DETERMINATION OF CLOUD POINT AND POUR POINT OF LIQUID FUEL

DETERMINATION OF CLOUD POINT AND POUR POINT OF LIQUID FUEL

Aim: To determine the cloud point and pour point of any liquid fuel

Apparatus: Cloud point and pour point refrigerator, measuring cylinder.

Sample: any liquid fuel

Significant: To determine the flow rate of a liquid fuel in a particular environment with respect to cold weather conditions. It is use to determine the minimum temperature at which a liquid fuel will form crystal wax, and cease to flow. It is also use to determine the freezing point of a liquid fuel.

Theory / Definition:

Cloud point and pour point are important physical properties of any liquid fuel.

Cloud Point: is the minimum temperature at which a cloud of wax crystals/turbid nature first observe in a liquid fuel when it is subjected to cooling system under special testing conditions. The cloud point of any petroleum product is an indicator of how well the fuel will perform under cold weather conditions.

Pour Point: Is just the opposite of cloud point as it refers to the minimum temperature at which movement of oil is observed and the fuel can be pump easily. Below this temperature the liquid fuel will cease to flow.

Industrial Definition

Cloud Point: is the temperature below which wax in fuel tends to form a cloudy appearance. This is a condition which is detrimental for any engine as solidified wax makes the fuel thick and it clog the fuel filter and injectors.

 
Pour Point: On the other hand pour point is the minimum temperature at which the fuel continues to flow. Pour point of a fuel indicate the temperature at which fuel can still be pump. Alternately, pour point can also be described as the minimum temperature at which a fuel performs satisfactorily and beyond the temperature, the fuel stop flowing and start to freeze
 
Instructional Procedure For The Operation Of Cloud Point And Pour Point Refrigerator

1.     Switch on the cloud point and pour point refrigerator.

2.     Set the sample compartment temperature to the desired temperature in it compartment and ensure it is air tight.

3.     Place the thermometer in its compartment and ensure it is air tight.

4.     Take 100ML of the sample and pour into the sample container.

5.     Place the sample in the sample compartment (take note of initial temperature of the sample).

6.     For cloud point, monitor the sample at intervals to the point where cloudy appearance/solid wax/when it looks turbid and record the temperature using the thermometer.

7.     For pour point, monitor the sample at interval until it ceases to flow. Record the temperature.

8.     At the end of the test, switch off the equipment and disconnect the power source.

9.     Remove the sample form the sample compartment and clean and keep dry.