Automatic Pour, Cloud, and Cold Filter Plugging Point Tester: RPCF-301CML / -302CML / -303CML / -304CML / -306CML
These models rapidly and automatically carry out the pour point, cloud point, and cold filter plugging point test procedures prescribed in the applicable standards: ASTM D97, ISO 3016, and JIS K2269 for pour point; ASTM D2500, ISO 3015, and JIS K2269 for cloud point; and ASTM D6371, IP 309, and JIS K2288 for cold filter plugging point.
Manufacturer: Rigo — Japan
Overview
These models rapidly and automatically carry out the pour point, cloud point, and cold filter plugging point test procedures prescribed in the applicable standards: ASTM D97, ISO 3016, and JIS K2269 for pour point; ASTM D2500, ISO 3015, and JIS K2269 for cloud point; and ASTM D6371, IP 309, and JIS K2288 for cold filter plugging point. The apparatus consists of a cooling unit, which incorporates a cooling bath and two refrigerators, and a measuring unit built around a compact test bath of special metal construction. For pour point measurement, the test bath itself tilts and moves back and forth, testing the sample without disturbing its surface so that delicate pour point shifts caused by viscosity change or pour-point-depressant dosing can still be detected. Cloud point is measured with a photo-sensor and glass-fiber light guides that continuously track the temperature at which wax becomes visible at the bottom of the sample-filled test tube. The RPCF-301CML to RPCF-303CML configurations provide one, two, or three test positions, while four- and six-position versions are also available.
Cold Filter Plugging Point Detection
CFPP detection uses a clamp-type photo-sensor assembly to monitor the sample as it is drawn into a pipette. An upper photo-sensor detects the sample surface and determines the suction time, while a lower photo-sensor detects whether the surface has passed a reference point and determines the fall time. If the sample has not been drawn up to the pipette meniscus within 60 seconds of suction by the built-in vacuum unit, the instrument reports that temperature as the CFPP value.
Reverse CFPP Detection
The instrument also monitors whether a sample that was drawn up normally fails to return to the test tube within a set time; if it does not, that temperature is likewise reported as a CFPP value. This reverse-detection function protects against false results when a sample becomes too viscous to flow back through the filter, which is one of the practical failure modes of the standard CFPP procedure.
Common Specifications
| Specification | RPCF-301CML / -302CML / -303CML / -304CML / -306CML |
|---|---|
| Applicable standards — pour point | ASTM D97 / ISO 3016 / JIS K2269 |
| Applicable standards — cloud point | ASTM D2500 / ISO 3015 / JIS K2269 |
| Applicable standards — CFPP | ASTM D6371 / IP 309 / JIS K2288 |
| Temperature range | 45 to -60°C (measuring unit) |
| Temperature detection | Platinum resistance thermometer (Pt 100Ω) |
| Pour point detection | Photo-sensor |
| Cloud point detection | Photo-sensor via light guides |
| CFPP detection | Photo-sensor |
| Measuring range | 45°C to -60.0°C (varies with ambient conditions) |
| Setting | 4.3-inch (54 x 95 mm) TFT touch panel |
| Measuring pitch — pour point | 1, 2.5, or 3°C, selectable |
| Measuring pitch — cloud point | Stepwise, sequential detection |
| Measuring pitch — CFPP | 1°C, selectable |
| Data output | Impact dot printer; RS232C interface (D-sub 9, male) |
| Bath (jacket) | Copper, 0.1 L capacity |
| Programmed temperatures — pour point | Automatically rotated through 8 steps: +48, +25, +7, 0, -17.5, -34, -52.5, -70°C |
| Programmed temperatures — cloud point | Automatically rotated through 6 steps: +48, 0, -17.5, -34, -52.5, -70°C |
| Programmed temperatures — CFPP | Automatically rotated through 4 steps: +53, -34, -51, -67°C |
| Temperature control | Proportional control and heater On/Off |
| Accuracy of temperature control | ±0.5°C at each step |
| Heater | 100 W per test unit |
| Cooling unit temperature range | 0 to -70°C |
| Cooling bath | Stainless steel dewar vessel |
| Recommended coolant | Methyl alcohol only |
| Refrigerator | 400 W x 2 |
| Refrigeration system | Air-cooled, air-tight dual refrigeration system |
| Refrigerant | R404A (280 g), TP5R3 (110 g) |
| Vacuum unit — water tank | 5 L |
| Vacuum unit — vacuum reservoir | 5 L |
| Vacuum unit — U-tube manometer | 1.96 kPa (200 mm aqu.) |
| Vacuum unit — air flow meter | 0 to 500 mL/min., with needle valve |
| Power requirements | Single-phase 100V AC, 50/60Hz, 2.0kW |
Model Comparison
| Specification | RPCF-301CML (1 unit) | RPCF-302CML (2 units) | RPCF-303CML (3 units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. of test positions | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Cooling bath capacity | 6 L | 6 L | 10 L |
| Dimensions (W x D x H, mm) | Approx. 450 x 910 x 1,400 | Approx. 750 x 530 x 1,400 | Approx. 1,050 x 530 x 1,400 |
| Approx. weight | 100 kg | 150 kg | 180 kg |