7th Edition
CHAPTER 3
PETROLEUM FRACTION DISTILLATION
INTERCONVERSIONS
Revised Chapter 3 to the Fifth Edition (1992) and Seventh Edition (2005)
2005, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
Index
Chapter 3 Petroleum Fraction Distillation Interconversions
Preface ........................................................................................................................................................................ iii
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................1
Figure 3-0.1 Typical ASTM D86 and Simulated Distillation Curves for a Petroleum Fraction.......................................... 1
Figure 3-0.2 ASTM, True Boiling Point, and Equilibrium Flash Vaporization Distillation Curves for a Naphtha-Kerosine
Blend ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 3-0.3 Distillation Conversion Routes ....................................................................................................................... 3
Table 3-0.4 Summary of Correlations for Converting Distillation Data.............................................................................. 4
Computer Methods......................................................................................................................................................5
ASTM, True Boiling Point and Simulated Distillation Relationships.....................................................................6
Procedure 3A1.1 Interconversion of ASTM D86-TBP Distillations at Atmospheric Pressure............................................ 6
Figure 3A2.1 Subatmospheric ASTM Distillation and True Boiling Point Distillation Relationship ................................. 9
Procedure 3A3.1 Conversion of Standard (ASTM D2887) to True Boiling Point Distillation at Atmospheric Pressure.. 11
Procedure 3A3.2 Conversion of Simulated (ASTM D2887) to ASTM D86 Distillation at Atmospheric Pressure........... 14
Procedure 3A4.1 Interconversion of Distillation Data for Petroleum Fractions at Subatmospheric Pressures.................. 17
Bibliography...............................................................................................................................................................19
3 - ii
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7-2005
Preface
Chapter 3 Petroleum Fraction Distillation Interconversions
(1994)
The subject of distillation has been of continuing concern in the design and operation of petroleum refineries
and related industries. Most of the procedures for inter-conversion of various distillation data in the previous
editions had been developed in the 1940s and 1950s. During the past two years, continued interest has led to the
development of new analytical correlations for conversion of various distillation data. Detailed results of the
methods tested and developed in the course of this work, together with the rationale for inclusion of the procedures
in this chapter are available in Documentation Report No. 3-93 available from University Microfilms, Inc., Ann
Arbor, Michigan.
The majority of work on this chapter was carried out by Thomas E. Daubert assisted by Nancy Crane DAubert.
The chapter coordinating committee for the Technical Data Committee was Arthur E. Ravicz of Chevron Research
and Technology Company, Chair; Sheldon J. Kramer of Amoco Oil Company, Dale Embry of Phillips Petroleum
Company, and Peter Nick of Unocal.
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3 - iii
3 - iv
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7-2005
Introduction
Chapter 3 Petroleum Fraction Distillation Interconversions
(1994)
ASTM and true boiling point (TBP) analytical
distillations are used to define the volatility
characteristics of petroleum fractions and other
complex mixtures. Both are batch distillations,
which differ mainly in the degree of fractionation
obtained during the distillation.
ASTM D86 and D1160 distillations are run in
an Engler flask. No packing is employed, and reflux
results only from heat losses through the neck of the
flask. ASTM distillations are more widely used than
TBP distillations because the former are simpler,
less expensive, require less sample, and require only
approximately one-tenth as much time. ASTM
distillations are standardized. TBP distillations vary
appreciably in procedure and apparatus. ASTM
distillation methods in use today are:
ASTM Method D86: This method is used for
the distillation of motor gasolines, aviation
gasolines, aviation turbine fuels, naphthas,
kerosenes, gas oils, distillate fuel oils, and similar
petroleum products. It is carried out at atmospheric
pressure. An exposed thermometer is used, and
temperatures are reported without stem corrections.
ASTM D86 distillations are plotted in volume
percent.
ASTM Method D1160: This method is used for
heavy petroleum products, which can be vaporized
partially or completely at a maximum liquid
temperature of 750 F at absolute pressures down to 1
mm Hg and condensed at the pressures of the test. It
is carried out at pressures between 1 mm Hg and 50
mm Hg, absolute. Temperatures are measured with a
thermocouple. ASTM D1160 distillations are plotted
in volume percent.
