the poster explores common desalting methods employed before distillation. These include water washing, which dilutes and extracts water-soluble salts, and electrostatic separation, which enhances phase separation and salt removal by applying a high-voltage electric field. Together, these practices support the mitigation of corrosion risks and improve operational efficiency.
Abstract # 113 - Poster
Evaluating Grease Performance Under Water Exposure: Test Methods and Industrial Significance
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
Water contamination poses a significant threat to lubrication system performance, contributing to grease degradation, corrosion, and mechanical failure that can compromise equipment reliability and increase maintenance costs. In industries frequently exposed to high-moisture environments—such as mining, paper manufacturing, and food processing—the ability of lubricating greases to resist water intrusion is essential for ensuring operational efficiency and equipment longevity. To evaluate grease performance under wet conditions, standardized tribological testing protocols have been developed in accordance with ASTM methods. This poster highlights two key evaluations of water resistance: the ASTM D4049 Water Spray-Off Test and the ASTM D1264 Water Washout Test. These tests simulate real-world scenarios where greases are subjected to high-pressure water spray or continuous water flow while in service. ASTM D4049 measures the percentage of grease sprayed off a metal surface, while ASTM D1264 assesses grease loss from a bearing assembly subjected to water flow at elevated temperatures. By analyzing the extent of grease removal under these controlled conditions, researchers can identify lubricant formulations that offer superior resistance to water washout and spray-off. The results support the development of advanced greases designed to perform reliably in water-intensive applications. By quantifying grease loss under controlled water exposure, these methods provide reliable data to improve equipment protection and operational longevity.
Abstract # 114 - Poster
Standardized Evaluation of Grease Flow Characteristics for Low-Temperature Applications
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
Lubricating greases undergo substantial viscosity increases at sub-zero temperatures, impeding flow and potentially causing mechanical failures in cold environments. To address this challenge, the industry requires reliable test methods that accurately characterize grease behavior under extreme cold conditions. This study presents an implementation of the Kesternich Method (DIN 51805) for quantitative assessment of grease flow properties at temperatures down to -50°C. Using a controlled-pressure approach with a Low-Temperature Grease Flow Tester, the method demonstrates high repeatability in determining flow points across multiple grease formulations. Experimental results establish a consistent exponential pressure-temperature relationship, validating the method's accuracy for comparative testing. With its rapid cooling capability and minimal sample requirements, this standardized approach enables efficient evaluation of low-temperature grease performance, supporting proper lubricant selection for industrial applications in arctic climates and cold-weather operations.
Abstract # 115 - Poster
Automated Cold Flow Characterization of Petroleum Products: Enhancing Reliability in Cloud and Pour Point Analysis
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
The cold flow behavior of petroleum products, characterized by cloud point and pour point, is a key determinant of operational performance in fuel systems, lubricants, and pipeline transport. Traditional manual testing methods for these properties are prone to variability and inefficiency, potentially compromising quality control and leading to cold-weather operational failures such as fuel filter plugging or mechanical seizure. To address these challenges, automated instrumentation offers a robust solution for standardized and precise cold flow evaluation. This study demonstrates the application of an Automatic Cloud and Pour Point Analyzer, which employs optical detection for cloud points and an automated tilt method for pour point determination. The system’s integrated cooling, wireless test heads, and touch-screen interface minimize human error while improving repeatability and throughput. By comparing automated results with conventional methods, this work highlights the technology’s advantages for both conventional and biodiesel formulations, where accurate cold flow data are essential for preventing equipment failure and ensuring winter-grade fuel compliance. The adoption of such systems can enhance testing efficiency, support regulatory adherence, and optimize product formulation for diverse climatic conditions—ultimately reducing downtime and maintenance costs across the petroleum supply chain.
Abstract # 119 - Poster
Advancements in high matrix neutralization for sample preparation of surface, ground, and wastewater samples.
- Biotage
- Biotage
- Biotage
Environmental laboratories routinely follow the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 1600, 600, and 8000 series methods to analyze contaminants in surface water, groundwater, and wastewater. However, the physical and chemical complexity of these samples present significant challenges during sample preparation, including high particulate loads and matrix interferences. To address these challenges, many laboratories have adopted methods to reduce sample preparation volumes from the traditional 1L samples. While this approach minimizes handling difficulties, it can negatively impact laboratory reporting limits by increasing the detection limits for target analytes. To overcome these limitations, we introduce a novel 47mm depth filtration disk holder incorporating the ISOLUTE® HM-N filtration product. This system effectively neutralizes high-matrix interferences and integrates seamlessly with solid-phase extraction (SPE) techniques. Laboratories can process 1L wastewater samples in under 10 minutes with unprecedented ease and yield a 35% reduction in solvent use. This innovative sample matrix filtration approach enhances performance criteria by reducing detection limits, increasing accuracy, and improving precision when compared to traditional liquid-liquid extraction and micro-extraction techniques. This work highlights the transformative potential of this new technology to simplify and optimize sample preparation workflows. Environmental laboratories that implement the 47mm depth filtration disk holder for EPA 1600, 600, and 8000 series methods will maximize sample processing efficiency, improve sustainability, and produce reliable data.
