Agilent Simulated Distillation Gas Analyzers

Importance of the Topic

Simulated distillation is an essential analytical technique in petroleum refining, providing reliable boiling point distributions of hydrocarbon mixtures prior to downstream processing. Accurate distillation data guide process optimization, quality control, product specification compliance, and commercial valuation of fuels and lubricants.

Objectives and Study Overview

This summary examines the design, performance, and application workflows of Agilent Simulated Distillation Gas Analyzers. The goal is to highlight how factory-configured systems streamline method setup under ASTM standards, reduce downtime, and deliver reproducible results for a variety of hydrocarbon fractions.

Methodology

The core methodology is gas chromatographic simulated distillation following ASTM protocols (D2887, D7213, D6352, D7169, etc.). Samples are vaporized and separated on capillary columns. Detector response versus elution temperature produces boiling point distribution profiles. Low Thermal Mass (LTM) modules accelerate heating/cooling ramps for ultra-fast cycles.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph with Electronic Pneumatic Control for precise pressure and temperature regulation.
• High-performance Multimode Inlet (MMI) to improve sample introduction and chromatographic peak shape.
• Low Thermal Mass (LTM) column module for rapid temperature cycling (C5–C44 analysis in under 2.5 minutes).
• Agilent Simulated Distillation Software integrated with OpenLAB CDS for data acquisition, chromatogram visualization, calibration, and report generation.

Main Results and Discussion

Factory-tested analyzers demonstrate excellent precision (RSD ≤1% for boiling point determinations) and linearity across calibration ranges (C5–C100). Overlays of multiple runs show minimal retention time drift and reproducible cut-point determination. LTM systems reduce analysis time by up to 70%, while capillary column analyzers maintain robust performance for heavy fractions (up to C700).

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid method deployment: pre-configured hardware and software shorten installation and validation phases.
• High throughput: faster sample turnaround supports real-time process decisions and tighter production schedules.
• Regulatory compliance: built-in support for ASTM methods ensures consistent reporting and traceability.
• Versatility: analyzers cover jet fuels, diesel, motor oils, biodiesel, lube stocks, and residuals.
• Quality assurance: tight control of boiling range distributions minimizes off-spec product and optimizes yield.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in column materials and detector sensitivity will extend the method to ultra-heavy fractions and complex bio-based blends. Integration with laboratory informatics and predictive modeling can automate method development and maintenance. Customized hardware add-ons and AI-driven data analysis promise further reduction in cycle time and greater analytical insight in energy and specialty chemical production.

Conclusion

Agilent Simulated Distillation Analyzers combine proven GC platforms with advanced inlet and column technologies to deliver fast, accurate, and reproducible boiling point distributions. Their alignment with ASTM standards, modular hardware, and intuitive software support a wide range of petroleum and biofuel applications, helping laboratories improve efficiency, quality control, and decision-making speed.