General:
ASTM D4870 is a standard test method used to determine the sediment content in crude oils and fuel oils by membrane filtration. The method measures insoluble particulate matter that can contribute to fouling, plugging, and operational problems during storage, transportation, and processing. It is commonly used for quality control and product evaluation.
Precision:
The method includes established repeatability and reproducibility values obtained from interlaboratory studies. Precision depends on the sediment level in the sample and strict adherence to the prescribed filtration, washing, drying, and weighing procedures.
Test:
A measured quantity of the sample is diluted with a suitable solvent and filtered through a pre-weighed membrane filter. The retained solids are washed, the filter is dried under controlled conditions, and then reweighed.
The increase in filter mass is used to calculate the sediment content, which is reported as mass percent or milligrams of sediment, depending on the application.