Presentation Profile
Advances in Automated Low-Temperature Petroleum Testing: Flow Characterization by Optical Cloud and Tilt Pour Point Analysis
Currently Scheduled: 10/14/2026 - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Room: Exhibit Hall Entrance
Main Author
Raj Shah - Koehler Instrument Company, Inc.
- Gavin Cunningham - Koehler Instrument Company, Inc.
Abstract:
Low-temperature flow behavior is a critical determinant of petroleum product performance, particularly in fuels, lubricants, blending operations, and pipeline systems, where wax crystallization, viscosity increases, and flow losses can compromise product handling and system dependability. Cloud point identifies the temperature at which wax crystals first become optically detectable during cooling, while pour point defines the lowest temperature at which specimen movement is observed under prescribed test conditions. The Koehler K77000/K77001 Automatic Cloud and Pour Point Analyzer platform provides an ASTM-aligned approach for automated cold-flow evaluation, combining optical cloud point detection with automatic tilt-based pour point determination (in accordance with ASTM D5771 and ASTM D5950, respectively). The system automates two historically observation-dependent measurements by means of integrating controlled low-temperature cooling, wireless cloud and pour point head assemblies, optical detection, programmed test methods, real-time temperature graphing, and stored/exportable result handling. ASTM D5771 provides automatic cloud point determination for transparent petroleum products and biodiesel fuels using an optical device, while ASTM D5950 determines pour point by tilting the test jar during cooling and optically detecting surface movement of the specimen. Through a reduction of reliance on repeated manual observation while simultaneously retaining the recognized ASTM method structure, the platform enables reproducible cold-flow characterization for quality control, formulation development, comparative product evaluation, and routine petroleum laboratory testing. This automated methodology delivers a standardized model for assessing low-temperature operability, maintaining workflow consistency, and improving the reliability of cloud and pour point measurements in modern fuel and lubricant analysis.
