AD Systems VD10 — Automated Video Distillation
Video camera-assisted automatic distillation of petroleum products, biofuels, and industrial solvents. No programming required.
Manual Distillation Depends on the Operator — the VD10 Removes That Variable
Atmospheric distillation of gasoline, kerosene, diesel, and aviation fuels has always depended on an operator watching the flask and adjusting the heater by feel — timing the first drop, catching the rate before it drifts. Every operator does it a little differently, and that variability shows up in the data.
The VD10 replaces that judgment with a patent-pending video camera-assisted algorithm that watches the sample boil in real time and calculates optimum heater settings automatically — from IBP through FBP. No method to program, no optimization run, even on unknown or difficult samples like ethanol-blend biofuels.
What the AD Systems VD10 Delivers in Your Lab
Video-Assisted Automation
The imaging system reads the sample's actual boiling behavior and adjusts heater output continuously — no stored method required, even for a sample never tested before.
Full Test Automation, Start to Finish
Flask positioning, heating, condenser and receiver control, IBP/FBP detection, and rate control all run without operator intervention, with automatic barometric correction.
Intelligent 3-Phase Heater Regulation
The algorithm manages initial heating to IBP, distillation rate control, and final heating to FBP automatically — the three phases a skilled manual operator manages by feel.
Installation Verification Before Every Run
The video system checks correct placement of flask, probe, and heater plate before the test starts, cutting down on invalid runs from setup error.
Touchscreen Interface, No Programming
Full-color, multi-language touchscreen with smart operator assistance. No method-programming knowledge required to run a test.
Built-In Fire Safety & Watchdog Monitoring
UV fire detection, built-in extinguisher manifold, and external alarm connection, backed by a safety watchdog that monitors continuously and can act on abnormal conditions.
Supported Test Standards
Standard Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products at Atmospheric Pressure.
The primary US standard for finished fuels — gasoline, kerosene, aviation turbine fuels, and diesel.
The international and UK equivalents of ASTM D86
used in ISO 17025 accredited labs and international fuel quality programs. The VD10 conforms to all three simultaneously.
Standard test methods for distillation
industrial solvents and volatile organic liquids, run on the same VD10 platform without reconfiguration.
Specifications — AD Systems VD10
Who Uses the VD10
Fuel Refinery & Terminal QC Labs
Atmospheric distillation of gasoline, kerosene, aviation turbine fuels, and diesel for release testing per ASTM D86.
ISO 17025 Accredited Labs
Third-party fuel testing labs providing ASTM D86, ISO 3405, and IP 123 distillation services with fully traceable results.
Biofuel & Biodiesel Labs
Distillation of ethanol-blend biofuels, where video-assisted automation handles behavior fixed-program instruments struggle with.
Solvent Manufacturers
Distillation of industrial solvents and volatile organic liquids to ASTM D850 and D1078 for release and QC.
Pipeline & Blending Terminal Labs
Distillation testing of process streams and blending components in fuel distribution operations.
University & Government Research Labs
Distillation characterization for research on unknown or difficult samples where a fixed test program isn't practical.
Why Get the VD10 Through KB Scientific
Three things that distinguish sourcing through KB Scientific versus a general lab equipment distributor with no fuel testing background.
Authorized AD Systems Representative
Kevin Batt has managed the type of lab this instrument serves. When he recommends the VD10 for your application, it's because he understands your testing environment — not because it's the easiest product to ship.
Guided by a Former Petroleum Lab Manager
Kevin Batt has managed the type of fuel testing lab that runs ASTM D86 distillation daily — recommendations come from operational experience, not a brochure.
Midwest-Based, Directly Accessible
Based in Fishers, Indiana serving 10 states. Kevin is reachable by phone or email directly, not a tiered support queue.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Answers to what fuel testing lab managers, QC teams, and procurement professionals ask most often about the AD Systems VD10.
What methods does the VD10 cover?
ASTM D86, D850, and D1078, ISO 3405, and IP 123, with correlation to ISO 918, ISO 4626, IP 195, DIN 51751, JIS K2254, GOST 2177, and GB/T 6536/7534.
What comes with the system — is it turnkey?
The VD10 (AA320-001) is delivered ready for operation: flask lift, heating system, hybrid condenser, receiver, sensors, and touchscreen control. Dry point kits and a printer are available as accessories.
What samples can the VD10 handle?
Finished products including gasoline, kerosene, aviation turbine fuels, and diesel, plus process streams, blending components, ethanol-blend biofuels, and research samples.
What safety features are built in?
UV fire detection, a built-in extinguisher manifold, an external alarm connection, and a safety watchdog that monitors continuously and can act on abnormal conditions. VOC extraction is standard.
How accurate is the VD10?
Vapour temperature accuracy is 0.1°C (0–450°C range, Pt100 Class A). Volume is measured optically to 0.1 mL, normalized to 100% charge volume.
Other Instruments You May Need
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Distillation Automation to Your Lab?
Request a Quote or Technical Consultation
Tell Kevin about your testing application, method requirements, and current setup. He will identify whether the RVP Pro fits your lab — and if it doesn’t, he’ll tell you that too.