Testing that Reaches the World
Clark Laboratories | Proximate Analysis
Backed by Decades of Coal, Coke, Fuel, and Combustion Analysis Experience
Proximate Analysis is one of the most fundamental laboratory evaluations performed on coal, metallurgical coke, and petroleum coke. The test determines the material's basic composition by measuring four key parameters:
- Moisture Content
- Ash Content
- Volatile Matter
- Fixed Carbon
Together, these properties provide critical insight into fuel quality, combustion performance, processing characteristics, and commercial value.
Proximate Analysis is commonly performed in accordance with ASTM standards including ASTM D3172, ASTM D3173, ASTM D3174, and ASTM D3175.
Why Proximate Analysis is Important
Proximate Analysis is used to:
- Determine fuel quality and consistency
- Support commercial transactions and contract compliance
- Predict combustion performance
- Evaluate processing characteristics
- Calculate energy efficiency
- Compare materials from different sources
The results are routinely used by power plants, cement manufacturers, steel producers, refineries, commodity traders, and industrial fuel users.
› 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.
Moisture Content
Moisture represents the water present within the sample.
Excess moisture:
- Reduces usable heating value
- Increases transportation costs
- Impacts handling and storage
- Can create processing issues
Lower moisture levels generally improve fuel efficiency and market value.
Ash Content
Ash is the inorganic residue remaining after complete combustion.
Ash content is important because it:
- Reduces heating value
- Increases disposal costs
- Contributes to slagging and fouling
- Impacts emissions control equipment
Low ash materials are generally preferred for most industrial applications.
Volatile Matter
Volatile matter consists of gases and vapors released when the fuel is heated under controlled conditions.
Volatile matter influences:
- Ignition characteristics
- Flame stability
- Combustion behavior
- Coke quality
Higher volatile matter materials generally ignite more easily but may burn differently than low-volatile fuels.
Fixed Carbon
Fixed carbon represents the solid combustible material remaining after moisture and volatile matter have been removed.
Fixed carbon directly contributes to:
- Heat generation
- Coke quality
- Carbon yield
- Metallurgical performance
Higher fixed carbon content generally indicates greater fuel value.
Clark Testing Proximate Analysis Services
Clark Testing performs comprehensive proximate analysis testing for:
- Coal
- Metallurgical Coke
- Petroleum Coke
- Carbon Materials
- Alternative Fuels
Our laboratory provides rapid, accurate data to support quality control, commercial transactions, and process optimization.
› 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.