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Home > Publications Directory > Technical Bulletins > Fuel Cloud Point, Pour Point Measures Fluidity in Extreme Conditions

Fuel Cloud Point, Pour Point Measures Fluidity in Extreme Conditions

Cloud Point is the temperature at which wax crystals first appear in an oil or fuel. Pour Point is the lowest temperature at which a petroleum product will still pour. Both are used to determine at what temperature a petroleum product will maintain its fluidity in the field, which is helpful in identifying in which applications a particular fluid might perform best.

Cloud Point – For petroleum products and biodiesel fuels, cloud point is an index of the lowest temperature at which they can be utilized in certain applications. The specimen is cooled at a specified rate and examined periodically. The temperature at which a cloud is first observed at the bottom of the test jar, is recorded as the cloud point.

Pour Point – The pour point of a petroleum product is determined by cooling it at a specified rate and examining it at intervals of 3°C for flow characteristics. The lowest temperature at which movement is observed is its pour point.

Test Definitions

Cloud Point is the temperature at which wax crystals first appear in an oil or fuel.

Pour Point is the lowest temperature at which a petroleum product will still pour.

Standard Test Method Used

Cloud Point – ASTM D2500
Pour Point – ASTM D97
Reporting Measurement
Celsius
Amount of Sample Needed
100 mL
Test Limitation
Lowest reportable result is -66°C.

cloud & pour point illustration

(click on image for larger version)


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