Standard Test Method for Aniline Point and Mixed Aniline Point of Petroleum Products and Hydrocarbon Solvents
Get more information about the standard at ASTM D611-23.
ASTM D611‑23 is a standard test method for the determination of the aniline point and mixed aniline point of petroleum products and hydrocarbon solvents. The aniline point is a key parameter for characterizing the aromatic content of hydrocarbons: lower values indicate higher aromaticity, while higher values indicate predominance of paraffinic components. This method aids in assessing solvent quality and predicting solvency behavior, and is vital in refining, formulation, and quality control of hydrocarbon-based fluids.
Details
This test method encompasses several procedures for determining the aniline point:
Test Method A: Suitable for transparent samples with an initial boiling point above ambient and an aniline point that lies below the sample’s bubble point but above its solidification point.
Test Method B: A thin-film technique for dark or opaque samples not amenable to Test Method A.
Test Methods C & D: Designed for samples that may vaporize significantly at the aniline point; Method D is especially useful when only small sample volumes are available.
Test Method E: Employs an automatic apparatus, covering the range of Methods A and B for efficient, reproducible measurements.
Industries & Applications
ASTM D611 is used across sectors where solvent characteristics and aromatic content are of interest:
- Petrochemical production and refining: Characterizes feedstocks and solvent blends to guide formulation and process control
- Paints, coatings, and resin industries: Aniline point informs solvent selection and dissolution properties.
- Hydrocarbon solvent manufacturing: Ensures product consistency and proper solvency profiles
- Environmental and health compliance: Aromatic content estimation relates to toxicity, volatile emissions, and occupational safety considerations