ASTM D5346-17(2021) PDF

Overview

ASTM D5346-17(2021) is the internationally recognized standard test method for determining the pour point of petroleum oils used in fatliquors and softening compounds. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures the precise measurement and reporting of the pour point, which is vital for quality assurance in the leather industry and the formulation of fatliquors and other softening products. By adhering to this test method, manufacturers can guarantee that their petroleum-based softening agents meet required specifications for performance and usability in leather processing.

Key Topics

• Pour Point Determination: This standard outlines the procedure for measuring the lowest temperature at which petroleum oil remains pourable. The pour point is a critical physical property that influences storage, handling, and effectiveness of petroleum oils in leather processing.
• Application Scope: The test method is specifically designed for petroleum oils used in leather softening, stuffing, and in the manufacture of fatliquors and other softening and stuffing compounds.
• Accuracy and Consistency: The standard establishes strict repeatability and reproducibility criteria to ensure results are reliable across different batches and laboratories.
• Safety and Compliance: Users are reminded to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices while following this method. The standard emphasizes compliance with relevant regulatory limitations.

Applications

The ASTM D5346 standard is essential in several practical contexts, especially within the leather industry and related manufacturing sectors, where the properties of softening agents directly affect product quality:

• Quality Control of Leather Softeners: Ensures that petroleum oils used in fatliquors and stuffing compounds maintain optimal flow characteristics, even at low temperatures, preventing processing issues or compromised end-product quality.
• Manufacturing of Fatliquors: Used by producers to verify that softening agents for leather maintain the required pourability, thus supporting consistent manufacturing and application.
• Product Development and Specification Compliance: Enables formulators to assess new petroleum oil blends or fatliquor products, confirming they meet both internal and international quality specifications.
• Regulatory and Industry Auditing: Serves as a reference method for audits and certification processes where the functional properties of softening and stuffing compounds are scrutinized.
• Documentation and Reporting: The standard provides clear guidelines for recording and reporting results, allowing transparent communication of product performance to customers and regulatory bodies.

Related Standards

ASTM D5346 references and complements several other recognized standards in the field:

• ASTM D97 - Standard Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products: The origin method from which D5346 is derived, widely used for pour point testing of general petroleum products.
• ALCA Method H-18 - Cloud and Pour Point: Related method developed by the American Leather Chemists Association, relevant for leather processing materials.
• ASTM E1 - Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers: Specifies thermometer requirements essential for accurate testing as prescribed in D5346.
• ASTM E2251 - Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids: Also referenced for precision instrumentation in the pour point determination process.

Incorporating these internationally recognized standards ensures robust, consistent, and industry-accepted results in the assessment and production of petroleum oil-based softening agents.

Keywords: ASTM D5346, pour point, petroleum oil, fatliquors, softening compounds, leather, quality assurance, standard test method.