ASTM D6969

Preparation of Calcined Petroleum Coke Samples for Analysis

Applicability: ASTM D6969 applies to bulk calcined petroleum coke (CPC) samples collected in accordance with ASTM D6970, intended for subsequent laboratory analysis of physical and chemical properties. The practice covers sample reduction by crushing, division, and grinding to produce analysis-sized subsamples of appropriate fineness for specific analytical tests including real density, electrical resistivity, and trace element determination. It applies to all commercial grades of CPC but does not cover sample preparation for green petroleum coke, which is addressed by separate ASTM practices.

Purpose: ASTM D6969 establishes a systematic procedure for reducing bulk calcined petroleum coke samples to representative analysis aliquots through a sequence of crushing, mixing, and splitting operations using standardized equipment such as riffle splitters and jaw crushers. The preparation protocol ensures that the final analysis sample is homogeneous and of sufficient fineness for accurate and reproducible determination of real density, electrical resistivity, sulfur and trace metal content, and other properties critical to anode and electrode quality, reducing inter-laboratory variability and ensuring comparability of results across testing facilities.