Reference Reformate Standard

Significance of GC Capillary Column Analysis in Petrochemical Applications

Gas chromatography with a bonded dimethylpolysiloxane capillary column is a cornerstone technique for characterizing complex hydrocarbon mixtures. In petrochemical industries, precise separation and quantification of paraffins, isoparaffins, cycloparaffins and aromatics are essential for process optimization, product quality control and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Overview

The primary goal of this application study was to demonstrate the performance of a 50 m × 0.25 mm ID × 0.5 µm film 007-1 Bonded Dimethylpolysiloxane column for the analysis of reformate. This work evaluates separation efficiency, peak resolution and run-to-run reproducibility for a standard mixture of 82 representative petrochemical components.

Methodology and Instrumentation

A temperature-programmed method was employed: initial hold at 35 °C for 30 min, ramp at 2 °C/min to 200 °C, then final hold. Helium was used as the carrier gas at 25.6 cm/s. The injector was maintained at 200 °C and the flame ionization detector at 250 °C.

Použitá instrumentace

• GC capillary column: 007-1, Bonded Dimethylpolysiloxane, 50 m × 0.25 mm ID × 0.5 µm film
• Carrier gas: Helium, 25.6 cm/s linear velocity
• Injector temperature: 200 °C
• Detector: FID at 250 °C
• Temperature program: 35 °C (30 min), 2 °C/min to 200 °C, hold

Main Results and Discussion

The column achieved baseline separation of alkanes up to nonane, several cycloparaffins and aromatic isomers including xylenes, trimethylbenzenes and indane. Peaks eluted in increasing carbon number and structural complexity, demonstrating high selectivity for branched and cyclic species. Resolution between critical pairs such as o-, m- and p-xylene exceeded baseline, confirming the stationary phase’s aptitude for aromatic differentiation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Comprehensive profiling of reformate streams for quality control in refinery processes
• Accurate quantification of isomer distributions to guide catalytic reforming adjustments
• Rapid method transferability to other hydrocarbon matrices, such as gasoline, naphthas and petrochemical feedstocks

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in column chemistries and microfabricated GC systems promise faster analyses with reduced sample and carrier gas consumption. Coupling with mass spectrometry or multidimensional GC will further enhance the ability to resolve ultra-complex mixtures and trace-level components. Integration with machine learning–driven data processing can streamline peak identification and quantification.

Conclusion

This study confirms that a 007-1 bonded dimethylpolysiloxane capillary column provides robust separation of a wide range of petrochemical hydrocarbons. Its high resolution and reproducibility support critical quality control and research applications in the refining industry.