ASTM Method D2887: Simulated distillation
(SD) by gas chromatography appears to be the most
simple, reproducible, and consistent method to
describe the boiling range of a hydrocarbon fraction
unambiguously. This method is applicable to all
petroleum fractions with a final boiling point of
1000 F or less at atmospheric pressure. The method
is also limited to samples having an initial boiling
point of at least 100 F. Figure 3-0.1 shows a typical
relation between ASTM D86 and ASTM D2887
distillations for a petroleum fraction. Simulated
distillations are plotted in weight percent.
ASTM Method D2892: This method is used for
distillation of stabilized crude petroleum defined as
having a Reid vapor pressure less than 12 psi. It
employs a fractionating column of 14-18 theoretical
stages operated at a reflux ratio of 5. The
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2005, The American Petroleum Institute and EPCON International - All Rights Reserved
3-1
Introduction
Chapter 3 Petroleum Fraction Distillation Interconversions
(1994)
TBP distillations are performed in columns with
15 to 100 theoretical plates at relatively high reflux
ratios (i.e., 5 to 1 or greater). The high degree of
fractionation in these distillations gives accurate
component distributions for mixtures. The lack of
use of a standardized apparatus and operational
procedure is a disadvantage, but the variations
between various laboratories are small because a
close approach to perfect separation by boiling point
is usually achieved. A TBP curve is also shown in
Figure 3-0.2 for comparison with an ASTM D86
distillation.
3-2
ASTM-TBP
(Atmospheric)
ASTM-TBP
(Subatmospheric)
SD-TBP-ASTM (Atmospheric)
Interconversions at
Subatmospheric Pressures
Use of Procedures
Procedures in this chapter are interconnected
and are in most respects consistent. In addition, all
predicted distillation curves are of the correct shape.
Careful study of Figure 3-0.3 and Table 3-0.4 gives
the method(s) to be used for each conversion. It
should be noted that in some cases alternative paths
are possible. The narrative below describes the
procedures to be used in each case.
Procedure 3A1.1 (Step 1) allows interconversion
between ASTM D86 and TBP distillations. Expected
average errors are given in the Comment.
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7-2005
4
ASTM D86
3
R
O
U
T
E
760 mm
TBP
760 mm
5
TBP
TBP
5
Subatmospheric
10 mm
ASTM D1160
ASTM D1160
5
Subatmospheric
10 mm
ASTM D1160
Reported at
760 mm
Step
1
2
3
4
5
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Procedure
3A1.1
3A2.1
3A3.1
3A3.2
3A4.1
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3-3
Introduction
Chapter 3 Petroleum Fraction Distillation Interconversions
Procedure 3A3.1 (Step 3) allows direct
interconversion of ASTM D2887 (Simulated) and
TBP distillations with excellent accuracy as shown
in the Comments. D2887 was developed to be
equivalent to a TBP distillation. Many in the
industry use D2887 directly as a TBP input for
calculations and simulations.
Procedure 3A3.2 (Step 4) relates ASTM D2887
(Simulated) and ASTM D86 distillations with
accuracy as given in the Comments. This conversion
route should not be used for fractions with D86
distillation temperatures above 600 F. ASTM has
developed two procedures for conversion of D2887
data to D86 distillations. These are documented in
D2887-04a. They were developed from kerosene,
jet fuel, and diesel data.
The conversion of Simulated to TBP
distillations can also be carried out in two steps (4
and 1) with little degradation of the prediction. See
discussion in Procedure 3A3.1.
Figure 3A2.1 (Step 2) allows conversion of
ASTM D1160 to TBP distillations at 10 mm
mercury total pressure after which Procedure 3A4.1
(Step 5) can be used to convert the TBP to
(1994)
atmospheric pressure. This method is only
recommended for development of a TBP
distillation curve if neither an ASTM D86 or
simulated distillation are available as the curve,
though reasonably shaped, was not able to be
verified since insufficient experimental data were
available.
Equilibrium flash data, while probably more
reproducible than ASTM and TBP data, are obtained
using different types of apparatus and many
variations in procedure. A computer method for flash
calculations and estimation of equilibrium K-Values
for petroleum fractions using a modified
Soave-Redlich-Kwong (6) equation of state is
included in Chapter 8.
