Petroleum & Lubricant Analysis – Karl Fischer & Automated Titration Methods
Accurate Moisture, Acid Number (TAN), and Base Number (TBN) Testing for Fuels and Oils
Petroleum products, fuels, and lubricants require precise analytical control to ensure performance, stability, and compliance with industry standards. Key parameters such as moisture content, acid number (TAN), and base number (TBN) directly impact equipment reliability, corrosion risk, and product quality.
At JM Science, we provide advanced analytical solutions using Karl Fischer titration and automated potentiometric titration systems for accurate and repeatable results across a wide range of petroleum applications.
Water Content in Petroleum Products (Karl Fischer Method)
Moisture is one of the most critical contaminants in fuels and lubricants. Even trace levels of water can lead to:
- Corrosion and component failure
- Reduced lubrication efficiency
- Microbial growth in fuels
- Degradation of additives
Karl Fischer titration is the industry-standard method for precise water determination, capable of measuring from ppm levels to higher concentrations.
Key Standards:
- ASTM D6304 – Water in Petroleum Products by Karl Fischer
- ISO 12937
Typical Samples:
- Gasoline
- Diesel fuel
- Heavy oil
- Lubricating oils
- Transformer oils
👉 Related Application Notes:
- Water Content in Gasoline and Heavy Oil
- Moisture Analysis in Lubricating Oils
Acid Number (TAN) in Lubricating Oils
The Total Acid Number (TAN) measures acidic components formed during oxidation and degradation of oils. Monitoring TAN is essential for:
- Predictive maintenance programs
- Oil condition monitoring
- Preventing corrosion and wear
Key Standard:
- ASTM D664 – Acid Number by Potentiometric Titration
Applications:
- In-service lubricants
- Hydraulic oils
- Engine oils
- Industrial oils
👉 Related Application Notes:
- Acid Number in Lubricating Oil
- Acid Value of Petroleum Products
Base Number (TBN) in Lubricants
The Total Base Number (TBN) indicates the alkalinity reserve in lubricants, particularly engine oils. This is critical for neutralizing acidic byproducts during operation.
Key Standard:
- ASTM D2896 – Base Number by Perchloric Acid Titration
Applications:
- Engine oils
- Marine lubricants
- Heavy-duty diesel oils
👉 Related Application Notes:
- Base Number in Lubricating Oils
- Perchloric Acid Titration Methods
Solutions for Difficult Petroleum Samples
Some petroleum and lubricant samples present unique analytical challenges, including:
- High viscosity
- Insoluble matrices
- Additive interference
- Slurry or semi-solid samples
For these applications, thermal extraction techniques such as azeotropic evaporation can improve accuracy and reproducibility.
Advanced Sample Preparation:
- Oil Evaporator Systems for difficult matrices
- Controlled heating and carrier gas transfer
- Improved recovery of bound or trapped moisture
Recommended Instruments for Petroleum Analysis
JM Science offers a complete range of analytical instruments optimized for petroleum and lubricant testing:
Karl Fischer Titrators
- AQ-300 Coulometric Karl Fischer Titrator (trace moisture, ppm level)
- AQV-300 Volumetric Karl Fischer Titrator (higher water content)
Automated Potentiometric Titrators
- COM-A19 Automatic Titrator (ASTM-compliant TAN and TBN analysis)
Advanced Systems
- Moico-A19 Karl Fischer Titrator (wide range: ppm to percent moisture)
- EV-2000L Oil Evaporator (ideal for difficult or viscous samples)
Why Choose JM Science for Petroleum Analysis?
- Proven solutions for ASTM and ISO methods
- Reliable performance from ppm to percent levels
- Specialized systems for difficult samples
- Application-driven support and real-world expertise
Explore Application Notes
Our application note library includes detailed, real-world examples covering:
- Water in fuels and oils
- Acid number (TAN) methods
- Base number (TBN) determination
- Challenging sample matrices
👉 Browse all Petroleum & Lubricant Application Notes
Request More Information
Looking to improve your petroleum or lubricant analysis?
- Request a quote
- Speak with an application specialist
- Get help selecting the right system
- Contact Info: sales@jmscience.com; Tel: 716-774-8706