ASTM D453 Standard Test Method for Tar Acids in Creosote-Coal Tar Solutions
5. Apparatus
5.1 Creosote Distillation Equipment, as described in Test Method D246.
5.2 Separatory Funnels - Two Squibb-type separatory funnels with stoppers, 250-mL capacity.
5.3 Type II Separatory Funnel - The Type II glass separatory funnel shall have a total capacity of not less than 260 mL and not more than 650 mL, and shall conform to the requirements shown in Fig. 1 except that the bulb at the top may be replaced by a 500-mL Squibb-type bulb. The capacity of the lower bulb from the stopcock to the first graduation mark shall be 65.0 mL, and above this mark the stem shall be graduated accurately to a total capacity of 100.0 mL in 0.2-mL increments. The graduation marks shall be numbered for each 2 mL.
5.4 Thermometer - An ASTM Low Softening Point Thermometer having a range from -2 to 80°C conforming to the requirements for Thermometer 15C as described in Specification E 1 or other thermometer of suitable range and precision.
6. Reagents
6.1 Purity of Reagents - Reagent grade chemicals shall be used in all tests. Unless otherwise indicated, it is intended that all reagents shall conform to the specifications of the Committee on Analytical Reagents of the American Chemical Society, where such specifications are available. Other grades may be used, provided it is first ascertained that the reagent is of sufficiently high purity to permit its use without lessening the accuracy of the determination.
6.2 Sodium Hydroxide Solution (20 %) - Mix 200 g of 50 % sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution with 300 g of water.
NOTE 1 - Carbonate-free (clear) 50 % NaOH solution may be purchased and is convenient and safe to use.
6.3 Sulfuric Acid Solution (40 %) - Mix 100 g of concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4, sp gr 1.84) carefully with stirring into 150 g of water.
6.4 Benzene (C6H6) - Industrial grade, meeting the requirements of Specification D836.
6.5 Xylene - (C6H4(CH3)2) - Nitration grade, meeting the requirements of Specification D843.
