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D1859-71 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
The ASTM D 1859 – 71 (Reapproved 2000) standard establishes the specification for petroleum intended specifically for blending with creosote (conforming to D 390). This blended oil is employed in the pressure preservative treatment of timber to enhance fluid penetration and overall treatment efficacy. Under the jurisdiction of Committee D-7 on Wood, it aligns closely with industry standards for wood preservation.
🛢️ Scope and Application
This specification details the physical and chemical requirements for petroleum used strictly as a creosote blending stock. It is technically equivalent to the American Wood-Preservers’ Association Standard for Petroleum for Blending with Creosote (AWPA P4-86). The scope covers sampling methods, property verification, and the specific limits the petroleum must meet to ensure safe and effective performance in timber treatment.
⚠️ Specific Gravity Consideration: The standard specifies a minimum specific gravity of 0.96. However, Footnote A allows for a lower specific gravity only if prior experience or specific testing confirms that the resulting blend will not form excessive sludge, which can impair treatment quality and preservative performance.
📋 Core Property Requirements
Petroleum utilized for blending must comply explicitly with the following property limits as defined in Section 3 of the standard:
| 🟦 Property | 📏 Requirement | ⚡ Method |
|---|---|---|
| Specific gravity, 60/60°F (16/16°C), min | 0.96 A | D 1298 |
| Water and sediment, max, % | 1 | D 96 |
| Flash point, min, °F (°C) | 175 (79) | D 93 |
| Viscosity at 210°F, kinematic, cSt (min) | 4.2 | D 445 |
| Viscosity at 210°F, kinematic, cSt (max) | 10.2 | D 445 |
| Viscosity at 210°F, Saybolt, SUS (min) | 40 | D 88 |
| Viscosity at 210°F, Saybolt, SUS (max) | 60 | D 88 |
| A A lower specific gravity is permitted provided it does not lead to excessive sludge formation. | ||
🔬 Sampling and Test Methods
Verification of the specified properties is mandatory and must be conducted strictly according to the referenced ASTM standard procedures outlined in Section 4. This ensures consistency and comparability across different batches and suppliers.
| 🎯 Parameter | 📐 Applicable Standard |
|---|---|
| Sampling | Methods D 270 |
| Specific Gravity | Test Method D 1298 |
| Water and Sediment | Test Methods D 96 |
| Flash Point | Test Methods D 93 |
| Kinematic Viscosity | Test Method D 445 |
| Saybolt Viscosity | Test Method D 88 |
💡 Cross-Industry Alignment: Since D 1859 is essentially identical to AWPA P4, it provides a harmonized specification framework. Suppliers can leverage a single set of test data to demonstrate compliance with both ASTM and AWPA requirements, simplifying qualification for the wood preserving market.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary application of petroleum meeting this specification?
This petroleum is specifically intended for blending with creosote (conforming to D 390). The resulting mixture is used as a preservative for timber, typically applied via pressure treatment processes to protect wood from decay and insect attack.
💡 What are the mandatory viscosity and flash point limits?
The flash point must be at least 175°F (79°C). The kinematic viscosity at 210°F must fall between 4.2 cSt and 10.2 cSt, or alternatively, the Saybolt viscosity at 210°F must be between 40 SUS and 60 SUS.
⚡ Which test methods are specified for evaluating the flash point and viscosity?
The standard mandates Test Methods D 93 (Pensky-Martens Closed Cup) for determining the flash point. Viscosity is determined using either Test Method D 445 (Kinematic) or Test Method D 88 (Saybolt).
📌 How does this standard relate to the AWPA P4 specification?
The standard explicitly states that it is essentially the same as the American Wood-Preservers’ Association Standard for Petroleum for Blending with Creosote (P4-86). This ensures uniform technical requirements across the broader wood preservation industry.