ASTM D6378: Standard Test Method for Determination of Vapor Pressure (VPX) of Petroleum Products, Hydrocarbons, and Hydrocarbon-Oxygenate Mixtures (Triple Expansion Method)

This test method covers the use of automated vapor pressure instruments to determine the vapor pressure exerted in vacuum by volatile, liquid petroleum products, hydrocarbons, and hydrocarbon-oxygenate mixtures. This test method is suitable for testing samples with boiling points above 0°C (32°F) that exert a vapor pressure between 7 and 150 kPa (1.0 and 21 psi) at 37.8°C (100°F) at a vapor-to-liquid ratio of 4:1. The liquid sample volume size required for analysis is dependent upon the vapor-to-liquid ratio chosen (see Note 1) and the measuring chamber volume capacity of the instrument (see 6.1.1 and Note 3).

NOTE 1—The test method is suitable for the determination of the vapor pressure of volatile, liquid petroleum products at temperatures from 0 to 100°C at vapor to liquid ratios of 4:1 to 1:1 (X = 4 to 1) and pressures up to 500 kPa (70 psi), but the precision statement (see Section 16) may not be applicable.

This test method also covers the use of automated vapor pressure instruments to determine the vapor pressure exerted in vacuum by aviation turbine fuels. This test method is suitable for testing aviation turbine fuel samples with boiling points above 0°C (32°F) that exert a vapor pressure between 0 and 110 kPa (0 and 15.5 psi) at a vapor-to-liquid ratio of 4:1, in the temperature range from 25 to 100°C (77 to 212°F).

The vapor pressure (VPX) determined by this test method at a vapor-liquid ratio of 4:1 (X = 4) of gasoline and gasoline-oxygenate blends at 37.8°C can be correlated to the dry vapor pressure equivalent (DVPE) value determined by Test Method D5191 (see 16.3). This condition does not apply when the sample is aviation turbine fuel.

The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, see 7.2-7.8.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

aviation turbine fuel

dry vapor pressure

gasoline

gasoline and gasoline-oxygenate blends

hydrocarbonoxygenate blends

mini method

petroleum products

vapor pressure

variable volume method