ASTM D5853-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D5853-24 — Standard Test Method for Pour Point of Crude Oils. This test method specifies two procedures for determining the pour point temperatures of crude oils (upper and lower pour points) and is intended to characterize the lowest temperatures at which crude oils remain handleable for storage, transport and processing.

Abstract

ASTM D5853-24 defines laboratory procedures to measure the pour point of crude oils down to −36 °C using two complementary procedures: Procedure A to determine the maximum (upper) pour point and Procedure B to determine the minimum (lower) pour point. The method is intended specifically for crude oils (not finished petroleum products) and includes sample conditioning, test apparatus and observational criteria. The standard preserves SI units as normative and includes safety guidance (notably a mercury handling warning where applicable).

General information

• Status: Active
• Publication date: May 1, 2024 (D5853-24). Document record last updated May 15, 2024.
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 75.040 (Crude petroleum)
• Edition / version: D5853-24 (2024 edition)
• Number of pages: 10

Scope

This test method covers two procedures for determination of pour point temperatures of crude oils down to −36 °C. Procedure A provides a measure of the maximum (upper) pour point temperature; Procedure B provides a measure of the minimum (lower) pour point temperature. The method is limited to crude oils; pour point determinations for finished petroleum products are covered by other methods (for example ASTM D97). Values are expressed in SI units. The standard also includes requirements for sample handling, test apparatus, test conditions and reporting of results.

Key topics and requirements

• Two distinct procedures (A and B) for upper and lower pour point determination.
• Test range down to −36 °C (designed for typical crude oil cold‑flow behavior).
• Detailed sample conditioning and handling rules to avoid artifacts from thermal history.
• Apparatus and temperature control requirements, including thermometer/temperature measurement guidance.
• Observation and reporting criteria for identification of pour point (visual flow criteria).
• Precision and bias considerations and instructions for reporting test uncertainty.
• Health and safety notes (includes warning about mercury-containing thermometers and safe handling where applicable).

Typical use and users

Used by crude oil producers, trading and marketing groups, laboratory and refinery quality control, pipeline and tanker operators, research laboratories and contract test houses. Typical applications include crude characterization for handling and storage planning, specification checks during loading/unloading and evaluation of cold‑temperature behavior and the effectiveness of pour‑point depressant/wax inhibitors.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and complementary standards include ASTM D97 (pour point of petroleum products), ASTM D4057 and D4177 (sampling practices), ASTM E1 and related thermometer/temperature measurement practices, and other D‑series methods for petroleum testing. D5853 is published in ASTM Book Volume 05.02 (Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants) and cross‑references a number of ASTM test methods used for sampling, temperature measurement and property correlation.

Keywords

pour point, crude oil, cold flow, pour‑point depressant, wax, cold handling, petroleum testing, Procedure A, Procedure B, D5853-24

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D5853-24 is the 2024 edition of the Standard Test Method for Pour Point of Crude Oils, specifying laboratory procedures to determine the upper and lower pour points of crude oils down to −36 °C.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers two procedures (Procedure A for maximum/upper pour point and Procedure B for minimum/lower pour point), sample conditioning, apparatus and measurement practices, test observation criteria and reporting for crude oils. It is limited to crude oil samples; finished products use other pour point standards.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Crude oil producers, refineries, pipeline and shipping operators, QC laboratories, independent test labs and researchers concerned with low‑temperature handling and transport of crude oils.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: D5853-24 is the active 2024 edition of the standard. It supersedes earlier editions (for example D5853-16 / D5853-11) and is the current reference for pour point testing of crude oils as of the 2024 publication.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: D5853 is part of ASTM’s petroleum testing portfolio (Book Volume 05.02) and sits alongside related D‑series standards for fuel and lubricant property measurements and sampling practices. It is commonly used in conjunction with standards such as ASTM D97 for finished petroleum products and with sampling standards (D4057, D4177).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Pour point, crude oil, cold flow, wax, cold handling, petroleum testing, D5853-24.