3.

0 INRODUCTION & THEORY

The vapour pressure of a liquid is a measure of volatility. This only applicable to vapour pressure
exerted by a liquid. A petroleum product usually comprise many different fractions, each with a
composition and a vapour pressure of its own. The vapour pressure of the product is therefore a
composite value that reflects the combined effect of the individual vapour pressures of the
different fractions in accordance with their mole ratios. When a petroleum products evaporates,
the tendency is for the more volatile fractions to be released first, leaving a material of lower
vapour pressure and lower volatility behind. This leads to the progressive rise in distillation
curve temperature.

Vapour pressure is commonly measured via the ASTM method D 323 ( Reid Vapour Pressure ).
It evaluates the vapour pressure of gasoline and other volatile petroleum products at 100 oF. Reid
vapour pressure is the principal factor in determining both the vapor-lock and the cold-starting
characteristics of gasoline, they are not the only criteria (Heinz, 2009). Distillation data, which
define overall volatility of the fuel, must also be considered (Heinz, 2009).

In Reid Vapour Pressure (RVP) method of measuring vapour pressure, a liquid sample is placed
in a cylinder and an air chamber is attached to the top. A pressure gage is attached to the top of
the air chamber. The apparatus is placed in a water bath at 100 oF and removed and shaken
periodically until the gage pressure is constant. This gage reading is the RVP in psia because the
gage initially reads 0 psig or 1 atmosphere of air. The RVP is close but lower than the True
Vapour Pressure (TVP) of the oil, because the Reid method measures the TVP of the
hydrocarbon liquid remaining in the cylinder (Francis,1995). It is the more volatile hydrocarbons
that evaporates preferentially.
Reid Vapour Pressure (RVP) monitor

(Source: Jones, On-Line Analysis Instrument: Instrument Technology, 1976, pg. 100)

The RVP is indicative of the ability to handle a crude oil safely. If the RVP is sufficiently low,
then the oil can be handled and stored safely at atmospheric pressure, provided proper
precautions are used to prevent vapour loss.

The higher the vapour pressures of automotive and aviation gasolines, solvents, and other
volatile petroleum products, the greater the possibility of evaporation loss and the greater the fire
hazard. Sealed containers for high vapour pressure product require stronger construction to
withstand the high internal pressure. In the refinery, vapour pressure tests is conducted to
establish and maintain gasoline quality.

TUTORIAL

1. True Vapour Pressure ( TVP ) is used to measure volatility of petroleum distillate fuels. It
is defined as equilibrium partial pressure exerted by a volatile organic liquid due to
temperature via the test method ASTM D 2879. Reid Vapor Pressure ( RVP ) is used to
measure volatility of gasoline. It is defined as absolute vapor pressure exerted by a liquid
at 100 F (37.8 C) via the test method ASTM-D-323. It is not applied to liquefied
petroleum gases. Reid Vapor Pressure

( RVP ) always less than True Vapour Pressure (

TVP ).
2. The Reid Vapor Pressure of the lubricating oil must be less than the vapour pressure of
petrol; lubricating oil < diesel < kerosene < petrol. This is because petrol is at the top of
the fractionating column which has lower boiling points followed by kerosene, diesel,
and lubricating oil. The lower the boiling points, the higher the Reid Vapor Pressure
because the product of lower boiling point vaporize easily.
3. Volatility, measured by the Reid Vapour Pressure ( RVP ), affects engine starting and
performance. Gasoline blends are adjusted to raise the RVP in winter, which allows the
gasoline to vaporize readily in the combustion chamber to provide for easy starting. The
RVP is lowered in summer so the gasoline will not vaporize in the fuel system causing a
condition known as vapor lock .

6.0 REFERENCES

1. Francis.R, (1995), Oilfield Processing of Petroleum: Crude oil, Oklahama, Penwell

Publishing Company.
2. Heinz, (2009), Practical Lubrication for Industrial Facilities, London, Taylor & Francis
Ltd.
3. Jones, (1976), On-Line Analysis Instrument: Instrument Technology, Wilshire,
Butterworth & Co. (Publishers) Ltd.
4. Lili Lyddon (2007). True and Reid Vapor Pressure. [Online]. Available from worldwide
web: at www.bre.com/blog.aspx?EntryID=40.
5. Paul Reed (2011). Reid Vapor Pressure. [Online]. Available from worldwide web: at
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-reid-vapor-pressure.htm.
6. Robet,W; David,K; Darrick,Z (2008). Report Minnesota Department of Commerce. E20
Effects in Small Non-Road SI Engines. University of Minnesota.