ASTM D7213 Boiling Range Distribution Testing of Petroleum Distillates by GC
The boiling range distribution of petroleum products is determined using this test procedure. ASTM D7213 test technique applies to petroleum distillates with an initial boiling point greater than 100 °C and a final boiling point less than 615 °C when measured at atmospheric pressure. The final results of this method are displayed as per the international standards.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D7213 describes a test method for the simulated distillation of petroleum distillate fractions by gas chromatography to determine the boiling range distribution. It bridges the gap between lighter petroleum SimDis methods and covers middle distillates with boiling ranges from approximately 100°C to 615°C.
This test is widely used in petroleum refining and distribution for characterizing diesel fuels, fuel oils, lubricant base stocks, and other middle to heavy distillate fractions.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D7213 applies to petroleum distillate fractions and determines:
- Boiling point distribution (simulated distillation curve)
- Initial and final boiling points
- Cut-point yields for refinery planning
- Compliance with distillation specification limits for petroleum products
Applications
- Diesel fuel and kerosene distillation characterization
- Lubricant base stock quality and source evaluation
- Fuel oil boiling range verification for product specification
- Refinery process monitoring and cut-point optimization
- Petroleum product quality certification
Benefits
- Faster and more reproducible than ASTM D86 physical distillation
- Requires very small sample volume
- Provides complete boiling range data, not just selected cut points
- Applicable to a wide range of middle and heavy distillate products
- Accepted by major petroleum refiners and testing laboratories worldwide
Test Process
Sample Dissolution
The petroleum sample is dissolved in a volatile solvent (typically carbon disulfide) at a known concentration.
1GC Injection
The solution is injected into a GC with a non-polar column using a temperature-programmed method.
2Calibration Elution
A certified n-paraffin calibration mixture is run to establish the boiling point vs. retention time relationship.
3SimDis Curve Generation
The sample elution profile is converted to a cumulative weight percent vs. boiling temperature curve using calibration data.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM D7213 |
| Test Principle | Simulated distillation by capillary GC |
| Applicable Materials | Petroleum distillates boiling from ~100°C to 615°C |
| Detector | Flame ionization detector (FID) |
| Calibration | n-Paraffin blend with known boiling points |
| Measured Output | Cumulative wt% vs. boiling temperature (SimDis curve) |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Gas chromatograph with programmable oven (up to ~400°C)
- Non-polar capillary column (e.g., 5 m × 0.53 mm dimethylsilicone)
- FID with hydrogen and air supply
- Certified n-paraffin calibration mixture
- SimDis data processing software
Results and Deliverables
- Simulated distillation (SimDis) curve
- Initial boiling point (IBP), final boiling point (FBP)
- Yield at specified temperature cut points
- Comparison to product specification limits
- Test report with calibration and instrument data
Why Choose Infinita Lab for ASTM D7213?
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D2887 is the foundational simulated distillation method for petroleum distillates up to approximately 538°C; D7213 is an extension method covering heavier fractions up to ~615°C with modified instrumentation.
SimDis results correlate well with true boiling point (TBP) distillation data with good precision; they are faster and require far less sample but are not identical to physical distillation due to differences in mass vs. volume recovery.
With appropriate method modifications, D7213 can be applied to biodiesel and fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) blends; however, FAME-specific methods like ASTM D7398 may be more appropriate for pure FAME characterization.
Typically 0.05–0.5 mL of the neat sample before dilution; after dilution into CS2, the injection volume is 0.5–1.0 µL.
Yes — D7213 is cited in petroleum product specifications and quality testing protocols for middle distillate fuels as an alternative to D86 physical distillation for boiling range characterization.
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