Note: A report which documents the basis upon
which the material in all editions of this chapter was
selected has been published by the American
Petroleum Institute as Documentation Reports No.
3-66, No. 2, 3-86, and No. 3-93. All data used for
development of prediction methods are referenced in
these reports.
Data Desired
Pressure
mm Hg
Type
ASTM D2887 (SD)
ASTM D86
ASTM D1160
ASTM D1160
ASTM D1160
TBP
ASTM D2887 (SD)
ASTM D1160
ASTM D1160
ASTM D1160
ASTM D1160
760
760
10
10
10
10
760
1
1
100
100
Type
ASTM D86
TBP
TBP
TBP
ASTM D86
TBP
TBP
TBP
ASTM D86
TBP
ASTM D86
Pressure
mmHg
Conversion Method
Steps in Fig. 3-0.3
760
760
10
760
760
760
760
760
760
760
760
4
1
2
2, 5
2, 5, 1
5
3
5, 2, 5
5, 2, 5, 1
5, 2, 5
5, 2, 5, 1
3-4
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7-2005
Computer Methods
Chapter 3 Petroleum Fraction Distillation Interconversions
(2005)
Program
7-2005
Procedure
Distillation
Interconversions
Distillation
Interconversions
3A1.1
Distillation
Interconversions
Distillation
Interconversions
3A3.2
3A3.1
3A4.1
Description
Interconversion of ASTM D86-TBP Distillations
at Atmospheric Pressure
Conversion of Standard (ASTM D2887) to True
Boiling Point Distillation at Atmospheric
Pressure
Conversion of Simulated (ASTM D2887) to
ASTM D86 Distillation at Atmospheric Pressure
Interconversion of Distillation Data for
Petroleum Fractions at Subatmospheric
Pressures
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3-5
(3A1.1-1)
Where:
TBP (50) = true boiling point distillation temperature at 50 volume percent distilled,
degrees Fahrenheit.
ASTM D86 (50) = observed ASTM D86 distillation temperature at 50 volume percent
distilled, degrees Fahrenheit.
To determine the difference between adjacent cut points, use the following equation:
Yi = AX iB
(3A1.1-2)
Where:
Yi = difference in true boiling point distillation temperature between two cut points, degrees F
Xi = observed difference in ASTM D86 distillation temperature between two cut points, degrees F
A, B = constants varying for cut point ranges, described as follows.
i
1
2
3
4
5
6
Cut Point
Range
100% - 90%
90% - 70%
70% - 50%
50% - 30%
30% - 10%
10% - 0%
A
0.11798
3.0419
2.5282
3.0305
4.9004
7.4012
B
1.6606
0.75497
0.82002
0.80076
0.71644
0.60244
Maximum
Allowable
Xi, (F)
100
150
250
250
100
To determine the true boiling point temperature at any percent distilled, add or subtract the proper difference (s)
from the predicted 50% true boiling point temperature.
TBP (0) = TBP (50) -Y4 -Y5 -Y6
TBP (10) = TBP (50) -Y4 -Y5
TBP (30) = TBP (50) -Y4
TBP (70) = TBP (50) + Y3
TBP (90) = TBP (50) + Y3 + Y2
TBP(100) = TBP (50) + Y3 + Y2 + Y1
(3A1.1-3)
Procedure
Step 1: Use equation (3A1.1-1) to calculate the TBP distillation temperature at 50% distilled.
Step 2: Use equation (3A1.1-2) to calculate necessary TBP differences.
Step 3: Use equation(s) (3A1.1-3) to calculate desired TBP distillation temperatures.
To determine the ASTM D86 distillation temperatures from the TBP distillation temperatures, reverse the
procedure. Thus, equation (3A1.1-1) becomes
( ASTM D86 (50) ) = exp
1.0258
(3A1.1-4)
Similarly, all equations (3A1.1-2) can be reversed, and all equations (3A1.1-3) can be modified by
changing TBP to ASTM
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7-2005
30
380
371
50
404
409
70
433
447
90
469
491
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3-7
Similarly, using equation (3A1.1-2) and (3A1.1-3) at the other cut points,
Y2 = 45.5
Y3 = 40.0
Y5 = 56.0
TBP(10) = 372.6 56.0 = 316.6 F
TBP(70) = 411.2 + 40.0 = 451.2 F
TBP(90) = 451.2 + 45.5 = 496.7 F
The reverse conversion from experimental TBP temperatures to ASTM D86 temperatures is illustrated only
for the 50% and 30% points.
