Multiscan MS20 OIL
​ASTM D7061 Asphaltene precipitation in fuel oil

                                          APPLICATIONS         MEASUREMENT CELLS  

Stability Analyser for crude and heavy fuel oils
Asphaltenes in heavy fuel oil are an issue because they are inherently unstable and prone to flocculation, especially under stress (e.g., blending, heating, dilution, or aging). When destabilized, they can precipitate out of the oil, causing a range of serious operational and environmental problems.
Why Asphaltenes Are a Problem:

1.  Sludge Formation - Precipitated asphaltenes form sticky, tar-like sludge that can block filters, fuel injectors, and piping in engines or boilers.
2. 🔧 Equipment Fouling & Damage Accumulated asphaltene sludge leads to:
   • Heat exchanger fouling
   • Reduced combustion efficiency
   • Increased wear and maintenance costs
3.  Storage & Handling Issues - Asphaltenes can settle in storage tanks, forming hard-to-remove deposits, especially when oils are stored for long periods or exposed to temperature fluctuations.
4. Blending Incompatibility - When two heavy fuels are blended (e.g., from different crudes), asphaltenes may become insoluble, destabilizing the mixture and causing immediate separation and sedimentation.
5. Environmental Risk - Improperly burned or separated asphaltenes can increase emissions of particulates, soot, and unburnt hydrocarbons.

The recent introduction and requirement to use low sulphur fuel oils puts demands on heavy fuel oil testing. 

Long established tests are giving inconclusive results.   

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​Contact us at Fullbrook Systems to test some samples for free, or for a no obligation quote:

Tel: 01442 876 777
​Email: [email protected]

Heavy Fuel Stability

MULTISCAN MS20 OIL  is designed for studies of asphaltenes, dispersant efficiency, w/o demulsification, blend compatibility...all in accordance with ASTM D7061.

ASTM D7061 provides a rapid method to measure the stability reserve of heavy fuel oils containing asphaltenes using an optical scanning device.   
The Multiscan MS20 OIL meets ASTM D7061 and allows the stability analysis of heavy fuel oil thanks to an innovative method.

​Measurement Of Stability
> Quantitative monitoring of dispersion stability
> Shelf life & long term stability analysis
> Migration velocity

Portable and robust
Multiscan MS20 OIL is designed for R&D laboratories, its compact design and light weight  it can be easily transported for use in the field.
Quick Detection of Instabilities

Aggregation, agglomeration, flocculation, sedimentation, and creaming can all be detected, monitored and characteized within minutes thanks to rapid scan frequency.

​MultiScan MS 20 Determination of Heavy Fuel Oil Stability and Compatibility with MS20 According to ASTM D7061applicationnote-multiscan-heavy-fuel-oil-stability.pdf

How does the Multiscan MS20 OIL work?

• Sample scanned at user defined timed intervals
• Whole sample scanned bottom to top
• No sample dilution
• Readings taken up to every 5 microns
• Simple stability index / rating
• Detailed stability data as required
• Results 40 times quicker than the naked eye.

Test for anything from suspensions, emulsions, foams

What can the Multiscan MS20 detect?

Migration Analysis

Local variation of light intensity corresponds to phases formation.

• Phase thickness kinetics
• Sedimentation rate
• Creaming rate
• Particles migration speed​

Multiscan MS20 Stability Index

The Multiscan Stabiity Index MSI is a one-click parameter to easily rank the stability of many samples in a kinetic way or in a data table. 

The higher the MSI is, the less stable the product is.

Size Variation Analysis

Global variation of light intensity corresponds to size increase.

• Size kinetics 
• Mean diameter 
• Agglomeration rate
• Coalescence rate
• Dispersibility ratio 

No Mechanical Stress

When it comes to shelf-life, and real-life evolution of the end-products, it makes no sense to apply a mechanical stress to a sample.

Our measurements are always performed at rest, without any external stress.

That way, you can be sure that the results you get are representative of what will happen in real life, only detected way earlier!