Applications of Hydrocarbon Group-Type and Class-Type Analysis via Simulated Distillation-Mass Spectrometry for Process Upgrading Monitoring

Abstract

Characterization of petroleum samples in terms of boiling point distributions is at the core of the oil business. In addition, knowledge of chemical properties like molecular weight (MW) and hydrocarbon group-type as well as class-type distributions are also important parameters for monitoring upgrading processes. This work studied the feasibility of using gas chromatography coupled to flame ionization and mass spectrometry detection (GC-FID-MS) for providing all the former mentioned parameters in a fast and simple simultaneous approach that requires less than 1 h for completion. Comparison with routine thin layer chromatography with flame ionization detection (TLC-FID) and standardized supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) for hydrocarbon group and class-type analyses validated the approach and, furthermore, allowed one to highlight advantages or disadvantages for the compared techniques. Upgrading processes carried out with atmospheric and vacuum distillate feedstocks were monitored with the mentioned characterization tools. The application of these techniques was found suitable for analyzing petroleum distillates comprised within the C5−C60 carbon range. GC-FID-MS was found suitable for samples containing low amounts of polar hydrocarbons, in addition was determined capable to discriminate HC-class-types for complex samples arising from hydroprocessing, catalytic upgrading, and physically separated distillation cuts. On the other hand, SFC and TLC-FID yielded restricted applicability in the light or heavy distillation ends.