ASTM D1321-24a PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D1321-24a — Standard Test Method for Needle Penetration of Petroleum Waxes. This test method provides a procedure to determine the empirical consistency (hardness) of petroleum-derived waxes by measuring the depth of penetration of a standard needle under defined conditions.

Abstract

ASTM D1321-24a specifies a needle-penetration test for petroleum waxes (reporting penetration in tenths of a millimetre or penetration units) to assess consistency and relative hardness. The method covers sample conditioning, test apparatus (penetrometer/needle), test procedure (penetration time and measurement), reporting conventions, and safety considerations. It applies to waxes having a penetration not greater than 250 and clarifies procedural steps for reproducible results.

General information

• Status: Active
• Publication date: December 15, 2024 (revision designated D1321-24a; incorporates amendment/changes recorded 15 January 2025)
• Publisher: ASTM International
• ICS / categories: 75.140 — Waxes, bituminous materials and other petroleum products
• Edition / version: D1321-24a (current revision of D1321)
• Number of pages: 5

Scope

This test method covers the empirical estimation of the consistency of petroleum-derived waxes by measurement of the extent of penetration of a standard needle. It is intended for waxes with penetration values not greater than 250 (penetration units). The procedure addresses sample preparation and conditioning, the penetrometer/needle assembly, test execution (specified penetration time and measurement), and reporting of results. The standard also includes safety guidance (for example, precautions if mercury-containing apparatus are used) and notes equivalence/relationship to related penetrometer methods for other materials.

Key topics and requirements

• Measurement objective: empirical determination of wax consistency (hardness) via needle penetration depth (penetration units / tenths of mm).
• Apparatus: standard penetrometer and needle assembly as specified by the method; controlled test temperature and timing.
• Sample conditioning: melt/heat and pour procedures and conditioning to ensure representative test specimens (standard specifies conditioning temperature relative to congealing/melting point).
• Test procedure: controlled penetration time (typical needle penetration measured over a fixed interval), precise depth reading and repeatability requirements.
• Applicability limits: recommended for petroleum waxes with penetration ≤ 250; not intended for very soft materials better covered by other ASTM penetrometer/cone methods.
• Safety and environmental notes: caution about mercury-containing equipment or baths and general laboratory safety responsibilities.
• Reporting and units: results reported in penetration units (tenths of millimetre) with test conditions (temperature, conditioning details) included.

Typical use and users

Used by quality control and R&D laboratories in wax and petroleum-product manufacturing, candle and cosmetics producers (e.g., lipstick formulation development), raw-material suppliers, testing laboratories, and regulatory/standards organizations. Typical uses include lot acceptance testing, formulation development, comparative hardness ranking of wax grades, and supporting product specifications that reference wax consistency.

Related standards

Closely related ASTM test methods and documents include Test Method D5 (penetration of bituminous materials), D217 (cone penetration of lubricating greases), and D937 (cone penetration of petrolatum). The method is developed and maintained under ASTM Committee D02 (Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants), Subcommittee D02.10 (Properties of Petroleum Waxes and Alternative Wax-like Materials). Earlier editions/revisions of D1321 (for example D1321-16a, D1321-23) provide historical context and may be referenced for change history.

Keywords

needle penetration, petroleum wax, penetrometer, consistency, hardness, wax testing, congealing point, ASTM D1321, wax specifications

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D1321-24a is the ASTM test method that specifies how to determine the consistency (hardness) of petroleum-derived waxes by measuring needle penetration.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus, sample preparation and conditioning, test conditions and procedure for needle penetration, result reporting, and safety considerations for testing waxes with penetration not greater than 250.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Wax manufacturers, quality-control and R&D laboratories, cosmetics and candle formulators, independent testing labs, and anyone specifying or verifying wax consistency as part of product specifications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: D1321-24a is the current, active revision (published December 15, 2024, with recorded amendments dated January 15, 2025) and supersedes prior editions of D1321.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The method is a standalone test method within the family of ASTM physical tests maintained by Committee D02. It is related to other penetration/consistency methods (for bituminous materials, greases, petrolatum) and is part of the body of standards addressing petroleum and wax properties.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Needle penetration, petroleum wax, penetrometer, consistency, hardness, wax testing, penetration units, ASTM D1321.