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Chromatographic characterization of high‐boiling petroleum fractions
Author(s) -
Sharma Brajendra K.,
Sarowha Sukh Lal S.,
Bhagat Shib D.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of separation science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.72
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1615-9314
pISSN - 1615-9306
DOI - 10.1002/jssc.200301506
Subject(s) - chemistry , chromatography , boiling point , solvent , vacuum distillation , high performance liquid chromatography , distillation , fraction (chemistry) , gas chromatography , pentane , hydrocarbon , hexane , boiling , chromatography detector , heptane , organic chemistry
Detailed investigation of solvent‐separated fractions of petroleum vacuum residues is necessary for understanding the separation mechanism using different solvents and to prepare better feedstocks for secondary conversion processes. The efficiency of different solvents to remove polars and insolubles from vacuum residues (of two Indian crude oils) has been studied. The solvents used were n ‐heptane, n ‐hexane, and n ‐pentane (non‐polar) and ethyl acetate (polar). Soluble fractions were characterized for hydrocarbon group type analysis using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), average molecular weights using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and boiling point distribution using high temperature gas chromatography (HTGC). Method development for HPLC analysis involved the study of parameters such as columns, solvent polarity, detectors, model compounds study, calibration, flow, and solvent gradient programming. The study demonstrated that ultimate soluble fractions have the least content of polar structures of the kind which can cause problems, during cracking and are least prone to cracking. The HPLC, SEC, and simulated distillation (SIMDIS) methods developed and standardized are simple, accurate, and suitable for the rapid assay needed for quick compositional surveys.