5.1 For petroleum products and biodiesel fuels, the cloud point is an index of the lowest temperature of their utility for certain applications. Wax crystals of sufficient quantity can plug filters used in some fuel systems.

5.2 Petroleum blending operations require precise measurement of the cloud point.

5.3 This test method can determine the temperature of the test specimen at which wax crystals have formed sufficiently to be observed as a cloud with a resolution of 0.1 °C.

5.4 This test method provides results that, when rounded to the next lower integer, are equivalent to Test Method D2500. Refer to 12.2.

5.5 This test method is more precise than Test Method D2500.

Note 1: According to interlaboratory examination, the reproducibility of this test method has been found to be more precise than Test Method D2500.

1.1 This test method covers the description of the determination of the cloud point of petroleum products and biodiesel fuels that are transparent in layers 40 mm in thickness, by an automatic instrument using an optical device.

1.2 This test method covers the range of temperatures from −60 °C to +49 °C with temperature resolution of 0.1 °C, however, the range of temperatures included in the 1997 interlaboratory cooperative test program only covered the temperature range of  –56 °C to +34 °C.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.