Reid Vapor Pressure
Reid vapor pressure, a is abbrevated as RVP, measure of the volatility of gasoline and other volatile petroleum products. It indicates the pressure exerted by a liquid at 100°F (37.8°C) in a closed container, which essentially measures how easily the fuel evaporates. RVP is commonly used in fuel specifications, especially to help assess how gasoline behaves in different temperatures, as higher volatility fuels evaporate more readily.
Key Points about Reid Vapor Pressure
Importance in Fuel Quality - RVP is crucial for gasoline quality because fuel that evaporates too quickly can lead to excessive vapor formation, which can cause problems like vapor lock in engines. This can also lead to increased emissions, contributing to smog.
Seasonal Regulations - Since higher RVP fuels evaporate more easily, RVP limits are often lowered in summer months to reduce air pollution. In winter, fuels with higher RVP are allowed because colder temperatures make evaporation more difficult, and the increased volatility helps with engine starting.
Measurement - The RVP test is standardized (ASTM D323) and provides a single pressure reading that indicates the volatility level of the fuel under controlled conditions.
Tags: Refinery