We are pleased to announce the launch of our new Vacuum Distillation Tester Series, offering three models to meet the diverse needs of petroleum laboratories, refineries, and research institutions. The series includes the YK-0165A, YK-0165B, and the flagship YK-9168A Smart Integrated Vacuum Distillation Tester – the latter fully compliant with ASTM D1160 for vacuum distillation of petroleum products.

Why Vacuum Distillation?

Vacuum distillation is an essential analytical technique for characterizing high-boiling petroleum fractions, lubricants, and chemical products. By reducing the pressure above a liquid sample, the boiling points of components are lowered, allowing distillation at safer temperatures and preventing thermal cracking or decomposition. This is particularly important for:

• Heavy petroleum fractions (atmospheric residue, vacuum gas oil)

• Lubricating oils and base oils

• Asphalt and bitumen components

• Heat-sensitive chemicals and solvents

ASTM D1160 specifically describes the standard test method for distillation of petroleum products at reduced pressure, providing critical data for refining process control and product specification compliance.

Key Features :

1. Fully Integrated Design

Unlike traditional vacuum distillation setups that require separate vacuum pumps, controllers, and heating mantles, the YK-9168A integrates all components into a single cabinet. This saves valuable laboratory bench space and simplifies installation – simply connect power, cooling water, and start.

2. ASTM D1160 Compliance

The YK-9168A is designed and manufactured to meet the requirements of ASTM D1160 – Standard Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products at Reduced Pressure. This includes:

• Specified heating rate control

• Accurate vacuum measurement and control

• Proper condenser and receiver configuration

• Standardized distillation flask dimensions

• Defined end-point detection criteria

3. Automatic Vacuum Control

The integrated vacuum pump and digital pressure controller maintain stable vacuum levels throughout the distillation. The operator can set the target vacuum pressure (e.g., 10 mmHg, 1 mmHg, or 0.5 mmHg), and the system automatically adjusts pump speed and bleed valve to maintain the setpoint.

4. Intelligent Distillation Curve Analysis

The touchscreen displays a real-time graph of temperature vs. distillate volume. The system automatically records:

• Initial boiling point (IBP)

• Distillate volumes at specified temperature intervals

• Final boiling point (FBP)

• Recovery volume and residue

• Distillation loss

5. Automatic End-Point Detection

The system automatically detects when distillation is complete based on:

• Maximum temperature reached

• No further distillate collected over a specified time

• Manual stop by operator

6. Comprehensive Data Management

• Built-in printer – Instant hard copy of distillation report

• USB port – Export data to USB drive for archiving or further analysis

• RS232 interface – Connect to LIMS or laboratory computer

• Internal memory – Store up to 200 test records with recall capability

7. Operator Safety Features

• Over-temperature protection – Heating shuts off if temperature exceeds set limit

• Vacuum failure alarm – Alerts operator if vacuum is lost unexpectedly

• Cooling water monitoring – Alarms if cooling water flow is insufficient

• Emergency stop button – Immediate shutdown in any emergency

• Safety shield – Protects operator in case of flask failure

Get in Touch

To learn more about our Vacuum Distillation Tester Series – YK-0165A, YK-0165B, or YK-9168A – request a quotation, or discuss your specific application requirements, please visit our website or contact us directly.