Shengtai Instruments SH6531 Petroleum Sediment Performance Tester
| Brand | Shengtai Instruments |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shandong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | SH6531 |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V ±10%, 50 Hz |
| Heating Power | 2 × 300 W |
| Temperature Control | Bidirectional thyristor-based continuous voltage regulation |
| Max. Ambient Temperature | ≤35 °C |
| Relative Humidity | ≤85% RH |
| Total Power Consumption | ≤600 W |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 50 × 38 × 32 cm |
| Weight | 13 kg |
| Sample Capacity | Dual-position (2 samples simultaneously) |
| Compliance | GB/T 6531, ASTM D473, ASTM D4870 |
Overview
The Shengtai Instruments SH6531 Petroleum Sediment Performance Tester is a dual-station laboratory instrument engineered for the quantitative determination of insoluble sediment content in crude oil and fuel oils according to standardized solvent extraction methodologies. It operates on the principle of gravimetric analysis following controlled hot solvent extraction—specifically n-heptane or toluene—as defined in GB/T 6531 (China National Standard), ASTM D473 (Standard Test Method for Sediment in Crude Oil by Extraction), and ASTM D4870 (Standard Test Method for Sediment in Fuel Oils by Extraction). The system enables simultaneous processing of two independent samples under identical thermal and mechanical conditions, ensuring inter-sample comparability and throughput efficiency essential for quality control laboratories in refineries, third-party testing facilities, and upstream R&D centers.
Key Features
- Dual-position design with independent heating zones and adjustable thermal control for parallel sample processing—reducing batch analysis time without compromising method fidelity.
- Bidirectional thyristor-based voltage regulation for precise, stepless heating control across both extraction stations, supporting reproducible solvent reflux kinetics critical to ASTM and GB/T compliance.
- Integrated stainless steel wire supports, ceramic extraction thimbles, and borosilicate glass 1000 mL conical flasks—all chemically resistant and dimensionally stable under prolonged solvent exposure and elevated temperatures.
- Compact benchtop architecture (50 × 38 × 32 cm) with reinforced structural frame and vibration-damped base, suitable for installation in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories with limited footprint.
- Low total power draw (≤600 W) and energy-efficient dual 300 W heating elements—optimized for sustained operation in ambient environments up to 35 °C and relative humidity ≤85% RH.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SH6531 is validated for use with crude oils, residual fuel oils (e.g., No. 6 fuel oil), and distillate fuels containing asphaltene, paraffinic wax, and inorganic particulates prone to phase separation upon storage or thermal cycling. All wetted components meet ASTM E29 and ISO 80000-1 material traceability requirements. The instrument’s operational protocol aligns with the procedural rigor of GB/T 6531 Clause 6 (extraction duration, solvent volume, drying temperature, and weighing precision), ASTM D473 Section 8 (reflux rate control and condensate collection), and ASTM D4870 Annex A1 (cold filtration verification). It supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated reporting workflows.
Software & Data Management
The SH6531 is a manually operated, non-microprocessor-controlled instrument; therefore, it does not incorporate embedded firmware, touchscreen interfaces, or digital data logging. All operational parameters—including heating duration, solvent addition timing, and cooling intervals—are executed per written SOPs. This analog architecture ensures long-term reliability, eliminates software validation burdens under FDA 21 CFR Part 11, and facilitates straightforward audit readiness in GMP-regulated environments where hardware simplicity and procedural transparency are prioritized. Users maintain full traceability via handwritten logbooks or external electronic records linked to sample IDs, analyst initials, and environmental monitoring data.
Applications
- Quality assurance of incoming crude slates prior to desalting and distillation units.
- Monitoring sediment accumulation during long-term fuel oil storage per API RP 2510 guidelines.
- Supporting root-cause analysis of fouling incidents in heat exchangers and burner nozzles.
- Verifying conformance to contractual sediment limits in marine bunker fuel deliveries (ISO 8217 Annex B).
- Research into asphaltene precipitation thresholds under varying solvent-to-oil ratios and temperature gradients.
FAQ
What standards does the SH6531 explicitly support?
GB/T 6531, ASTM D473, and ASTM D4870—covering gravimetric sediment determination via hot solvent extraction in crude oil and fuel oil matrices.
Is the instrument compatible with automated data capture systems?
No. The SH6531 is a manual, analog instrument designed for direct operator control; integration with LIMS or ELN requires external documentation protocols.
What consumables require periodic replacement?
Ceramic extraction thimbles, glass conical flasks, and metal condensers—subject to wear from thermal cycling and solvent abrasion; stainless steel wire supports exhibit extended service life.
Does the unit include calibration certification?
Each SH6531 is supplied with a factory-issued Certificate of Conformance verifying compliance with mechanical specifications and standard-compliant component materials—not metrological calibration.
What maintenance is recommended for long-term stability?
Biannual inspection of heating element continuity, thyristor controller response, and condenser seal integrity; cleaning of solvent residue from flask necks and thimble interiors using approved solvents per ASTM D93.
