Abstract: A device may include a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions to determine an initial mass of a sample; distill the sample up to at least a thermal destruction temperature; record, at a set of time points during the distilling, vapor temperature values, liquid temperature values, and vapor pressure values associated with the sample; and determine a residual mass of the sample. The processor may be further configured to generate a pressure curve based on the vapor pressure values; calculate a summary integral surface for the generated pressure curve; and generate a distillation curve that relates the vapor temperature values and the liquid temperature values to mass percentage of the sample that has evaporated, based on the calculated summary integral surface, the initial mass of the sample, and the residual mass of the sample.

Abstract: A system and method for distillation of a liquid sample at atmospheric pressure for the improved prediction of the heating necessary before the initial boiling point (IBP) of the sample is detected regardless of sample composition to ensure the IBP is observed within certain time constraints. A plurality of infrared (IR) sensors provides real-time temperature control in addition to a conventional measurement of vapor temperature. One IR-sensor monitors the liquid sample temperature in the distillation flask to obtain a corrected IBP time independent of the sample properties. Another IR-sensor monitors the temperature of the rising vapor column as the vapor rises up the neck of the distillation flask. Alternatively, an IR matrix may monitor the temperature of the rising vapor column. The system and method expand the scope of samples analyzed with improved signal, reproducibility, and test accuracy and still remain within the prescribed limits of a selected standard.

Abstract: A system and method for distillation of a liquid sample at atmospheric pressure for the improved prediction of the heating necessary before the initial boiling point (IBP) of the sample is detected regardless of sample composition to ensure the IBP is observed within certain time constraints. A plurality of infrared (IR) sensors provides real-time temperature control in addition to a conventional measurement of vapor temperature. One IR-sensor monitors the liquid sample temperature in the distillation flask to obtain a corrected IBP time independent of the sample properties. Another IR-sensor monitors the temperature of the rising vapor column as the vapor rises up the neck of the distillation flask. Alternatively, an IR matrix may monitor the temperature of the rising vapor column. The system and method expand the scope of samples analyzed with improved signal, reproducibility, and test accuracy and still remain within the prescribed limits of a selected standard.

Abstract: A high precision, reciprocating bob viscometer is shown that has two coils (A and B) encircling a reciprocating bob. Coil A is energized with a combined sinusoidal and DC signal, while coil B senses the position of the reciprocating bob, then the functions of coils A and B are reversed. By use of a large digitally-generated near resonance frequency sinusoidal signal, noise is reduced because there is no need for amplification. The sensed signal amplitude measurement is in the digital time domain instead of through analog amplitude measurements, which further eliminates signal noise. These advancements provide faster, highly accurate, low noise measurements of bob position and velocity to determine fluid/gas viscosity and related properties using a reciprocating bob viscometer. These related properties include measurements of density, shear sensitivity, yield stress, and other measurements described in prior art patents.

Abstract: A high precision, reciprocating bob viscometer is shown that has two coils (A and B) encircling a reciprocating bob. Coil A is energized with a combined sinusoidal and DC signal, while coil B senses the position of the reciprocating bob, then the functions of coils A and B are reversed. By use of a large digitally-generated near resonance frequency sinusoidal signal, noise is reduced because there is no need for amplification. The sensed signal amplitude measurement is in the digital time domain instead of through analog amplitude measurements, which further eliminates signal noise. These advancements provide faster, highly accurate, low noise measurements of bob position and velocity to determine fluid/gas viscosity and related properties using a reciprocating bob viscometer. These related properties include measurements of density, shear sensitivity, yield stress, and other measurements described in prior art patents.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is shown for determining the pumpability limit, freeze point and/or pour point of liquids, particularly fuels, at sub-ambient temperatures. A sample is placed in a viscometer which viscometer is rapidly cooled by a chiller. During cooling, after some measurements of temperature and viscosity, further temperatures and viscosity are approximated using the least squares method, which temperature and viscosity are subsequently measured to determine the pumpability limit. Continuation of the method will also give the freeze point and pour point of the sample being tested.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is shown for determining the pumpability limit, freeze point and/or pour point of liquids, particularly fuels, at sub-ambient temperatures. A sample is placed in a viscometer which viscometer is rapidly cooled by a chiller. During cooling, after some measurements of temperature and viscosity, further temperatures and viscosity are approximated using the least squares method, which temperature and viscosity are subsequently measured to determine the pumpability limit. Continuation of the method will also give the freeze point and pour point of the sample being tested.

Abstract: Method for automatically distilling liquid specimens in a standardized distillation apparatus containing a heater, a distillation flask, a collecting cylinder and control and regulation means, characterized in that: the specimen is introduced into the distillation flask; this flask is positioned in the distillation apparatus; the specimen to be analysed is classified in a group defined by the standard selected; the distillation is started, with the amount of condensate collected in the collecting cylinder, the temperature of the evaporated vapor, the temperature of the liquid specimen present in the flask, together with an operating parameter of the heater, being constantly measured; and the measured values are sent to the control and regulating means that in return control the operating parameter of the heater so as to obtain, directly and automatically, distillation parameters in accordance with a standard.

Abstract: Method for automatically distilling liquid specimens in a standardized distillation apparatus containing a heater, a distillation flask, a collecting cylinder and control and regulation means, characterized in that: the specimen is introduced into the distillation flask; this flask is positioned in the distillation apparatus; the specimen to be analysed is classified in a group defined by the standard selected; the distillation is started, with the amount of condensate collected in the collecting cylinder, the temperature of the evaporated vapour. the temperature of the liquid specimen present in the flask, together with an operating parameter of the heater, being constantly measured; and the measured values are sent to the control and regulating means that in return control the operating parameter of the heater so as to obtain, directly and automatically, distillation parameters in accordance with a standard.

Abstract: “Process for determining the distillation characteristics of liquid petroleum products by express mini-distillation and apparatus permitting implementation of this process” Apparatus characterized by the fact that it includes: a distillation flask dimensioned to receive 5 to 15 ml of a sample to be analysed, organs for heating the distillation flask, with an adjustable constant heating intensity, two inertialess temperature sensors permitting continuous measurement on the one hand of the true value of the temperature of a sample in the course of distillation in the liquid phase and the true value of the temperature of this sample in the vapor phase, a device for continuous measurement of the pressure in the vapor phase of a sample in the course of distillation which includes a pressure detector and a capillary tube, and organs for reception and exploitation of signals transmitted by the temperature sensors and the pressure detector.

Abstract: Apparatus characterized by the fact that it includes: