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Carbon isotope analyses of n ‐alkanes released from rapid pyrolysis of oil asphaltenes in a closed system
Author(s) -
Chen Shasha,
Jia Wanglu,
Peng Ping'an
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/rcm.7656
Subject(s) - pyrolysis , asphaltene , chemistry , isotopes of carbon , carbon fibers , isotope ratio mass spectrometry , mass spectrometry , gas chromatography , isotope , chromatography , analytical chemistry (journal) , organic chemistry , total organic carbon , materials science , physics , quantum mechanics , composite number , composite material
Rationale Carbon isotope analysis of n ‐alkanes produced by the pyrolysis of oil asphaltenes is a useful tool for characterizing and correlating oil sources. Low‐temperature (320–350°C) pyrolysis lasting 2–3 days is usually employed in such studies. Establishing a rapid pyrolysis method is necessary to reduce the time taken for the pretreatment process in isotope analyses. Methods One asphaltene sample was pyrolyzed in sealed ampoules for different durations (60–120 s) at 610°C. The δ 13 C values of the pyrolysates were determined by gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). The molecular characteristics and isotopic signatures of the pyrolysates were investigated for the different pyrolysis durations and compared with results obtained using the normal pyrolysis method, to determine the optimum time interval. Several asphaltene samples derived from various sources were analyzed using this method. Results The asphaltene pyrolysates of each sample were similar to those obtained by the flash pyrolysis method on similar samples. However, the molecular characteristics of the pyrolysates obtained over durations longer than 90 s showed intensified secondary reactions. The carbon isotopic signatures of individual compounds obtained at pyrolysis durations less than 90 s were consistent with those obtained from typical low‐temperature pyrolysis. Several asphaltene samples from various sources released n ‐alkanes with distinct carbon isotopic signatures. Conclusions This easy‐to‐use pyrolysis method, combined with a subsequent purification procedure, can be used to rapidly obtain clean n ‐alkanes from oil asphaltenes. Carbon isotopic signatures of n ‐alkanes released from oil asphaltenes from different sources demonstrate the potential application of this method in ‘oil–oil’ and ‘oil–source’ correlations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.