ASTM D6560-12
Standard Test Method for Determination of Asphaltenes (Heptane Insolubles) in Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products

Standard No.

ASTM D6560-12

Release Date

2012

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D6560-17

Latest

ASTM D6560-22

Scope

Asphaltenes are the organic molecules of highest molecular mass and carbon-hydrogen ratio normally occurring in crude petroleum and petroleum products containing residual material. They may give problems during storage and handling if the suspension of asphaltene molecules is disturbed through excess stress or incompatibility. They are also the last molecules in a product to combust completely, and thus may be one indicator of black smoke propensity. Their composition normally includes a disproportionately high quantity of the sulfur, nitrogen, and metals present in the crude petroleum or petroleum product.

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for the determination of the heptane insoluble asphaltene content of gas oil, diesel fuel, residual fuel oils, lubricating oil, bitumen, and crude petroleum that has been topped to an oil temperature of 260°C (see A1.2.1.1).

1.2 The precision is applicable to values between 0.50 and 30.0 % m/m. Values outside this range may still be valid but may not give the same precision values.

1.3 Oils containing additives may give erroneous results.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ASTM D6560-12 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1298 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
• ASTM D4052 Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
• ASTM D4057 Standard Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
• ASTM D4177 Standard Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
• ASTM D86 Standard Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products

ASTM D6560-12 history

• 2022 ASTM D6560-22 Standard Test Method for Determination of Asphaltenes (Heptane Insolubles) in Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products
• 2017 ASTM D6560-17 Standard Test Method for Determination of Asphaltenes (Heptane Insolubles) in Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products
• 2012 ASTM D6560-12 Standard Test Method for Determination of Asphaltenes (Heptane Insolubles) in Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products
• 2000 ASTM D6560-00(2005) Standard Test Method for Determination of Asphaltenes (Heptane Insolubles) in Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products
• 2000 ASTM D6560-00 Standard Test Method for Determination of Asphaltenes (Heptane Insolubles) in Crude Petroleum and Petroleum Products