Determination of Hydrocarbon Group Types by Gas Chromatography with Vacuum Ultraviolet Absorption Sp

INTRODUCTION

The VUV detector is the next generation GC detector for PIONA analysis; simplifying the complex analysis of hydrocarbons samples with short analysis times, including spark ignition fuels. 

There are many challenges within the petrochemical industry and associated GC analysis methods. As regulations continuously drive down the accepted levels of impurities in gasolines, lower detection and quantification levels must be observed when using GC as a method for analysis. Fuel impurities must be removed whilst also retaining and characterising paraffins, isoparaffins, olefin, napthenes and aromatics

(PIONA) as well as other hydrocarbon classes to maintain the octane value of the system.

ASTM D6730 is the standard rest method for the determination of individual components in spark ignition fuels using GC-FID. However, DHA is time consuming with long analyses, column tuning and extensive post processing times. DHA is reliant on reproducible retention index values; requiring optimal controlled operating, flow and temperature conditions, for identification and quantification. Additionally, full gasoline analysis can be completed using multi-dimensional gas chromatography; a highly complex column switching technique to determine carbon number distribution for the different component classes. Due to the sophisticated setup of the multi-dimensional GC; which contains numerous valves, column and traps, this analysis is expensive and challenging to use.

VUV Analytics have developed a benchtop vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) spectrometer that utilises an ultraviolet spectrum (stored as a library), retention indices and relative response factors to provide excellent sensitivity and unparalleled selectivity for the analysis of spark ignition fuels, when coupled to a GC. The VUV PIONA+ analyser is preconfigured for the determination of bulk PIONA, specific oxygenates and BTEX compound content, in a single measurement. In addition, ASTM D8071 is the standard method for the determination of hydrocarbon group types using GC-VUV.

ASTM P00800 Standard Calibration

For detail information, please download the application note.

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