Abstract # 125 - Poster
Front-View Distillation Apparatus for Comprehensive Petroleum Characterization
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
Accurate distillation profiling of petroleum products is essential for evaluating fuel performance, safety, and end-use compatibility in automotive and aviation applications. This work presents a refined methodology using Koehler’s Front-View Distillation Apparatus to execute ASTM D86 batch distillation tests under controlled, repeatable conditions. By directly observing the boiling flask through a transparent window, operators can precisely identify key temperature endpoints corresponding to specific recovery percentages. The apparatus features a fully insulated stainless-steel condenser bath, a stepless 1250 W heater with rack-and-pinion elevation controls, and digital temperature regulation to maintain consistent vapor condensation. We detail optimized procedures for sample loading (100 mL), thermometer calibration, and condenser coolant management, ensuring minimal heat loss and accurate collection of distillate fractions. Comparative case studies demonstrate the apparatus’s capability to determine volatility characteristics of motor gasolines, aviation turbine fuels, kerosenes, naphthas, and distillate fuels up to Grade No. 2 diesel oil. Data obtained correlate distillation curves with engine startup behavior, warm-up efficiency, vapor-lock tendencies, and deposit formation risks due to high-boiling residues. In conclusion, this front-view design streamlines operator intervention, reduces test variability, and reinforces compliance with ASTM D86 specifications, providing laboratories and fuel producers a robust platform for safeguarding fuel quality and optimizing engine reliability.
Abstract # 126 - Poster
Enhancing Jet Evaporation Methods for Precise Gum Content Measurement in Aviation and Automotive Fuels
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
Accurate quantification of gum content in fuels is critical to maintain engine reliability and prevent operational issues such as deposit formation, filter clogging, and component corrosion. This poster outlines advanced methodologies for determining gum content via the ASTM D381 jet evaporation test, emphasizing improvements in sample handling, instrumentation, and analytical controls. We highlight features of the Koehler Existent Gum Evaporation Bath, such as its built-in steam superheater, digital temperature regulation, and six-unit parallel testing capability, that streamline testing and reduce variability. Through a series of controlled experiments, we examine how trace metal contaminants (Cu, Fe, Ni, Zn, and Pb) accelerate gum formation in motor gasoline and gasohol blends over storage intervals (1, 2, and 4 weeks). Our data reveal that copper and iron exert the most pronounced effects on gum levels, underscoring the need for stringent metal deactivation strategies. Additionally, we discuss real-world implications of elevated gum contents in aviation turbine fuels, linking poor distribution practices to increased high-boiling residues and particulate matter, and reference Brazilian ANP regulations that cap gum at 5.0 mg/100 mL. Finally, best practices for minimizing oxidative gum precursors, including the use of antioxidants and stabilizers, are presented. Collectively, these enhancements to the ASTM D381 procedure enable laboratories to produce more reliable, reproducible gum measurements, ultimately safeguarding fuel system integrity and engine performance.
Abstract # 127 - Poster
Advancements in Copper Corrosion Assessment for Petroleum‐Derived Products
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
Copper and copper alloys are universal in petroleum handling and processing equipment, yet they remain vulnerable to corrosive attack by various hydrocarbon streams. This poster introduces an integrated suite of improved laboratory techniques for evaluating copper corrosion induced by liquid and gaseous petroleum products, as well as lubricating greases. Building on established ASTM standards—D130 (copper strip test for liquid fuels), D1838 (copper strip test for liquefied petroleum gases), and D4048 (copper corrosion detection from greases), we detail refined sample preparation, instrumentation, and procedural controls that enhance reproducibility and sensitivity. Key innovations include optimized copper‐coupon surface preparation to reduce variability, precise thermal conditioning of test baths for consistent temperature control, and updated protocols for accelerated gas‐phase exposure. Comparative case studies demonstrate how these methods detect early‐stage corrosivity in aviation gasolines, diesel fuels, LPG mixtures, and industrial greases, correlating visual coupon discoloration with quantifiable corrosion indices. The results underscore the importance of rigorous copper‐strip testing in predicting material compatibility and guiding the design of corrosion‐resistant components in storage tanks, pipelines, and refinery systems. In conclusion, these advancements provide laboratories and manufacturers with a robust framework to safeguard copper‐based infrastructure and extend equipment service life in petroleum environments.