(1) Use equation (3A1.1-4) to convert the experimental TBP 50% point temperature.
ln(409 / 0.87180)
ASTM D86(50) = exp
= 401.9 F
1.0258
3-8
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7-2005
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3-9
30
400
50
475
70
550
90
650
First, from Fig. 3A2.1, find the temperature differences for each segment of the TBP curve at 10 mm Hg:
Segment of Curve
(Percent by volume)
10 mm Hg
ASTM D 1160
Temperature
Difference
(Degrees Fahrenheit)
10 to 30
30 to 50
50 to 70
70 to 90
100
75
75
100
10 mm Hg TBP
Temperature
Difference
from (Fig 3A2.1)
(Degrees Fahrenheit)
106
82
75
100
The TBP temperatures are then calculated. The ASTM D 1160 and TBP distillation 50-percent temperatures
are assumed to be equal at 10 mm Hg absolute pressure. Here, the 50-percent temperature is 475 F:
30-percent temperature = 475 82 = 393 F
10-percent temperature = 393 106 = 287 F
3 - 10
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7-2005
(3A3.1-1)
Where:
TBP (50) = true boiling point temperature at 50 volume percent distilled, degrees Fahrenheit.
SD (50) = simulated distillation temperature at 50 weight percent distilled, degrees Fahrenheit.
To determine the difference between adjacent cut points, use the following equation.
Wi = CVi D
(3A3.1-2)
Where:
Wi = true boiling point temperature difference between two cut points, degrees Fahrenheit.
Vi = simulated distillation temperature difference between two cut points, degrees Fahrenheit.
C, D = constants varying for cut point ranges, described as follows.
Cut Point
i
Range
1
100% - 95%*
2
95% - 90%
3
90% - 70%
4
70% - 50%
5
50% - 30%
6
30% -10%
7
10% - 5%
*approximate-use with care
C
0.02172
0.97476
0.31531
0.19861
0.05342
0.011903
0.15779
D
1.9733
0.8723
1.2938
1.3975
1.6988
2.0253
1.4296
Approximate
Maximum
Vi, (F)
30
40
75
75
75
75
40
To determine the true boiling point temperature at any percent distilled, add or subtract the proper difference(s)
from the predicted 50% true boiling point temperature.
TBP (5) = TBP (50) - W5 - W6 -W7
TBP (10) = TBP (50) - W5 - W6
TBP (30) = TBP (50) - W5
TBP (70) = TBP (50) + W4
TBP (90) = TBP (50) + W4 + W3
TBP (95) = TBP (50) + W4 + W3 + W2
TBP (100) = TBP (50) + W4 + W3 + W2 + W1
(3A3.1-3)
Procedure
Step 1: Use equation (3A3.1-1) to calculate the TBP at the 50% distilled point.
Step 2: Use equation (3A3.1-2) to calculate necessary TBP differences.
Step 3: Use equations(s) (3A3.1-3) to calculate desired TBP temperatures.
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3 - 11
Special Comment
This method was derived from all data available to the project and was judged to be the most appropriate form for
interconversion among various types of distillations. As additional data become available, the constants in equations (3A3.1-2)
can easily be improved. In addition, users may wish to check the correlation with their proprietary data before using it.
A two-step procedure giving essentially equivalent results for materials with TBP temperatures below 600 F consists of step
4 followed by step 1 of Figure 3-0.3. The table below shows an error analysis, carried out on 19 sets of data for which ASTM
D86, TBP, and SD were available, which confirms this conclusion. This method should be limited to fractions boiling below 600
F.
