1.1 This test method covers an automated procedure involving titration and optical detection of precipitated asphaltenes for determining the stability and compatibility parameters of refinery residual streams, residual fuel oils, and crude oils. Stability in this context is the ability to maintain asphaltenes in a peptized or dissolved state and not undergo flocculation or precipitation. Similarly, compatibility relates to the property of mixing two or more oils without precipitation or flocculation of asphaltenes.

1.2 This test method is applicable to residual products from atmospheric and vacuum distillation, from thermal, catalytic, and hydrocracking processes, to products typical of Specifications D 396, Grades No. 5L, 5H, and 6, and D 2880, Grades No. 3-GT and 4-GT, and to crude oils, providing these products contain 0.05 mass % or greater concentration of asphaltenes.

1.3 This test method is not relevant to oils that contain less than 0.05 % asphaltenes, and would be pointless to apply to unstable oils that already contain flocculated asphaltenes.

1.4 The values stated in SI units shall be considered 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.