ASTM D95 is a standardized test method used to determine the water content of petroleum products and certain bituminous materials by the laboratory distillation of a measured sample. It is widely applied for fuels (gasoline, diesel, kerosene), lubricating oils, fuel oils, and bituminous binders where bound or free water may be present. The method separates volatile hydrocarbons and other constituents from water by heating the sample under controlled conditions and collecting the distilled water. Results are usually reported as percent mass (w/w) of water in the original sample.
Petroleum naphtha with a boiling range of 100°C to 200°C. Graduated Glass Trap
The is the globally recognized protocol for determining water content within a range of 0% to 25% by volume in petroleum products, tars, lubricants, and other bituminous materials via the distillation method. Officially titled the Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation , this standard is managed under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants.
Allow the trap to cool to room temperature. If any water droplets remain stuck to the sides of the glass trap, nudge them down into the water layer using a glass stirring rod or a Teflon scraper. Read the volume of water collected at the lowest point of the meniscus. Calculations and Reporting
| Version | Year | Key Changes | |---|---|---| | | 2023 | Latest edition, replaces D95-13(2018) | | ASTM D95-13(2018) | 2018 | Reapproved version of D95-13 | | ASTM D95-13 | 2013 | Added precision and bias data, updated solvent specifications | | ASTM D95-05(2010) | 2010 | Reapproved version of D95-05 | | ASTM D95-05 | 2005 | Major revision, added SI units as standard | | ASTM D95-99 | 1999 | Significant editorial and content updates | Astm D95 Pdf
Stagnant water in fuel tanks promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi, which clog filters and corrode fuel lines.
| Method | Best For | Range | Advantages | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Free water and emulsified water | 0.1 – 25% | Direct measurement, no calibration needed | | ASTM D6304 (Karl Fischer) | Dissolved water | 0 – 1% | High accuracy for low water content | | ASTM D4006 | Crude oil only | 0 – 25% | Similar to D95 but specific to crude |
In the complex world of petroleum products, lubricants, and industrial chemicals, the presence of water is more than a minor impurity; it is a critical determinant of quality, safety, and performance. Water contamination can lead to corrosion, loss of lubrication efficiency, and catastrophic failure in machinery. For decades, the industry standard for quantifying this contamination has been ASTM D95, formally titled "Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation." While the digital age has transformed how engineers access this document—often seeking it as a "PDF" download—the content within remains a cornerstone of analytical chemistry in the hydrocarbon industry.
The volume of water in the trap must remain constant for at least 5 minutes before stopping. Step 5: Final Reading ASTM D95 is a standardized test method used
Ensure the bulk sample is thoroughly mixed and homogenous. If the sample contains volatile components, mix it in a sealed container to prevent the loss of light ends. Step 2: Measuring the Sample
While the ASTM D95 method is a well-established workhorse, it is essential to understand its strengths and weaknesses for appropriate application.
Standard Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and Bituminous Materials by Distillation (ASTM D95)
If you are currently setting up a laboratory testing matrix or modifying your quality control protocols, I can provide more details. Please let me know: Results are usually reported as percent mass (w/w)
The method is elegantly simple: when a water-immiscible solvent is heated with a sample, the solvent and water co-distill. Because water and the solvent don't mix, they separate upon condensation, allowing the water to be collected and measured directly. [21†L4-L9]
The sample is heated in a flask with a water-immiscible solvent (like xylene or toluene).
is the standard test method used to determine the amount of water in petroleum products and bituminous materials through the distillation method . This method is critical for refining, trading, and safety, as it ensures that the water content in products like fuels, tars, and lubricants stays within acceptable limits. Summary of ASTM D95
Many corporate labs, universities, and testing facilities access the document via enterprise platforms like IHS Markit, Techstreet, or ANSI.

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