Normalab NMC 215 Semi-Automatic Micro Carbon Residue Tester

A half-automated micro carbon residue tester

The NMC 215 is the half-automated model of Normalab’s micro carbon residue range. It performs the micro method, equivalent to the Conradson carbon residue test, by heating small sample vials in a furnace under a controlled nitrogen atmosphere and then letting the operator weigh the residue. The quick start of the test, the temperature cycle and the nitrogen control are automatic and follow the method.

Normalab lists ASTM D4530, ASTM D189, ISO 10370 and IP 398 and related methods. The method determines the carbon residue formed after evaporation and pyrolysis of petroleum materials and gives an indication of their relative coke-forming tendency. The measuring range stated is 0.1 to 30.0 % (m/m).

Technical specifications

Delivered items and options

The NMC 215 is delivered ready to use with twelve 2 ml sample vials (P/N 41001), a 12-place vial holder for 2 ml vials (P/N 41005), a cleaning cable (P/N 41045) and a hook for safe manipulation of the hot lid (P/N 41008). A gas connection is necessary.

Options listed by Normalab are a gas connection kit, a dryer, a holder for 16 ml borosilicate glass crucibles (6 places), a mixed support for 2 ml and 16 ml crucibles (7 places) and an additional holder for 2 ml vials (12 places). The 12-place holder lets a full set of samples be loaded in one run, and a hook allows the hot lid to be handled safely, which matters because the furnace operates up to 550 °C. Normalab describes the temperature ramp and gas flow as precise and automatic and the unit as calibrated for the required temperature rate.

NMC 215 or NMC 460?

The NMC 215 suits laboratories that want a straightforward, lower-automation carbon residue test with a temperature controller and a manual nitrogen check on the front panel. The NMC 460 from the same range adds touchscreen software, mass flow control, result storage and extra safety functions for laboratories that handle many samples or need records.

Typical users are refinery and lubricant-blending laboratories testing residual fuels, base oils and crude fractions. Before ordering, confirm the vial sizes, the nitrogen and air supply with its regulators, a balance for weighing vials before and after the test, a regulator for the nitrogen supply, ventilation for the exhaust, and the supply voltage. Related instruments are grouped under liquid analytical systems. The weight of the instrument is stated differently in the leaflet and on the web page, so ask for the confirmed figure when planning handling.

Documents and quotation

The Normalab NMC 215 leaflet is attached to this page. Send your sample types, number of tests per day and required accessories for a quotation; availability and lead time are confirmed before ordering.