Distillation Tester
What It Is, How It Works, and Where It’s Used
Distillation Testers are laboratory instruments that determine the distillation range (initial boiling point, recovery curve, dry point, residue, and loss) of petroleum products and volatile organic liquids. By heating a precisely measured sample and condensing vapors under controlled conditions, a distillation tester reveals how a fluid separates into fractions across temperature—critical insight for quality control, product classification, and process optimization.
Qualitest offers Automatic Distillation Testers in single-station (standard) and Dual-unit configurations that conform to ASTM D86, ASTM D850, and ASTM D1078—the industry’s most referenced standards for atmospheric distillation testing.
Why Distillation Testing Matters
- Product identity & compliance: Confirms products meet grade specifications (e.g., gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, diesel, solvents).
- Refining & blending control: Guides cut points and blending recipes to hit target volatility and performance.
- Safety & performance: Ensures proper volatility for storage, transport, combustion efficiency, and emissions.
- Incoming inspection: Validates supplier lots to reduce variability and prevent downstream issues.
Standards We Support
- ASTM D86 – Atmospheric distillation of petroleum products and liquid fuels (e.g., gasoline, naphtha, jet fuel, kerosene, diesel, heating oils).
- ASTM D850 – Distillation of industrial aromatic hydrocarbons and similar materials at atmospheric pressure.
- ASTM D1078 – Distillation range of volatile organic liquids (e.g., solvents and oxygenated blends) at atmospheric pressure.
Qualitest Automatic Distillation Testers are engineered to deliver accurate, repeatable results across these methods with minimal operator intervention.
Where Distillation Testers Are Used
- Refineries & petrochemical plants – routine QA/QC and blend optimization
- Fuel terminals & pipelines – custody transfer checks and grade verification
- Additive & solvent manufacturers – specification testing for volatile organics
- Independent testing labs – multi-standard compliance services
- Aerospace & defense – jet fuel acceptance and conformity
- Automotive & transportation – diesel and gasoline verification
- Regulatory & inspection bodies – compliance audits and dispute resolution
How a Distillation Tester Works (At a Glance)
- Charge & setup: A measured volume is loaded into a distillation flask with the appropriate thermometer/probe.
- Controlled heating: The instrument ramps heat according to the selected test method.
- Vapor condensation: Vapors rise and condense in a cooled condenser; distillate collects in a receiving cylinder.
- Temperature/recovery tracking: The system logs key points—IBP, % recovered at temperatures, dry point, residue, and loss.
- Automatic reporting: Results are calculated and formatted to the chosen standard (ASTM D86, D850, D1078).
Qualitest Automatic Distillation Testers — Key Advantages
- Fully Automatic Operation
Pre-programmed ASTM methods, auto heat control, automatic condenser management, and real-time temperature/recovery tracking reduce operator variability and speed up throughput. - Single or Dual Units
Choose a standard single-station tester for routine QA/QC or a Dual-unit configuration to double capacity in the same footprint—ideal for high-volume labs and contract testing facilities. - Precision & Repeatability
High-accuracy temperature measurement, stable heating control, and intelligent end-point detection deliver tight repeatability across runs and operators. - Smart Safety
Over-temperature protection, flame-proof designs where applicable, spill/overflow monitoring, and automated shutdown safeguards. - Intuitive Interface & Data Integrity
Large color touchscreen, method selection wizards, guided calibration, and secure result storage with export via USB/Ethernet/LIMS. (Optional features may include audit trails and user-access control—ask Qualitest.) - Robust Construction & Easy Care
Chemically resistant materials, ergonomic layout, easy-clean condenser and bath access, and service-friendly components minimize downtime.
Typical Samples for a Distillation Tester
- Fuels: Gasoline, aviation gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, diesel, fuel oils
- Petrochemical cuts: Naphtha, reformate, aromatics (per ASTM D850)
- Solvents & VOCs: Alcohols, ketones, ethers, and specialty solvents (per ASTM D1078)
- Process streams: Light distillates and blends used in refining and chemical production
Selecting the Right Qualitest Distillation Tester
- Throughput:
- Routine labs → Standard Automatic Distillation Tester
- High volume / tight SLAs → Dual-unit Automatic Distillation Tester
- Standards coverage: Confirm which products and methods you run most often (ASTM D86/D850/D1078).
- Connectivity: Need LIMS/ERP integration or local export?
- Compliance & traceability: Consider user management, audit logs, and electronic record practices if operating in regulated environments.
- Facility & utilities: Footprint, power, ventilation, and lab safety requirements.
Qualitest is a trusted global source for Distillation Testers—delivering automatic, standards-compliant instruments that streamline your lab workflow and safeguard data quality. Whether you need a single-station unit for routine QA/QC or a Dual-unit configuration for high-throughput operations, our team will help you select, install, and support the best solution for your application.
Ready to upgrade your distillation testing?
Contact Qualitest to request a demo, specs, and pricing for our Automatic Distillation Tester lineup conforming to ASTM D86, ASTM D850, and ASTM D1078.
