Republic of the Philippines

North Eastern Mindanao State University

Bislig Campus
Maharlika, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur

CARBON RESIDUE TEST

A LABORATORY ACTIVITY REPORT

Presented to:
ENGR. ALBERTO E. LASTIMADO, JR., MSENE

Mechanical Engineering Program

College of Engineering
North Eastern Mindanao State University
Bislig Campus

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the Subject Course
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY 1
(ME 312L)

Presented by:
Oplas, Bernie A.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2024

Introduction :
The carbon residue test is an important analytical method used in
the petroleum industry to determine the amount of carbonaceous
material present in a sample. This test is commonly used to assess
the amount of potential coke formation in crude oil, residues, and
other hydrocarbon products.

As a college level student, it is crucial to understand the significance

of the carbon residue test in the oil and gas industry. This test helps
in predicting the tendency of a given fuel to produce carbon
deposits during combustion, which can lead to equipment fouling,
reduced fuel efficiency, and increased emissions of harmful
pollutants.

One of the main reasons why it is widely used in the industry is

because it provides valuable information about the quality of the
fuel being tested. By measuring the amount of carbon residue left
behind after evaporation and combustion of a sample, scientists and
engineers can determine the purity of the fuel and its potential
impact on the environment.

Furthermore, the results can be used to optimize the production

processes in refineries and petrochemical plants. By knowing the
carbon residue content of a particular feedstock, operators can
adjust the operating conditions to minimize coke formation and
improve the overall efficiency of the process.

In addition, it help in troubleshooting operational issues in industrial

processes. If a fuel is found to have a high carbon residue content, it
indicates that there may be problems with the refining process or
the quality of the feedstock. By identifying and addressing these
issues early on, companies can prevent costly equipment failures
and ensure smooth operations.
Assessment Task
I. Supply the necessary information of each method for Carbon residue test.

Methods for Summary Advantages Disadvantage Accuracy

Carbon Residue s (%)
Test
Ramsbottom The The Ramsbottom Report the
carbon residue
Ramsbottom Ramsbottom Carbon Residue value
(RCR)
test is used Carbon test method is obtained
to measure Residue limited to those as
carbon Apparatus is samples that Ramsbotto
residues of used to are mobile m carbon
an oil. In determine below 90°C. residue,
brief, the the carbon percent or
carbon residue of an as
residue of a oil and other Ramsbotto
fuel is the non volatile m carbon
tendency to petroleum residue on
form carbon products, left 10 %
deposits after distillation
under high evaporation residue,
temperature and pyrolysis percent.
conditions in according to 12.
an inert ASTM D524 Precision
atmosphere.
This is an
important
value for the
crude oil
refinery, and
usually one
of the
measureme
nts in a
crude oil
 assay.

Conradson Conradson Focused in Coking The results

carbon residue
carbon the purpose processes and found
(CCR)
residue, of, to indeed, the 2.70758%
commonly determine Conradson carbon
known as the carbon carbon residue residue in
“Concarbon” residue of test itself, the tested
or “CCR”, is sample crude actually form crude oil
a laboratory oil. coke precursors sample.
test used to that are not High
provide an native to the carbon
indication of vacuum resid residue can
the coke- increase
forming coking and
tendencies deactivate
of an oil. catalysts in
refinery
processes
Micro carbon Micro Advantages It is almost Carbon
residue (MCR).
carbon of MCR perfect set-up. residue
residue, include The only thing range 0.1%
commonly better control is that you to 30.0%
known as of test need some (m/m) · 12
“MCR” is a conditions, space for this sample
laboratory smaller equipment to capacity ·
test used to samples, and place with, or Automatic
determine less operator else it can temperatur
the amount attention. cause fire e ramp and
of hazards. gas control
carbonaceou
s residue
formed after
evaporation
and
pyrolysis
II. Supply the necessary information of each grease.

Fuel Types Residue Test Remarks

Solid Fuels About 8–15% Using solid fuels for cooking and heating
of cellulose, also doubles the risk of all-cause
hemicelluloses mortality compared to those who singly
and roughly use clean fuels
50% of the
lignin remain
as fixed
carbon. The
remaining is
released as
volatile gases.
Liquid Fuels This Liquid fuel can be burned in pools or
International sprays. The burning processes start with
Standard the vaporization of the liquid fuel.
specifies a
method for
determining
the amount of
carbon
residue, in the
range of 0,01
% (m/m) to
30,0 % (m/m),
left after
evaporation
and pyrolysis
of an oil, and
 is intended to
provide some
indication of
relative coke-
forming
tendency.
Gaseous Fuels The range Gaseous fuels are generally easier to
0,10 % (m/m) handle and burn than are liquid or solid
to 30,0 (m/m), fuels
left after
evaporation
and pyrolysis
of petroleum
products
under
specified
conditions.

