Coking Solid Quinoline Insoluble Matter Tester

Coking Solid Quinoline Insoluble Matter Tester – Fundamentals of Quinoline Insoluble Analysis

Context and Purpose
The Coking Solid Quinoline Insoluble (QI) Matter Tester from Changsha Friend Experimental Analysis Instrument Co., Ltd quantifies the insoluble fraction produced during heavy oil thermal stressing. QI content correlates with coke precursor formation in refinery processes, informing feedstock selection and process control.

Testing Principle
Under elevated temperature (e.g., 345 °C) and pressure with a nitrogen atmosphere, a heavy oil sample undergoes simulated thermal cracking. The resulting coke deposits are dissolved in quinoline solvent, then filtered to isolate insoluble residues. Gravimetric analysis yields the QI percentage.

Instrument Configuration

• Reactor Vessel: High-pressure alloy steel rated to exceed test pressures.

• Heating Block: Provides uniform heat flux with programmable ramp profiles.

• Quinoline Handling System: Ensures safe addition, mixing, and filtration under fume-hood or enclosed module.

• Filtration Assembly: Vacuum-assisted setup with Teflon-lined filters for chemical compatibility.

Relevance to Refinery Operations
High QI values signal heavier asphaltene content and greater coke yield—critical for predicting fouling rates in catalytic crackers and delayed coking units. Feed selection teams use this data alongside viscosity and sulfur analyses to balance throughput and catalyst life.

Best Practices for Accurate QI Measurement

• Sample Homogenization: Heat to fluid state and stir to ensure uniform composition.

• Solvent Purity: Use HPLC-grade quinoline to avoid background particulates.

• Filter Integrity: Pre-weigh and condition filter media to constant mass before testing.

• Replicate Testing: Perform at least three runs and report average ± standard deviation.