5.1 The pour point of a crude oil is an index of the lowest temperature of handleability for certain applications.

5.2 This is the only pour point method specifically designed for crude oils.

5.3 The maximum and minimum pour point temperatures provide a temperature window where a crude oil, depending on its thermal history, might appear in the liquid as well as the solid state.

5.4 The test method can be used to supplement other measurements of cold flow behavior. It is especially useful for the screening of the effect of wax interaction modifiers on the flow behavior of crude oils.

1.1 This test method covers two procedures for the determination of the pour point temperatures of crude oils down to −36 °C. Procedure A provides a measure of the maximum (upper) pour point temperature and is described in 9.1. Procedure B provides a measure of the minimum (lower) pour point temperature and is described in 9.2.

1.2 The use of this test method is limited to use for crude oils. Pour point temperatures of other petroleum products can be determined by Test Method D97.

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

1.4 WARNING—Mercury has been designated by many regulatory agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney, and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury-containing products. See the applicable product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s website—http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm—for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury containing products in your state or country may be prohibited by law.

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. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.