K47100 Automated Flocculation Titrimeter

Description

Test Method

Samples of asphalt or heavy oil, or residuum are dissolved in toluene at various concentrations and titrated with iso-octane or n-heptane at controlled temperatures to determine the point of flocculation (asphaltene precipitation) and calculate the Heithaus compatibility parameters. These results are intended primarily as a laboratory diagnostic tool for estimating the colloidal stability or compatibility of asphalt, asphalt cross blends, aged asphalt, pyrolyzed asphalt, crudes, and heavy oil (residuum). The stability values will allow the refiner to increase yields by allowing longer retention time in process. The compatibility values will allow blending of crudes so as to prevent asphaltene formation during blending and storage. Both of these parameters are of utmost importance when we consider the price of crude in today's market.

Features

Complete instrument and data acquisition system

Rapid, accurate and highly reproducible

Determines blending insolubility and solubility numbers

Generates the data to calculate the WRI Coking Index (patent pending) to predict the proximity to coke formation during heavy oil distillation and improve distillate yield

Description

The Automated Flocculation Titrimeter (AFT) is a highly automated, computerized instrument that acquires oil stability and compatibility parameters directly. The AFT can be used to perform ASTM D6703 test method for Automated Heithaus Titrimetry. The instrument operates as a closed system with accurately controlled temperatures between 20-100°C, important for properly determining Heithaus compatibility parameters. The flocculation point is determined spectroscopically and the results are analyzed by the data acquisition system, virtually eliminating operator error in the interpretation of endpoints. A key benefit to the user is the fact that the asphaltene concentration can be calculated by the software much faster that tradition methods and with more accuracy. The utility of the original Heithaus method has been expanded by developing multiple titration schemes. The software uses the data from the expanded method to predict the proximity to coke formation during heavy oil distillation. Many refiners stop distillation short of coke formation to avoid fouling in distillation equipment, tanks and transfer lines. The expanded AFT methodology allows the refiner to recover additional distillate without the fear of fouling. This attribute of the instrument should allow up to a 1-2% increase in yields if applied to a process. Conversely, the added benefit of being able to predict coking tendency, would prevent fouling of the process and thus decrease the use of energy in production as well as reduce down time due to having to clean vessels after fouling. One of the primary uses of Heithaus values is to predict the compatibility (P Index) of which oils and petroleum residua or asphalts can be mixed together for shipping, processing, or in formulations without causing phase separation. This is valuable to the refiner, researcher, or asphalt jobber who supplies petroleum asphalts for highway and roofing applications because it ensures that compatible asphalt blends are supplied. Incompatible asphalts show early failure in both applications. Coking Index (US Patent 6,773,921)-Stability also influences coke formation in the refining process. Another major use for the AFT is to acquire the data needed to employ the Coking Index. The Coking Index is a quantitative measure of the proximity to coking (fouling) during visbreaking, distillation, transfer and storage of heavy oil. This allows the petroleum refiner to optimize heavy oil processing and to recover the maximum amount of distillate, and to stop the processing before fouling occurs. Solubility Parameter-The solubility parameter at which asphaltenes begin to precipitate and the solubility parameter of the whole oil can be calculated from the AFT data.Specifications

Conforms to the specifications of: ASTM D86, D285, D850, D1078, D4737; D189 Section 10; DIN 51751; ISO 3405; IP 123; IP 195; JIS K0066; JIS K2254; NF M 07-002

Temperature Distillation Range: 0 to 450°C (±0.1°C accuracy)

Condenser: -5 to 60°C (±0.1°C accuracy); closed loop system

Receiver Chamber: 0 to 60°C (±0.1°C accuracy)

Distillation Parameters:

Distillation Rate: 2 to 15mL/min in 0.1mL increments, user selectable

Receiver Volume: 0 to 100mL (±0.01mL accuracy) by photoelectric infrared detection of meniscus by level following system utilizing a precision stepper motor and a special calibrated glass receiver; automatic calibration of evaporated loss volume and automatic volume calibration system ensures highest accuracy

Barometic Pressure: Automatic barometric correction utility with automatic sensor, range 550 to 900 mm Hg (±1 mm Hg accuracy)

Dry Point Detection: Automatic dry point detection board is included with standard equipment and only requires a dry point sensor, 200mL flask and PTFE plug for ASTM D850 and D1078 tests.

Environment: Operates at 0 to 25°C (113°F)

Included Accessories

External Desktop PC with Data Acquisition Software

Fiber Optic Spectrometer with Multi-Bandpass Detector

High and Low Flow Rate Metering Pumps

Magnetic Stirring Plates

Programmable Circulator with External Probe to Monitor Jacket

Temperature of the Sample

Reaction Vessels

Quartz Flow Cell with Temperature Stability Feature

Glassware

Thermometer Probes

Digital Variable Sample Circulator with Built in Reverse