Abstract # 128 - Poster
Precise Fuel Quality Assessment using Automated Ramsbottom Carbon Residue
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
Accurate quantification of carbon residue in petroleum products is critical for predicting deposit formation and ensuring reliable engine performance. This study evaluates the Koehler Ramsbottom Carbon Residue Apparatus, which incorporates microprocessor-controlled temperature regulation and over‐temperature protection circuitry to streamline ASTM D524 testing. In each analysis, a pre‐conditioned glass bulb is weighed before and after heating at 550 °C for 20 minutes; the residual carbon mass is recorded to calculate the percent carbon residue. Method validation was performed using diesel fuel samples, with duplicate measurements confirming repeatability (average RCR < 0.10 %). The device’s automatic temperature control and built‐in data logging significantly reduce operator variability and improve throughput compared to manual furnaces. Low carbon residue values observed in tested diesel samples demonstrate strong thermal stability and minimal deposit‐forming tendencies. By delivering fast, reproducible, and accurate RCR results, the apparatus supports quality control in refineries, blending facilities, and research laboratories, enabling timely decisions regarding fuel formulation, engine maintenance, and process optimization.
Abstract # 129 - Poster
Assessing High-Temperature Stability of Middle Distillate Fuels via Advanced Reflectance Colorimetry
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
Reliable performance of middle distillate fuels (jet and diesel) hinges on their ability to resist oxidative degradation under elevated temperatures. This study employs the Koehler Reflectance Colorimeter to quantify filterable insoluble formation in distillate samples according to ASTM D6468. Two 50 mL fuel aliquots are incubated at 150 °C for prescribed intervals (90 min and 180 min), then cooled to ambient temperature in darkness to allow particulate aggregation. A vacuum filtration system collects insoluble residues on pre-weighed filter pads, which are subsequently placed atop the photosensor for reflectance measurement. Calibration of the instrument is achieved using a black cavity standard (0 % reflectance) followed by a reference plaque with a known reflectance value. Reflectance values are averaged across duplicate samples to yield a reliable indicator of fuel stability: lower percent reflectance corresponds to higher insoluble content and diminished thermal stability. By automating calibration, data capture, and averaging protocols, the K30700 unit provides rapid, reproducible insights into fuel quality. This reflectance-based approach enables early detection of oxidative degradation, supporting safer storage, transport, and in-service use of critical distillate fuels.
Abstract # 130 - Poster
Automated Dielectric Breakdown Testing of Insulating Fluids per ASTM D877 and D1816
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
Electrical insulating fluids play a critical role in safeguarding high-voltage equipment by maintaining strong electrical resistance and preventing premature failure. This study presents the application of the Koehler Dielectric Breakdown Tester to assess dielectric strength and detect contamination in insulating oils according to ASTM D877 (disc electrodes) and ASTM D1816 (VDE electrodes). Sample preparation involves cleaning and aligning test electrodes, conditioning the fluid at a controlled ambient temperature (15 °C – 35 °C), and allowing a 10-minute equilibration period in the measuring cell. During testing, the voltage is ramped steadily until dielectric breakdown occurs; the instrument’s integrated LCD display and thermal printer capture real-time voltage curves and average breakdown voltages for each sample. Comparative analyses highlight that synthetic ester-based fluids consistently exhibit higher breakdown voltages, indicating superior insulating performance. Regular dielectric testing enables early detection of oil degradation or contamination, ensuring optimal protection for transformers and other critical components. By automating test cycles and providing precise, reproducible results, the Koehler tester supports industry efforts to extend equipment lifespan and uphold safety standards.
Abstract # 133 - Poster
Modernizing Dropping Point Testing Using Thermocouples
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
- Koehler Instrument Company
The dropping point indicates the temperature at which a grease transitions from a semi-solid to a liquid state. This is an important parameter, since a grease that is fully liquid no longer possesses the same lubrication properties. This poster introduces enhancements to the traditional ASTM D2265 dropping point test. By incorporating a High Temperature Dropping Point Apparatus and by replacing the traditionally used mercury thermometers with thermocouples, we were able to create a safer and more accurate testing method. By modernizing the temperature sensing component, the new method not only maintains the same setup, heating rate, and sample requirements stipulated in ASTM D2265, it also greatly improves measurement precision, repeatability, and operator safety. Thermocouples allow for remote monitoring, which significantly lowers exposure risk to high-temperature equipment for an extended period of time. Thermocouples eliminate the use of mercury, a hazardous material linked to central nervous system, kidney, and liver damage. Thermocouples offer superior durability, longer service life, and reduced calibration needs. Furthermore, the redesigned setup eliminates the need for sample height alignment, significantly reducing errors that can be caused by the operator.
Abstract # 135 - Poster
Sensitive Detection of Volatile Fatty Acids in High Ionic Water Matrix using Ion Chromatography hyphenated with Single Quad Mass
- Agilent
- Metrohm USA
Ion Chromatography has been an analytical tool since 1975. At least for the last two decades, ion chromatography has been hyphenated with mass spectrometer (IC-MS). Since then it has enabled the scientists to expand the horizon of analytical science. In this poster presentation, authors will highlight several applications using IC-MS as tool for advanced detection, especially highlighting Volatile Fatty Acids (VFA) in high ionic water matrices.
