Lab Session 8

VAPOR PRESSURE OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS (REID METHOD)

OBJECTIVE: To determine Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) of the given sample of Gasoline.
 Reduction in vapor locking of spark ignition engines.
 Determines ease of starting of spark ignition engines.
 Lubricating oil dilution
 Pumping and metering difficulties
 Safety

APPARATUS:
 Vapor Chamber (Upper Section)
 Liquid Chamber (Lower Section)
 Pressure Gauge
 Cooling Bath (for sample container and liquid container)
 Water Bath.
 Thermometer.
 Pressure measuring device

HAZARDS/SAFETY:
 Check all gauges against a pressure measuring device after each test to ensure high
precision.
 Check for both liquid and vapor leaks before and during the test.
 Avoid losses through evaporation and even slight changes in composition.
 Thoroughly purge the pressure gauge, vapor chamber and liquid chamber.
 Shake the apparatus vigorously as directed to ensure equilibrium.

TERMINOLOGIES:
 Vapor Pressure:

It is defined as “The pressure of the vapor over a liquid (or solids) at equilibrium.”

 Reid Vapor Pressure:

The Reid Vapor Pressure is a special pressure used to measure the volatility of gasoline
and other volatile hydrocarbon products. It is defined as “The absolute vapor pressure
exerted by a liquid at 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C)” as determined by a particular test
method designated ASTM-D323.
THEORY:
ASTM D323 is a standard test method for determining vapor pressure of Gasoline, volatile crude
oil, and other petroleum products. It is used to determine the vapor pressure in a closed container
at 37.8 degrees C (100 degrees F) of petroleum products and crude oil with initial boiling point
above 0 degree C (32 degrees F).
Reid Vapor Pressure is common measure of the volatility of Gasoline. Gasoline and other fuels
have ability to vaporize, or change from liquid to vapor, when exposed to heat or air at
temperature above the boiling point of the fuel.

FIG: REID VAPOR PRESSURE APPARATUS

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE:

Vapor Pressure is an important physical property of volatile liquids. When it comes to
automotive and aviation gasoline, it affects the starting and warm up process, as well as the
tendency to vapor lock with high operating temperatures or high altitudes.
Vapor Pressure of the crude oil is of importance to the crude producer and the refiner for general
handling and initial refinery treatment.
It is also used as an indirect measure of the evaporation rate of volatile petroleum solvents.
PROCEDURE:
1. Sample Transfer:
 Remove the sample from the cooling bath, uncap and insert the chilled transfer
tube.
 Remove the liquid chamber cooling bath and place the chamber in an inverted
position over the top pf the transfer tube.
 Fill the chamber to over flowing.

2. Assembly of Apparatus:
 Immediately remove the vapor chamber from the water bath and couple it with
the liquid chamber as quickly as possible without spoilage.

3. Introduction of Apparatus into Bath:

 Turn the assembled apparatus upside down and allow all the sample in liquid
chamber to drain into vapor chamber.
 Shake it vigorously eight times up and down.
 Immerse the assembled apparatus in the water bath maintained at 100F (37.8C) in
an inclined position.
 Be careful that no leakage should happen.

4. Measurement of Vapor Pressure:

 Keep the assembled apparatus in water bath for 5 minutes and then tap the
pressure gauge slightly and observe the reading.
 Withdraw the apparatus from the bath and repeat the same instructions (from pt.3)
 After 2 minutes, take at least 5 readings.

OBSERVATIONS:
S.N Time Interval (min) Reid Vapor Pressure (kPa)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

RESULT:
The Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) of given sample of Gasoline is ______ kPa.
QUESTIONS

Q1) What do you understand by Reid Vapor Pressure?

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Q2) What is the significance of Reid Vapor Pressure?

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Q3) What safety measures should be taken while handling RVP equipment?
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