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D13-02 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📜 Scope and Classification of Turpentine
ASTM D13-02 specifies the requirements for spirits of turpentine as defined by the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 7, Part 160) and Terminology D 804. The standard covers four distinct kinds of turpentine, which must be clearly specified by the purchaser at the time of ordering.
| 🟦 Kind of Turpentine | 📄 Source and Classification |
|---|---|
| Gum Spirits of Turpentine | Derived from the oleoresin of living pine trees. |
| Steam-Distilled Wood Turpentine | Obtained by steam distillation of pine wood or wood chips. |
| Sulfate Wood Turpentine | A byproduct recovered from the kraft paper pulping process. |
| Destructively-Distilled Wood Turpentine | Obtained through the destructive distillation of pine wood. |
🏷️ Key Physical Property Requirements
Sections 3 through 6 of the specification outline the essential physical characteristics. Spirits of turpentine must be pure and conform to the requirements prescribed in the standard’s Table 1. The material must be clear and entirely free from suspended matter and water. The color must be rated as “standard” or better, and the odor must be characteristic of the specific kind ordered.
⚠️ Limited Applicability: This specification is no longer widely used as it primarily addresses physical characteristics rather than chemical composition. The chief end use of turpentine today is as a raw material for polyterpene type resins and synthetic organic chemicals, not as a solvent.
| 🎯 Required Property | ⚡ Specification Requirement (Sections 3–6) |
|---|---|
| Purity | Shall be pure (per Table 1 of D13-02). |
| Appearance | Clear and free from suspended matter and water. |
| Color | “Standard” or better. |
| Odor | Characteristic of the kind. May conform to an agreed sample between purchaser and seller. |
🧪 Test Methods and Quality Assurance
All sampling and testing of the properties enumerated in this specification must be carried out in accordance with Test Methods D 233. While D13-02 focuses on physical attributes, the standard explicitly recommends capillary gas chromatography (Test Methods D 6387) when information on chemical composition is required.
💡 Purchaser Specification: The standard mandates that the purchaser must specify the kind of spirits of turpentine desired. To avoid disputes, it is standard practice for the buyer and seller to agree upon and retain a sealed odor sample for comparison.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What kinds of turpentine are covered by D13-02?
The standard covers gum spirits, steam-distilled wood, sulfate wood, and destructively-distilled wood turpentine as defined by CFR Title 7, Part 160 and Terminology D 804.
💡 Why is this standard retained despite limited modern use?
It was developed when turpentine’s chief use was as a solvent. As its main end use today is as a chemical feedstock, the standard is retained for historical and specific procurement contexts.
⚡ How is chemical composition determined under this standard?
When chemical composition data is required, the recommended procedure is capillary gas chromatography as described in Test Methods D 6387.
📌 What are the basic appearance and purity requirements?
Spirits of turpentine must be pure, clear, and free from suspended matter and water. The color must be “standard” or better, and the odor must match the specified kind or an agreed sample.