Reid vapor pressure
Reid vapor pressure (RVP) is a common measure of the volatility of gasoline. It is defined as the absolute vapor pressure exerted by a liquid at 100 °F (37.8 °C) as determined by the test method ASTM-D-323. The test method measures the vapor pressure of gasoline, volatile crude oil, and other volatile petroleum products, except for liquefied petroleum gases. RVP is stated in units of psi but would be more correctly as psig because ASTM-D-323 measures the gauge pressure of the sample in a non-evacuated chamber.
The matter of vapor pressure is important relating to the function and operation of gasoline-powered, especially carbureted, vehicles. High levels of vaporization are desirable for winter starting and operation and lower levels are desirable in avoiding vapor lock during summer heat. Fuel cannot be pumped when there is vapor in the fuel line (summer) and winter starting will be more difficult when liquid gasoline in the combustion chambers has not vaporized. Thus, oil refineries manipulate the Reid Vapor Pressure seasonally specifically to maintain gasoline engine reliability.
The Reid vapor pressure (RVP) differs slightly from the true vapor pressure (TVP) of a liquid due to small sample vaporization and the presence of water vapor and air in the confined space of the test equipment. That is, the RVP is the absolute vapor pressure and the TVP is the partial vapor pressure.[1]
See also
External links
- ASTM D323 - 06 Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (Reid Method)
- USA's Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publication AP-42, Compilation of Air Pollutant Emissions. Chapter 7 (RVP is a parameter in the estimation of petroleum tank evaporative losses)