Testing that Reaches the World
Clark Laboratories | Ultimate Analysis
Analysis for Quality, Environmental Compliance, and Commercial Value
What is Ultimate Analysis?
Ultimate Analysis provides a detailed elemental composition of coal, coke, and petroleum coke by measuring:
- Carbon (C)
- Hydrogen (H)
- Nitrogen (N)
- Sulfur (S)
- Oxygen (O)
This analysis delivers a more complete understanding of fuel chemistry than proximate analysis and is widely used for combustion modeling, emissions calculations, environmental compliance, and process optimization.
Why Ultimate Analysis Matters
The elemental composition of fuel directly impacts:
- Energy content
- Combustion efficiency
- Air emissions
- Carbon footprint calculations
- Boiler performance
- Environmental permitting
› Proximate Analysis Testing
Fuel quality analysis including moisture, ash, volatile matter, and fixed carbon.
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› Sulfur Analysis Testing
Sulfur testing for emissions compliance and product specification verification.
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› Ultimate Analysis Testing
Elemental analysis of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen.
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› BTU & Calorific Value Testing
Measure energy content for fuel valuation and combustion performance.
Carbon
Carbon is the primary energy-producing component.
Higher carbon content generally:
- Increases fuel value
- Improves heating performance
- Supports metallurgical application
Hydrogen
Hydrogen contributes significantly to heat generation during combustion.
Hydrogen content affects:
- Combustion efficiency
- Water vapor generation
- Energy release
Nitrogen
Nitrogen contributes to NOx emissions during combustion.
Nitrogen analysis helps facilities:
- Evaluate emissions potential
- Support permit compliance
- Optimize combustion processes
Sulfur
Sulfur is one of the most important environmental parameters.
High sulfur fuels may contribute to:
- SO₂ emissions
- Corrosion
- Environmental compliance challenges
Sulfur testing is critical for power generation, cement, refinery, and industrial combustion applications.
Oxygen
Oxygen influences fuel reactivity and combustion characteristics.
Oxygen content is often calculated by difference and is useful for combustion modeling and energy calculations.
Applications
Ultimate Analysis is widely used by:
- Power Plants
- Refineries
- Cement Manufacturers
- Steel Producers
- Environmental Consultants
- Fuel Traders
› Hardgrove Grindability Testing
Evaluate grindability to optimize milling and fuel handling.
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› CRI and CSR Testing
Assess coke reactivity and strength for blast furnace optimization.
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› Ash Fusion Testing
Determine ash melting behavior and slagging potential.
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› Trace Metals Analysis
Analyze nickel, vanadium, mercury, and other trace elements.
Need Petroleum Coke Testing?
Request a quote or speak with a Clark Testing specialist about your project.