Chromatographic profiling of heavy petroleum products by AMD-densitometry. Repeatability, factors influencing separation and some examples of application
Researcher:
Jarne Lardiés, Carmen
Congress:
International Symposium for Thin-Layer Chromatography
Participation type:
Póster
Year:
2014
Location:
Lyon (Francia)
Automated Multiple Development (AMD) can be used for semi-detailed chromatographic
characterization of heavy petroleum products. An optimized 20-step, THF-DCM-n-heptane gradient
has been used for profiling a variety of samples that covers the whole range of petroleum heavy
products.
Peak migration distances, chromatographic profiles, and fluorescence intensity signals obtained
using this method have shown to be repeatable (intra- and inter-plate in the same laboratory) and
reproducible (in two different laboratories).
Factors influencing separation have been studied. THF, coming from either mobile phase or plate
cleaning solvent, plays a crucial role in the separation of the “Resins” zone of chromatogram. A
mechanism previously proposed by Scott explains THF role on the behaviour of heavy
hydrocarbon compounds.
Although this separation does not provide a complete molecular resolution of heavy petroleum
products, the resulting profiles adequately represent the complexity of the analyte, and can provide
a useful information for identification, comparison purposes, or for evaluating the effect of process
variables on a crude oil. Some examples of application are presented. In the case of bitumes,
different profiles have been obtained in function of their origin. A deasphalting process of an extra-
heavy raw oil has also been monitored, showing different profiles for the crude oil and its derived
deasphalted products under different conditions.
Automated Multiple Development (AMD) can be used for semi-detailed chromatographic
characterization of heavy petroleum products. An optimized 20-step, THF-DCM-n-heptane gradient
has been used for profiling a variety of samples that covers the whole range of petroleum heavy
products.
Peak migration distances, chromatographic profiles, and fluorescence intensity signals obtained
using this method have shown to be repeatable (intra- and inter-plate in the same laboratory) and
reproducible (in two different laboratories).
Factors influencing separation have been studied. THF, coming from either mobile phase or plate
cleaning solvent, plays a crucial role in the separation of the “Resins” zone of chromatogram. A
mechanism previously proposed by Scott explains THF role on the behaviour of heavy
hydrocarbon compounds.
Although this separation does not provide a complete molecular resolution of heavy petroleum
products, the resulting profiles adequately represent the complexity of the analyte, and can provide
a useful information for identification, comparison purposes, or for evaluating the effect of process
variables on a crude oil. Some examples of application are presented. In the case of bitumes,
different profiles have been obtained in function of their origin. A deasphalting process of an extra-
heavy raw oil has also been monitored, showing different profiles for the crude oil and its derived
deasphalted products under different conditions.