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D4930-23 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Terminology
ASTM D4930-23 specifies the Soxhlet extraction method for determining the amount of dust control material on calcined petroleum coke. It applies to de-dusting materials (e.g., petroleum oils, waxes, aqueous latex emulsions) that are soluble in methylene chloride, toluene, or methyl chloroform. All values are stated in SI units.
⚠️ Solvent Safety: Methylene chloride and similar solvents require strict safety protocols. Users of this standard must establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices per the specific warning statements in Section 7.
| 🟦 Term | 📐 Definition |
|---|---|
| Analysis Sample | The reduced, divided representative portion of the bulk sample prepared for laboratory use. |
| Bulk Sample | The representative portion of the gross sample as received by the laboratory for analysis preparation. |
| Test Sample | The exact weighed portion of the analysis sample used in a single test. |
| De-dusting Material | A substance sprayed on calcined coke (oil, wax, latex, etc.) specifically to control dust during handling and transport. |
⚙️ Test Procedure and Solvent Selection
The procedure dissolves the dust control material from a weighed, dry representative sample of 6.3 mm maximum-sized coke using methylene chloride in a Soxhlet extraction apparatus. The mass of the residue remaining after distilling and evaporating the solvent is the mass of dust control material.
💡 Key Consideration: While methylene chloride is the most popular solvent, Note 1 confirms that toluene and methyl chloroform have demonstrated equal efficacy for cokes sprayed with aromatic or waxy de-dusting materials. The chosen solvent must be compatible with the Soxhlet apparatus.
| 🟦 Solvent | 🎯 Application Notes |
|---|---|
| Methylene Chloride (Dichloromethane) | Most popular solvent for removing dust control oil at the time of writing. |
| Toluene | Equivalent results on cokes sprayed with aromatic or waxy materials. |
| Methyl Chloroform | Equivalent results on cokes sprayed with aromatic or waxy materials. |
Proper sample collection is critical and must follow the guidelines in ASTM D346, D2013, D2234/D2234M, and D4057.
📊 Key Measured Properties and Significance
The primary measured property is the mass of the extracted residue. This value directly represents the amount of de-dusting agent present in the test sample and is calculated as a percentage of the original sample mass. Although the de-dusting agent is essential for maintaining a dust-free environment during handling, it adds non-carbon mass to the coke. If present in excessive quantities, it can negatively affect the quality of downstream carbon and graphite artifacts. This test provides both producers and consumers with the critical data needed to verify application rates and maintain product quality.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary purpose of ASTM D4930-23?
This test method is designed to quantify the amount of de-dusting material applied to calcined petroleum coke. The measured result helps ensure the material is present at intended levels for effective dust control without negatively impacting the coke’s value for further processing.
💡 Can solvents other than methylene chloride be used?
Yes. While methylene chloride is the preferred solvent, the standard explicitly states in Note