Product Introduction & Main Application
Arnico’s Vacuum Bottom (VB) is the heaviest, most viscous cut obtained from the bottom of a crude oil vacuum distillation column. It is a black, semi-solid material at room temperature with a high concentration of asphaltenes, resins, and heavy aromatic hydrocarbons. VB serves as the primary feedstock for Delayed Coker Units (DCU) to produce petroleum coke and as a blending component for low-sulfur fuel oil (LSFO) and bitumen manufacturing.
2. Technical Specifications
| Technical Parameter | Export Grade (LSFO Feedstock) | Coker Feedstock Grade | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density at 15°C | 0.990 – 1.020 | 0.980 – 1.005 | g/cm³ |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C | ≥ 2000 | 500 – 2000 | cSt |
| Sulfur Content | ≤ 3.5 | ≤ 2.5 | wt% |
| Conradson Carbon Residue (CCR) | 18 – 25 | 14 – 20 | wt% |
| Pour Point | +40 to +60 | +30 to +50 | °C |
| Vanadium + Nickel (V+Ni) | ≤ 400 | ≤ 200 | ppm |
3. Features & Benefits
High Carbon Residue: Excellent CCR value maximizes the yield of anode-grade green coke in delayed coking units.
Rich Asphaltene Content: An ideal raw material for producing industrial and penetration-grade bitumens with superior viscosity profiles.
Sulfur-Managed Grades: Low-sulfur VB (<2.5%) is highly sought after as a compliant blendstock for 0.5% IMO 2020 compliant marine fuels.
High Calorific Value: Can be directly fired in heavy-duty industrial boilers and power generation plants.
Global Logistics: Available in bulk vessel shipments with specialized heating logistics to maintain pumpability.
4. Industrial Applications
Delayed Coking: The main feedstock for producing green petroleum coke for aluminum anodes and titanium dioxide pigment.
Bitumen & Asphalt Production: Feedstock for air-blowing and blending to produce road-grade and industrial bitumen.
Marine Bunker Fuel: A key viscous blendstock for the production of Low Sulfur Fuel Oil (LSFO).
Power Generation: A cost-effective liquid fuel for utilities and heavy industrial thermal boilers.
5. Safety & Handling
MSDS: This product is handled hot (80-120°C) and represents a severe burn hazard. Full MSDS is available.
Storage Conditions: Requires storage in insulated, heated tanks with recirculation to prevent thermal cracking and settlement.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Heat-resistant full-face shield, aluminized gloves, and safety boots are mandatory during all sampling and cargo transfer operations.
6. Quality Assurance & COA
All Arnico VB shipments are verified by independent surveyors and accompanied by a detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA), specifying sulfur, density, and CCR to guarantee cracking or blending yields.
