Spectra Invent HX-AC1878 Petroleum Products Ash Content Analyzer
| Brand | Spectra Invent |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Manufacture | China |
| Model | HX-AC1878 |
| Price Range | USD 150–15,000 |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V ±10%, 50 Hz |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to 1000 °C |
| Temperature Control Setpoint | 775 °C ±25 °C |
| Temperature Accuracy | ±3 °C |
| Heating Rate | <20 min to 900 °C |
| Total Power Consumption | 3.5 kW |
| Crucible Options | 50 mL, 100 mL, 120 mL, 150 mL porcelain crucibles |
| External Dimensions | 680 mm × 630 mm × 520 mm |
| Heating Configuration | Triple-zone (top + dual-side) resistive heating |
| Furnace Insulation | High-purity vacuum-formed ceramic fiber |
| Enclosure | Dual-layer steel housing with welded cold-rolled steel inner chamber |
Overview
The Spectra Invent HX-AC1878 Petroleum Products Ash Content Analyzer is a precision-controlled muffle furnace system engineered for quantitative determination of inorganic residue (ash) in petroleum-based samples following standardized gravimetric procedures. It operates on the principle of controlled high-temperature oxidation—where organic matrix is combusted under defined thermal conditions, leaving behind non-volatile mineral constituents for mass measurement. Designed in strict accordance with ASTM D482, ISO 6245, and Chinese national standards GB/T 508, GB/T 2433, and SH/T 0067, the instrument delivers repeatable, traceable ash content results essential for fuel quality control, lubricant formulation validation, catalyst residue analysis, and regulatory compliance reporting in refining, petrochemical R&D, and third-party testing laboratories.
Key Features
- Triple-zone heating architecture—top and dual lateral heating elements ensure radial and axial temperature uniformity across the furnace chamber, minimizing thermal gradients that compromise ash quantification accuracy.
- Dual-layer structural enclosure: outer shell provides mechanical rigidity and thermal shielding; inner chamber fabricated from high-strength cold-rolled steel with welded seams for long-term dimensional stability and corrosion resistance.
- Vacuum-formed ceramic fiber insulation delivers superior thermal retention, enabling rapid ramp rates (≤20 minutes to 900 °C) while maintaining energy efficiency and reducing standby power consumption.
- Precision temperature regulation via K-type thermocouple feedback loop with PID algorithm, sustaining setpoint accuracy of ±3 °C at 775 °C—the standard combustion temperature specified in GB/T 508 and ASTM D482.
- Modular crucible compatibility supporting 50 mL, 100 mL, 120 mL, and 150 mL porcelain crucibles to accommodate diverse sample volumes and viscosity profiles—from light distillates to heavy residual fuels.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HX-AC1878 is validated for use with crude oils, gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, lubricating oils, bunker fuels, bitumen, and related hydrocarbon derivatives. Its operational envelope meets the thermal stability and repeatability requirements of ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing environments. The instrument supports full documentation traceability per GLP and GMP frameworks, including operator ID logging, method versioning, and timestamped thermal cycle records—critical for audits under CNAS, CMA, or FDA-regulated facilities handling petroleum-derived pharmaceutical excipients or process intermediates.
Software & Data Management
While the base HX-AC1878 operates via front-panel digital controller with LED display and manual parameter entry, optional RS-485/Modbus RTU interface enables integration with LIMS or SCADA platforms for automated data capture. All thermal cycles—including ramp rate, dwell time, soak duration, and final cooling profile—are programmable and storable. When paired with Spectra Invent’s optional AshTrack™ LabSuite software (v3.2+), users gain audit-ready electronic records compliant with 21 CFR Part 11 requirements, including electronic signatures, change history, and role-based access control.
Applications
- Quality assurance of refinery feedstocks and finished fuels per ASTM D482 and GB/T 508 specifications.
- Monitoring catalyst carryover in FCC unit outputs through ash metal content (e.g., Ni, V, Na) quantification prior to ICP-OES analysis.
- Assessing additive package decomposition behavior in engine oils during accelerated oxidation studies.
- Supporting ASTM D874-compliant sulfated ash determinations when used with sulfuric acid pretreatment protocols.
- Providing calibrated thermal platforms for inter-laboratory round-robin testing in national metrology institutes and university materials science departments.
FAQ
What standards does the HX-AC1878 explicitly support?
It is configured and factory-validated for GB/T 508, GB/T 2433, SH/T 0067, ASTM D482, and ISO 6245. Custom calibration certificates are available upon request for ISO/IEC 17025 traceability.
Can the furnace be used for sulfated ash testing (ASTM D874)?
Yes—when combined with appropriate sulfuric acid digestion steps and post-digestion calcination at 775 °C, the HX-AC1878 satisfies all thermal requirements of ASTM D874.
Is remote monitoring or data export supported?
Standard units include Modbus RTU output; Ethernet or Wi-Fi modules and AshTrack™ LabSuite software are optional add-ons for full digital workflow integration.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for sustained accuracy?
Thermocouple verification every 6 months and ceramic fiber integrity inspection annually are advised. Replacement crucibles and calibration kits are stocked globally via Spectra Invent’s authorized service network.
Does the instrument meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements for laboratory environments?
Yes—certified to IEC 61326-1:2013 for emission and immunity in industrial and laboratory settings, with CE marking valid for EU markets.