Conversion of Simulated to TBP Distillation Comparison of Two-Step Procedure with OneStep Procedure-Error Analysis
Conversion of SD to ASTM D86
by step 4 followed by Conversion
of Calculated ASTM D86 to TBP
by step 1
Conversion of SD to TBP
by step 3
Errors, F
Errors, F
%
Distilled
0
10
30
50
70
90
100
3 - 12
Data
points
Ave
Bias
Ave
Bias
18
19
19
19
19
19
8
32.3
12.2
8.4
7.4
9.0
11.3
5.6
-29.0
-9.2
-2.7
0.3
2.3
3.0
4.5
19.7
12.3
9.6
11.0
12.6
8.1
0.2
1.0
0.6
-1.4
-1.4
-8.0
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7-2005
10
305
322
30
324
326
50
336
332
70
344
337
90
359
345
95
369
348
7-2005
TBP (95)
TBP (90)
TBP (70)
TBP (10)
TBP (5)
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3 - 13
(3A3.2-1)
Where:
ASTM (50) = ASTM D86 temperature at 50 volume percent distilled, degrees Fahrenheit.
SD (50) = simulated distillation temperature at 50 weight percent distilled, degrees Fahrenheit.
To determine the difference between adjacent cut points, use the following equation.
U i = ETi F
(3A3.2-2)
Where:
Ui = ASTM D86 distillation temperature difference between two cut points, degrees Fahrenheit.
Ti = SD temperature difference between two cut points, degrees Fahrenheit.
E,F = constants varying for cut point ranges, described as follows.
Approximate
Maximum
Cut Point
Allowable
i
Range
E
F
Ti, (F)
1
100% - 90%
2.6029
0.65962
100
2
90% - 70%
0.30785
1.2341
100
3
70% - 50%
0.14862
1.4287
100
4
50% - 30%
0.07978
1.5386
100
5
30% - 10%
0.06069
1.5176
150
6
10% - 0%
0.30470
1.1259
150
To determine the ASTM D86 temperature at any percent distilled, add or subtract the proper difference(s) from
the predicted 50% ASTM D86 temperature.
ASTM (0) =
ASTM (10) =
ASTM (30) =
ASTM (70) =
ASTM (90) =
ASTM (100) =
ASTM (50) - U4 - U5 - U6
ASTM (50) - U4 - U5
ASTM (50) - U4
ASTM (50) + U3
ASTM (50) + U3 + U2
ASTM (50) + U3 + U2 + U1
(3A3.2-3)
Procedure
Step 1: Use equation (3A3.2-1) to calculate the ASTM D86 at the 50% distilled point.
Step 2: Use equation (3A3.2-2) to calculate necessary ASTM D86 differences.
Step 3: Use equation(s) (3A3.2-3) to calculate desired ASTM D86 temperatures.
3 - 14
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7-2005
10
93
134
30
148
163
50
215
208
70
285
269
90
360
335
100
408
390
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3 - 15
3 - 16
=
=
=
=
=
33.5 F
63.4 F
64.3 F
26.5 F
6.9 F
=
=
=
=
=
367.5 F
334.0 F
270.6 F
128.3 F
121.4 F
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7-2005
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3 - 17
Pressure,
mm Hg
760
10
10
1
Volume
% Distilled
30
34
58
62
API
Gravity
44.5
40.8
26.3
24.7
Interconvert these data to distillation temperatures at each of 1, 10, and 760 mm Hg pressure.
Although it is not necessary in this case, assume K = 12 and read results directly from Figure 5A1.20b. The
measured temperature at one pressure can be converted to each of the other two pressures. The results are given
below:
Volume % Distilled
30
34
58
62
Pressure, mm Hg
760
10
1
TBP Temperature, F
450*
218
144
492
252*
175
742 782
463* 498
370 403*
_________________
*Experimental values.
Each tabulation slows good consistency. In this case, note that the actual Watson K is calculable for the first
point and could be used with the full Procedure 5A1.19. For example, for the first point:
K = (450 + 460) 1/3/ [141.5/ (131.5 + 44.5)] = 12.06
The Watson K for the entire crude, assuming a MeABP of 617 F, is 11.8 and could be used as an estimate for
all fractions distilled at subatmospheric pressure.
3 - 18
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7-2005
Bibliography
Chapter 3 Petroleum Fraction Distillation Interconversions
(1994)
1.
2.
3.
7-2005
4.
5.
6.
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3 - 19