RVP Pro Webinar Showcases Automated Vapour Pressure Testing for Petroleum Applications
25 March 2026
SciMed recently hosted a technical webinar in collaboration with Koehler Instrument Company, introducing the RVP Pro vapour pressure analyser and its role in modern petroleum testing workflows.
The session brought together industry expertise from Koehler and SciMed, featuring a detailed presentation and live demonstration of the system, alongside an interactive Q&A with attendees.
The webinar was led by Angelina Precilla (Technical Application Engineer, Koehler Instrument Company), with support from the SciMed team including Rebecca Hudson-Kershaw and Bronwen Steadman.
Exploring Vapour Pressure Testing with the RVP Pro Analyser
Why Vapour Pressure Matters in Fuel Testing
A key focus of the webinar was understanding the importance of vapour pressure as a critical parameter in petroleum analysis.
Vapour pressure plays a vital role in:
- Fuel performance and operability, including risks such as vapour lock
- Safety during storage and transportation, particularly with volatile fuels
- Regulatory compliance, where strict volatility limits must be met
- Quality control and blending optimisation, ensuring consistency and profitability
The session highlighted how vapour pressure is highly dependent on temperature and equilibrium conditions, reinforcing the importance of standardised testing methods such as ASTM D5191, D6377 and D6378.
The webinar also explored the evolution from traditional manual methods, such as ASTM D323, to modern automated techniques.
Unlike legacy approaches that include dissolved gases in measurements, newer methods provide:
- Improved repeatability and reproducibility
- Greater control over test conditions
- Enhanced accuracy through defined vapour-liquid ratios and temperature settings
This shift is enabling laboratories to achieve more reliable and comparable results across applications.
From Manual Methods to Automated Precision
Conforms to ASTM D5188, D5191, D6377, D6378 and related specifications
Fast, automated analysis with an inbuilt intuitive 8” colour touchscreen interface
Integrated sample shaker with locking mechanism
Data storage capacity for more than 50,000 samples
Fully automatic sample introduction using an internal piston and valving - can be used with a siphon tube, syringe, or a pressurised cylinder
Outputs: LIMS, USB A & B and network/ticket/full-page printer Text Here
RVP Pro. Designed for Modern Laboratory Workflows
The RVP Pro analyser was presented as a flexible solution for laboratories working with:
- Gasoline and light fuels
- Crude oil
- Jet fuel and aviation fuels
- Solvents and petrochemical products
Key capabilities demonstrated during the session included:
- Support for multiple ASTM methods within a single platform
- Fast test times of approximately 5–7 minutes
- Minimal sample volume requirements (<1 mL)
- Automated workflows with one-button operation
- Integrated data storage and export, including LIMS compatibility
- Built-in rinse cycles to prevent cross-contamination
The live demo showed how the system automates conditioning, measurement and reporting, reducing operator variability while improving throughput.
During the live demonstration, attendees were guided through:
- Instrument setup and configuration
- Sample preparation in line with ASTM D5191
- Running a test and monitoring live pressure and temperature data
- Automated rinsing and repeat measurements
- Exporting results via USB or digital systems
The session reinforced how automation simplifies complex testing workflows while maintaining compliance with industry standards.
Live Demonstration. From Setup to Results
Expert Insight
Bronwen Steadman - Product Manager at SciMed added:
“The flexibility of the RVP Pro across multiple fuel types and ASTM methods makes it a strong fit for modern labs. It allows users to streamline workflows without compromising on data quality or traceability.”
Expert Insight
Dr Rebecca Hudson-Kershaw - Product Manager at SciMed added:
“What stood out in this session is how automation is transforming routine fuel testing. The RVP Pro simplifies what has traditionally been a complex process, making it far more accessible for laboratories while maintaining full compliance with ASTM methods.”
Expert Insight
Angelina Precilla - Technical Application Engineer at Koehler Instrument Company added:
“Vapour pressure is a highly temperature-dependent parameter, so standardising test conditions is critical. With automated systems like the RVP Pro, we can remove much of the variability and deliver consistent, reliable results across laboratories.”
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What Next?
If you’re currently working with vapour pressure testing or looking to improve your laboratory workflow, SciMed can support you with:
- Product demonstrations tailored to your applications
- Technical consultations to review your current methods
- Guidance on ASTM compliance and method selection
- Access to the full range of petroleum testing instrumentation
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