III. Assessment
1. Give the procedure of each instrument/ method used for the carbon
residue test.
1.a. Procedure: Ramsbottom carbon residue (Apparatus)

Place a new glass coking bulb

(Note 12) in the coking
furnace at 550°C for about 20
min to decompose any foreign
organic matter and to remove
water. Place in a closed desic-
cator over CaCl 2 for 20 to 30
min and then weigh to the
nearest
0.1 mg.
NOTE 11—Do not reuse a glass
coking bulb, as unpredictable
results are sometimes obtained in such cases. For routine testing, new
bulbs can be
used without pre-ignition provided they are visibly free from particles or
other contamination. Such bulbs, at least, should be heated in an oven to
150°C, placed in a desiccator, and then weighed.
NOTE 12—On making a test, it is important to adhere rigorously to the

temperature conditions chosen for Section 7; for example, if the bath was
at a temperature of 553 6 1°C when inserting the control bulb, then it is
necessary to use similar temperature conditions in the coking test. When
maintained in normal operation, the temperature of an electrically heated
furnace with automatic controls will generally fluctuate within a specific
temperature range. Therefore, when making a coking test, it is generally
important that the test bulbs be inserted when the furnace is at the same
temperature or at the same position in the temperature cycle as it was
when the inspection test was started, unless it has been proven that the
temperature variations are inappreciable.
9.2 Shake thoroughly the sample to be tested, first heating to
50° 6 10°C for 0.5 h when necessary to reduce its viscosity.
Immediately following the heating and shaking, strain the
sample through a 100-mesh wire screen. By means of a
hypodermic syringe or the device shown in Fig. 3 introduce
into the coking bulb an amount of sample as indicated in Table
1. Make sure that no oil remains on the exterior surface or on
the inside of the neck of the bulb. Reweigh the bulb and
contents to the nearest milligram. If the sample foams or
spatters, repeat the test using the next smaller sample size listed
in Table 1. In reporting the results, include the size when such
small samples are used. If difficulty is encountered in loading
very viscous or asphaltic samples of any size into the glass
coking bulb, the apparatus shown in Fig. X1.2 can be used.
9.3 Place the coking bulb in a standard performance well
with the furnace at the checking temperature (Note 12), and
allow to remain for 20 6 2 min. Remove the bulb with metal
tongs, the tips of which have just been heated. Duplicate the
furnace and bulb conditions used when standardizing that bulb
well (Section 7 and Note 9). If there is appreciable loss of oil
from frothing, discard the test and repeat the determination
using a smaller sample (Note 13).
NOTE 13—Frothing can be due to water which can be removed by
heating gently in a vacuum and sweeping out the vapor with nitrogen prior
to filling the bulb.
9.4 After removal, cool the bulb in a desiccator under the
same conditions (including time for weighing) used before
filling the bulb (9.2). When removing the bulb from the
desiccator, examine it to make sure there are no foreign
particles adhering to the bulb; if any are found, as black
particles sometimes are on the capillary neck, brush them off
with a piece of sized paper or camel’s hair brush. Weigh to the
nearest 0.1 mg. Discard the used glass coking bulb.
NOTE 14—In studies of oil characteristics, useful information can often
be gleaned from a simple visual examination of the coking bulb after the
test. Thus, significance can be attached to noting, with the results, such
findings as: coke more or less fills the bulb; liquid material is present,
either as limpid residue or drops; the residue is not black and flaky, but is
colored and pulverulent (presumably from presence of inorganic materi-
als).
1.b. Procedure: Conradson carbon residue (CCR) ( Apparatus)

1- Weigh the porcelain crucible.

