A RAPID HEATING TGA METHOD FOR EVALUATING THE CARBON RESIDUE OF FUEL-OIL

A new TGA method for evaluating the carbon residue of heavy fuel oil ( TGCR) is proposed. Using a Netzsch STA 409 thermobalance it is possibl e to submit the sample to a high heating rate (> 750 degrees C min(-1) ) in nitrogen obtaining a rapid pyrolysis followed by the combustion o f carbon residue in oxygen. The results obtained for eight samples of heavy fuel oil are compared with the asphaltene content and with the C onradson carbon residue (CCR). This method is easy and rapid to carry out; it is characterized by good repeatability and may be widely emplo yed in routine laboratories for fuel oil control.