ASTM D6374 Standard Test Method for Volatile Matter in Green Petroleum Coke Quartz Crucible Procedure
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Volatile matter of a moisture free petroleum coke is determined by measuring the mass loss of the coke when heated under the exact conditions of this test method.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The volatile matter of petroleum coke affects the density of coke particles and can affect artifacts produced from further processing of the coke.
5.2 The volatile matter can be used in estimating the calorific value of coke.
6. Interferences
6.1 Moisture has a double effect. The mass loss is increased and the moisture free sample weight is decreased by the amount of moisture actually present in the test sample.
6.2 Particle Size Effect:
6.2.1 The particle size range of the analysis sample affects the volatile matter. The coarser the analysis sample, the lower the reported volatile matter will be. Crush analysis sample (see Annex A1) to pass a 0.250-mm opening (No. 60) sieve but do not overcrush. A 0.125-mm opening (No. 120) sieve should retain 40 to 55 % of the sample. Do not obtain the analysis sample is by scalping and discarding a portion of the sample.
6.2.2 Any segregation of particle sizes within the analysis sample shall be corrected by reblending the sample just prior to weighing the test sample.
6.3 The furnace shall recover to 950 +/- 20°C before the time limit is reached. If the furnace does not recover to the starting temperature within a maximum of 10 min, reduce the number of samples being analyzed until recovery is achieved within 10 min (see Section 9).
