ASTM D5004 Standard Test Method for Real Density of Calcined Petroleum Coke by Xylene Displacement
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The mass of the sample is determined directly and the volume derived by determining the mass of liquid displaced when the sample is introduced into a pycnometer.
RD = M x D/L
where:
M = mass of sample,
D = density of displaced liquid, and
L = mass of displaced liquid.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The density of petroleum coke directly influences the physical and chemical properties of the manufactured carbon and graphite artifacts for which it is used. Density, therefore, is a major quality specification of calcined petroleum coke and is used as a control in coke calcination.
6. Interferences
6.1 Oil or other material sprayed on calcined petroleum coke to control dust will interfere with the determination of real density so the oil must be removed before reducing the sample to 75 µm.
6.1.1 When a petroleum oil was used, it can be removed by flushing with a solvent such as methylene chloride, dichloroethane, or toluene. The solvent must be completely removed before proceeding with the RD determination. Heating to 10°C above the boiling point of the solvent used or application of vacuum is satisfactory for the removal of the dedusting oil.
NOTE 1 - Warning: Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the selected solvent.
6.1.2 An alternative method of oil removal is by heating the calcined coke sample in an oven at 700°C for 1 h.
