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22
The upper and lower limits of the test pressure differential are determined
by the test temperature. As this temperature exceeds 212°F (100°C), the
back pressure must be increased in order to prevent vaporization of the
filtrate. If running a standard API test, the 500 psi differential pressure
must be maintained, so the top pressure will have to be increased accord
-
ingly. The table below shows the pressures recommended for various test
temperatures.
22.
Open (loosen) the Inlet valve stem ½ turn to pressurize the sample. Main
-
tain this pressure on the fluid until the temperature has stabilized. The
heating time of the sample should be one hour. This will prevent vaporiza
-
tion of the test solution if heating above the boiling point of the liquid.
23. After the one hour heat up time, increase the pressure on the inlet pres
-
sure unit to 500 psi (3,448 kPa) more than the back pressure.
24.
Open (loosen) the bottom valve stem ½ turn to initiate filtration as soon as
possible.
Closely monitor the pressure gauges. If at any time during the test the
pressure inside the cell rises above the setpoint, carefully open the
needle valve on the top pressure assembly just enough to bleed off the
excess pressure. Then close the valve. If the cell pressure decreases due
to collection of filtrate, increase the pressure with the inlet regulator.
25.
To collect filtrate, carefully open the needle valve on the bottom of the
back pressure receiver while holding a graduated cylinder to the valve
port. Close the valve immediately after the outlet pressure just begins to
decrease and filtrate is collected.
Collect filtrate at 10 seconds, 1 minute, 7.5 minute, and 30 minute inter
-
vals. The initial 10 second collection is precautionary in nature, as a fluid
with little filtration properties may fill up the 15 mL receiver tube almost
immediately, potentially damaging the regulator. Do not record the 10
second volume collected, but do record the volume collected at the other
time intervals. Timers pre-set to 7.5 minutes and 30 minutes are helpful.
Recommended Minimum Back Pressure
Test Temperature
Vapor Pressure
Minimum Back Pressure
°F
°C
psi
kPa
psi
kPa
200-299
95-149
12.1-67
84-462
100
700
300-374
150-189
67-184
462-1269
200
1400
375-399
190-199
184-247
1269-1704
275
1900
400-424
200-219
247-326
1704-2245
350
2500
425-450
220-230
326-422
2245-2912
450
3100