Light Cycle Oil (LCO) Testing Lab Houston, TX | ASTM

Compositional Profiling for FCC Distillate Streams

Light Cycle Oil (LCO) is a mid-distillate byproduct of the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process, and its highly aromatic, olefinic character makes it one of the most analytically demanding refinery streams to characterize and blend. AGT Labs provides professional Light Cycle Oil Testing Services to support refiners, distillate blenders, and marine fuel formulators with the precise data needed to manage this complex stream.

LCO exits the FCC unit with a boiling range typically between 200°C and 370°C, overlapping with diesel and distillate fuel oil fractions. Its highly aromatic character makes blending decisions sensitive to small quality changes. Our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited LCO tests cover density and API gravity, Ramsbottom carbon residue, copper strip corrosion, free water and particulates, color and refractive index, giving blending engineers dependable data for distillate pools, hydrocracker feed and marine fuel formulation.

Accredited Test Parameters

Every LCO test listed below is on our PJLA ISO/IEC 17025 scope of accreditation (Certificate L25-276).

Density & API Gravity

ASTM D5002

Ramsbottom Carbon Residue

ASTM D524

Copper Strip Corrosion

ASTM D130

Free Water & Particulates

ASTM D4176

Color (Tristimulus)

ASTM D6045

Refractive Index

ASTM D1218

Industries We Serve

Providing specialized FCC distillate analysis across refining, blending, and marine fuel sectors utilizing our accredited Light Cycle Oil Testing Services.

Refineries & FCC Operators

Process control data for FCC unit performance evaluation, LCO yield optimization, and downstream routing decisions.

Diesel Pool Blenders

Density, refractive index and contamination checks to support blending LCO into distillate pools.

Hydrocracker Feed Qualification

Carbon residue, density and refractive index data for hydrocracker feed qualification.

Marine Fuel Blenders

Accredited LCO data for blending into residual and distillate marine fuel grades.

Carbon Black Feedstock

Density and carbon residue screening for LCO destined as carbon black feedstock (CBFS).

Petroleum Traders

Independent third-party verification of LCO cargo specifications for custody transfer and dispute resolution.

Laboratory Capabilities

Analytical Systems

Our Light Cycle Oil Testing Services use digital density meters, gravimetric carbon residue equipment, copper strip corrosion baths, automatic tristimulus colorimeters and refractometers. All instrumentation is operated under our ISO/IEC 17025 accredited quality system.

Advanced Technical Support

ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Laboratory Operations
Blending advisory for ULSD pool and marine distillate
Rapid Turnaround for Refinery & Trade Logistics
Application-Specific Test Scope Consultation

Analytical lab instruments for light cycle oil testing services

Sampling, Handling & Chain of Custody

Reliable Light Cycle Oil Testing Services depend on careful sampling to maintain volatile component integrity and prevent contamination. We accept samples from refinery process streams, intermediate storage tanks, blending lines, and cargo lifts under documented chain of custody.

Download Chain of Custody Form

Containers & Handling

Use clean, dry glass or epoxy-lined metal containers with proper closures.
Fill minimizing headspace to preserve light-end integrity.
Cool samples promptly and shield from prolonged light or heat exposure.

Transport & Logistics

Label clearly with Batch ID, FCC Unit Source, and Sampling Date.
Ship to our Houston lab with completed chain of custody documentation.
Samples tracked via LIMS for complete historical data management.

Quality & Reporting

Reports from our Light Cycle Oil Testing Services provide definitive quality assurance for refinery process control, distillate blending compliance, and marine fuel specification verification.

✓ COA with full specification limits and analyst verification.
✓ Secure PDF Delivery via automated client technical portal.
✓ Blending guidance for ULSD pool, hydrocracker, and marine applications.
✓ Technical review of off-spec density, carbon residue or corrosion results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which LCO tests are accredited at AGT Labs?

Our PJLA ISO/IEC 17025 scope covers density and API gravity (ASTM D5002), Ramsbottom carbon residue (ASTM D524), copper strip corrosion (ASTM D130), free water and particulates (ASTM D4176), color (ASTM D6045) and refractive index (ASTM D1218).

Why test refractive index and density on LCO?

Both properties track aromatic character. Comparing them batch to batch helps refiners and blenders spot changes in LCO quality before blending.

How quickly can I receive LCO test results?

Routine LCO analysis is typically available within 24–48 hours depending on the panel scope. We offer expedited rush services for urgent refinery process control decisions, blending operations, and time-sensitive cargo certifications.

Certify Your LCO Stream

Need reliable accredited Light Cycle Oil Testing Services for FCC distillate blending, hydrocracker feed, or marine fuel evaluation? Contact our technical team today for a custom analysis quote.

Contact Technical Specialist

Light Cycle Oil Testing & FCC Distillate Analysis