Laboratory Analyst Training Curriculum
Mod 8 - Cold Flow
Module from the Laboratory Analyst Training Curriculum curriculum.
Module 8 — Cold Flow Properties · Learning Objectives · 1. Distinguish cloud, pour, freeze, and CFPP measurements and their regulatory roles. · 2. Operate D2500/D5773 cloud point and D97/D5853 pour point methods. · 3. Run freeze point (D2386/D5972) on jet fuel. · 4. Apply D6371 CFPP for diesel cold-weather operability. · 5. Interpret results and troubleshoot seasonal blending issues. · Cold Flow Methods
| Method | Title | Typical Product |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM D2500 | Cloud Point (manual) | Diesel, gas oil, lubes |
| ASTM D5773 | Cloud Point (automatic) | Diesel, kerosene |
| ASTM D97 | Pour Point (manual) | Distillates, lubes, crudes |
| ASTM D5853 | Pour Point of Crude Oils | Crude, waxy crudes |
| ASTM D5950 | Pour Point (automatic tilt) | Distillates, lubes |
| ASTM D2386 | Freezing Point (manual) | Jet fuel |
| ASTM D5972 | Freezing Point (automatic) | Jet fuel |
| ASTM D7153 | Freezing Point (laser) | Jet fuel, rapid method |
| ASTM D6371 | Cold Filter Plugging Point | Diesel |
| Product Cold Flow Specifications | ||
| Product | Property | Limit |
| Jet A | Freeze Point | -40 °F max |
| Jet A-1 | Freeze Point | -53 °F max |
| JP-8 | Freeze Point | -53 °F max |
| ULSD (summer) | Cloud | Seasonal regional |
| ULSD (winter N) | Cloud | <0 °F |
| ULSD (winter N) | CFPP | <-4 °F |
| No. 2 Heating Oil | Pour | <0 °F winter |
| Bunker 380 | Pour | 66 °F max |
| D2500 Cloud Point Procedure | ||
| Parameter | Value | |
| Sample volume | 1.7 fl oz (50 mL) | |
| Bath cooling stages | 32, 0, -27, -60 °F per expected CP | |
| Observation interval | Every 1.8 °F (1 °C) | |
| Endpoint | First cloud at bottom of jar | |
| Thermometer | ASTM 5C/5F or 6C/6F per range | |
| D97 Pour Point Procedure | ||
| Parameter | Value | |
| Bath temperatures | 32, 0, -27, -60, -90 °F | |
| Observation interval | Every 5.4 °F (3 °C) | |
| Endpoint | No flow when jar tilted for 5 s | |
| Report | Add 5.4 °F (3 °C) to last flow temp | |
| Preheating | 115 °F for waxy samples to reset | |
| Troubleshooting | ||
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
| High cloud point | Wax carryover from upstream | Increase dewaxing severity |
| High freeze vs cloud spread | Heavy cut in jet | Reduce 90% point / T90 |
| Off-spec winter diesel | Insufficient kerosene blend | Add kero / CFI additive |
| CFPP >> cloud | Wax morphology issue | Verify CFI additive dose |
| Inconsistent pour | Thermal history | Reheat to 115 °F, re-run |
| ◄ Return to Instructions |
Source: Laboratory_Analyst_Training_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: Mod 8 - Cold Flow
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