2- Fill the porcelain crucible with 20g of crude oil .
3- Set-up the apparatus by placing the wire triangle on top of the tripod
and
then the refractory block insulator ring on top of the wire triangle.
4- Place the porcelain crucible inside the skidmore
crucible and then place
the skidmore crucible inside the nickel crucible.
Cover the skidmore
crucible and then cover the nickel crucible.
5- Place the nickel crucible inside the insulator ring.
6- Place the carbon residue apparatus hood on top of the insulator ring.
7- Light up the h-5550 burner and place it under the tripod.
8-Start the timer and wait for the hood to produce smoke and flame.
9- Once the hood stops producing smoke and flame, record the time.
10- Wait for the crucible to cool down and then check for residue.
1.c. Procedure: Micro carbon residue (MCR).(Automated machine)
2. Assess the environmental significance of carbon residue test.

The Environmental Significance of carbon residue test is a crucial

method used in the analysis of petroleum products and their impact on
the environment. As a graduate student in environmental science,
understanding the significance of this test is essential in
comprehending the potential environmental implications of various
fossil fuels. In this essay, I will delve into the importance of the carbon
residue test in assessing the environmental impact of petroleum
products.

First and foremost, it is a vital in determining the amount of

carbonaceous material present in petroleum products. Carbonaceous
materials can contribute to air pollution and climate change. When
fossil fuels are burnt for energy, carbonaceous materials are released
into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide and other
greenhouse gases. These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere,
leading to global warming and climate change. By measuring the
carbon residue in petroleum products, scientists can estimate the
amount of carbon emissions that will be released into the atmosphere
when these fuels are burnt. This information is crucial for policymakers
and environmentalists in making informed decisions about energy
sources and reducing carbon emissions. In a world grappling with the
consequences of climate change, understanding the carbon footprint of
petroleum products is paramount in mitigating their environmental
impact.

Furthermore, this test can also help in assessing the quality of

petroleum products. High levels of carbon residue indicate poor quality
 fuels that can lead to incomplete combustion and increased emissions
of particulate matter and other pollutants. These pollutants can have
detrimental effects on human health and the environment, leading to
respiratory illnesses, smog, and acid rain. In addition, it can also be
used to monitor the efficiency of refining processes. Higher carbon
residues in petroleum products indicate inefficiencies in the refining
process, resulting in more waste and higher emissions. By conducting
this test regularly, refineries can identify areas for improvement.

3. Site at least five application of carbon residue test.

Here are five applications of the carbon residue test:

Petroleum Industry: In the petroleum industry, the carbon residue test
is used to evaluate the quality of crude oil, gasoline, diesel, and other
petroleum products. High levels of carbon residue in these products
can lead to engine deposits, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased
emissions. By conducting the carbon residue test, companies can
ensure that their products meet industry standards and regulations.

Petrochemical Industry: In the petrochemical industry, the carbon

residue test is used to assess the quality of various chemical products,
such as solvents, lubricants, and detergents. Excessive carbon residue
in these products can negatively impact their performance and shelf
life. By monitoring carbon residue levels, companies can identify and
address potential issues before they impact product quality.

Pharmaceutical Industry: In the pharmaceutical industry, the carbon

residue test is used to evaluate the purity of drug substances and
excipients. Contaminants such as carbon residue can affect the safety
and efficacy of pharmaceutical products, making it essential to monitor
and control their levels. By conducting the carbon residue test,
pharmaceutical companies can ensure that their products meet
regulatory requirements and are safe for consumption.
 Environmental Monitoring: The carbon residue test can also be used to
assess the environmental impact of industries such as power
generation, waste incineration, and automotive emissions. High levels
of carbon residue in these sectors can contribute to air pollution,
climate change, and health risks. By monitoring carbon residue levels,
regulatory agencies and environmental organizations can identify
sources of pollution and implement measures to reduce emissions.

Research and Development: In research and development, the carbon

residue test is used to study the behavior of carbonaceous materials in
various processes and products. By understanding how carbon residue
interacts with other components, researchers can optimize production
processes, improve product quality, and develop innovative solutions.
The carbon residue test is a valuable tool for researchers seeking to
enhance the performance and sustainability of their products.

In conclusion, the carbon residue test is a versatile analytical technique

with multiple applications in industries such as petroleum,
petrochemical, pharmaceutical, environmental monitoring, and
research and development. By using this test, companies can ensure
product quality, comply with regulations, protect the environment, and
drive innovation. As a graduate-level student, understanding the
importance and applications of the carbon residue test can help you
succeed in your field and contribute to the advancement of science and
technology.

References:

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https://www.google.com/url?
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https://www.scribd.com/doc/170516989/Carbon-Residue-Test