Spectra Invent HX-TCR1873 Micro Carbon Residue Tester

Overview

The Spectra Invent HX-TCR1873 Micro Carbon Residue Tester is a precision benchtop instrument engineered for the quantitative determination of micro carbon residue (MCR) in petroleum-based samples—including lubricating oils, heavy fuel oils, residual fuels, and distillates—according to the standardized test method SH/T 0170. This gravimetric technique employs controlled thermal decomposition under inert atmosphere conditions to quantify the coke-forming tendency of hydrocarbon materials, a critical parameter for assessing thermal stability, refining efficiency, and combustion behavior in downstream applications. Unlike traditional Conradson carbon residue (CCR) methods requiring larger sample volumes and open crucibles, the HX-TCR1873 implements a sealed, low-volume sample procedure that minimizes operator exposure, reduces volatile loss, and enhances repeatability across laboratories. Its design adheres to the fundamental principles of ASTM D4530 (equivalent technical basis), ensuring compatibility with international data exchange frameworks used in refinery QA/QC, fuel specification compliance, and research-grade material characterization.

Key Features

• Fuzzy logic-based temperature control architecture integrated with auto-tuning PID algorithm for stable thermal ramping and precise dwell at target setpoints (e.g., 500 °C ±5 °C for 30 min as specified in SH/T 0170)
• Modular furnace assembly with embedded heating elements and insulated ceramic chamber—designed for zero-maintenance operation and long-term thermal consistency
• Digital front-panel interface enabling direct input of target temperature, hold time, and cooling delay; no external PC or software required for basic operation
• Thermocouple feedback loop calibrated against NIST-traceable reference standards, supporting routine verification per ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory requirements
• Compact footprint (345 × 345 × 381 mm) and lightweight construction (25 kg) facilitate integration into constrained lab spaces without structural reinforcement
• Compliance-ready electrical design: CE-marked power supply module, over-temperature cut-off, and grounded chassis meeting IEC 61010-1 safety specifications

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HX-TCR1873 accepts standard 4-mL glass micro-crucibles (ASTM D4530-compliant geometry) and accommodates sample masses between 0.75 g and 1.00 g—optimized for reproducible residue yield calculation. It supports viscous and semi-solid petroleum fractions, including base oils, cracked stocks, marine fuels (IFO 380, IFO 180), and bio-blended distillates. All operational parameters align with SH/T 0170-2016 (Chinese National Standard, equivalent to ASTM D4530-18a). Instrument validation documentation includes factory calibration certificates traceable to national metrology institutes, supporting GLP audits and internal quality system registration (e.g., ISO 9001, API Q1). While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11-certified out-of-the-box, audit trails and user-access logs can be maintained manually per laboratory SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The HX-TCR1873 operates as a standalone instrument with embedded firmware—no proprietary software installation required. Temperature profiles, run timestamps, and user-entered setpoints are retained in non-volatile memory for up to 100 test cycles. Data export is supported via RS-232 serial interface (optional USB-to-serial adapter) for integration with LIMS or Excel-based reporting templates. Raw output includes start time, peak temperature achieved, dwell duration, final residue mass (mg), and calculated MCR % (w/w). Firmware updates are delivered via secure FTP upon request from Spectra Invent’s technical support portal, with version history and change logs provided for regulatory documentation.

Applications

• Refinery QC labs monitoring coker feedstock stability and hydrotreater effluent carbon deposition risk
• Fuel testing laboratories verifying compliance of marine distillates and residual fuels with IMO MARPOL Annex VI sulfur and carbon residue limits
• Lubricant formulation R&D evaluating antioxidant package efficacy under simulated high-temperature service conditions
• Third-party inspection agencies conducting CNAS-accredited testing for customs clearance and import certification (e.g., CCC, AQSIQ)
• University and government research centers studying thermal degradation kinetics of alternative fuels and synthetic hydrocarbons

FAQ

What is the minimum sample volume required for accurate MCR measurement?
The instrument requires 0.75–1.00 g of homogeneous liquid sample, introduced into a pre-weighed 4-mL quartz or borosilicate crucible.
Does the HX-TCR1873 include inert gas purging capability?
No—SH/T 0170 specifies nitrogen blanketing during heating; users must connect an external regulated N₂ source (0.5–1.0 L/min flow rate) via the rear-mounted inlet port.
Can the unit be operated continuously for multiple runs?
Yes; after each test cycle, the furnace cools passively to <100 °C before accepting the next sample—average turnaround time is ~65 minutes per run.
Is third-party calibration service available?
Spectra Invent partners with CNAS-accredited metrology labs in Beijing and Shanghai for on-site or depot-based calibration, with full uncertainty budgets and ISO/IEC 17025 reports.
How is temperature uniformity verified across the furnace chamber?
Uniformity is validated using multi-point thermocouple mapping (±2 °C max deviation at 500 °C), documented in the出厂 calibration certificate shipped with each unit.