Mod 2 - Distillation

Module from the Laboratory Analyst Training Curriculum curriculum.

Module 2 — Distillation Methods · Learning Objectives · 1. Select the correct distillation method (D86, D1160, D2892) for the product under test. · 2. Operate manual and automated distillation apparatus per ASTM procedure. · 3. Identify atmospheric-equivalent temperature (AET) corrections for vacuum distillation. · 4. Interpret IBP, 5%, 10%, 50%, 90%, and FBP values for product quality control. · 5. Apply precision limits (repeatability r, reproducibility R) for dispute resolution. · Distillation Method Comparison

Method	Title	Application
ASTM D86	Distillation at Atmospheric Pressure	Gasoline, kerosene, diesel, light distillates
ASTM D1160	Distillation at Reduced Pressure	Heavy distillates to 750 °F AET
ASTM D2892	TBP 15-Theoretical Plate	Crude assay TBP 0–752 °F AET
ASTM D5236	Potstill for Heavy Hydrocarbons	Residuum to 1050 °F AET
ASTM D2887	Simulated Distillation by GC	IBP to FBP via GC, fast
ASTM D7169	HT SimDis for Residua	Crude / resid SimDis to 1382 °F
D86 Operating Parameters
Group	Products	Condenser Temp
Group 1	Gasoline, aviation gas	32–39 °F
Group 2	Naphtha, kerosene (IBP<482 °F)	32–39 °F
Group 3	Gas oil (IBP 482–572 °F)	32–39 °F
Group 4	Heavy gas oil (IBP >572 °F)	122–140 °F
Typical Product Distillation Targets
Product	IBP °F	10% °F
Reg. MoGas	95–104	131–149
Jet A / Jet A-1	300–330	360–400
ULSD	356–446	392–500
Kerosene	284–320	338–392
Heavy Gas Oil	572–680	680–770
AET Conversion (D1160 to Atmospheric)
Test Pressure (mmHg)	Approx AET Shift
10 mmHg	Add ~220–280 °F to observed
5 mmHg	Add ~250–310 °F
2 mmHg	Add ~280–340 °F
1 mmHg	Add ~300–360 °F
Precision — D86 Representative Values
Point	Repeatability (r)	Reproducibility (R)
IBP (Group 2)	6.3 °F	13.0 °F
10% recovered	5.2 °F	9.0 °F
50% recovered	3.6 °F	5.4 °F
90% recovered	5.2 °F	9.0 °F
FBP	6.5 °F	12.6 °F
Common Troubleshooting
Symptom	Likely Cause	Fix
Low IBP	Light ends flashing before charge	Chill sample; use pre-cooled receiver
High FBP	Bath overshoot	Verify heater ramp; clean flask neck
Cracking at FBP	Residence time too long	Increase boil rate toward FBP range
Noisy cut temps	Thermometer placement	Re-center in vapor stream, below side arm
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Source: Laboratory_Analyst_Training_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: Mod 2 - Distillation

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