USA

Koehler Instrument Company, Inc. has recently announced its new K77000 Automated Pour Point Analyzer, ideal for measuring pour point by the automatic tilt method ASTM D5950.

This user-friendly test determines the pour point of petroleum products by tilting the test jar during cooling and detecting the movement of the surface of the test specimen with an optical device.

The pour point of a petroleum product is an index of the lowest temperature of its utility for specific applications. In addition, flow characteristics such as pour point can be imperative for the proper operation of lubricating oil systems, fuel systems and pipeline operations.

This covers a wide temperature range and can reach temperatures down to -105 degree C. After preliminary heating, the test specimen is inserted into the analyser. Once the program is started, the specimen is cooled in accordance with the cooling profile listed in the ASTM method and examined at either 1 degree C or 4 degree C intervals. The lowest temperature whereby motion of the specimen is detected, by automatic equipment, is conveniently displayed as the pour point.

Some of its key features are such a wireless pour point head, integrated cooling system, automatic calibration by means of 10 point RTD calibration, sample calibration and jacket calibration. It also includes an industrial touch screen user interface with a 10.4-inch built-in color touchscreen. This state-of-the-art instrument also comes with USB and network connections with four USB interfaces and an internet (ethernet) line.

Integrated software includes preprogrammed standard test methods. Alternately, user-define test programs can also be created. In addition, there is a clear graph of temperature vs. time for sample and bath temperatures. Results can easily be searched for, viewed on screen, printed and sent via LIMS.