Process and apparatus for continuous measurement of the pour point of oil

摘要

A process for continuously measuring the pour point of oil comprises introducing the oil into the lower portion of a substantially vertical tube at a pressure sufficient to cause the oil to move up the tube and subjecting the oil to a temperature gradient as it rises through the tube such that the oil is cooled in the lower portion of the tube to a temperature below the pour point and solidifies, and in the upper portion of the tube the temperature of the oil is raised so that the oil becomes liquid again thereby forming a solid/liquid interface in the tube. A temperature sensing means which is axially moveable in the tube is arranged to rest at the solid/liquid interface and provides a continuous signal, representing the pour point of the oil sample at the interface to a measuring and/or recording device. The invention also includes apparatus for carrying out the process.