Upgrade to a Faster D2887 Analysis with a GC Accelerator Kit - Reduce Analysis Time to 9 Minutes in a 120 V GC

Significance of the Topic

The boiling range distribution of petroleum fractions is a critical parameter for refining operations and fuel quality control. Simulated distillation using gas chromatography provides a faster, automated, and lower-sample-volume alternative to classical physical distillation. ASTM D2887 is the industry standard for determining boiling range distributions from 55.5 °C to 538 °C, but Procedure A methods typically take more than 20 minutes. Accelerating this analysis can improve laboratory throughput and process optimization.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study aimed to demonstrate how a Restek GC Accelerator oven insert kit can upgrade Agilent 6890/7890 GCs with 100/120 V ovens to meet the more aggressive Procedure B conditions of ASTM D2887-16. By installing the GC Accelerator plate insert behind the front inlet, analysts can achieve a 35 °C/min ramp rate from 40 °C to 350 °C and reduce analysis time to nine minutes without new hardware or software.

Methodology

ASTM D2887-16a Procedure B Column Option 2 was followed with a 5 m x 0.53 mm ID x 2.65 µm MXT-1HT column and helium at 35 mL/min constant flow. Sample volume was 0.05 µL injected in splitless mode using a PTV inlet ramped at 35 °C/min and purged at 100 mL/min after eight minutes. Calibration used a 20-component standard covering C5 to C44, and performance metrics included skewness at the 10% height and area ratios relative to C10.

Instrumentation

• Agilent 7890B GC with 120 V oven and FID detector at 360 °C
• Restek GC Accelerator oven insert kit (plate insert only)
• 5 m section of MXT-1HT SimDist column
• PTV inlet liner Topaz 2.0 mm ID single baffle
• Dragon SimDist software for data processing

Key Results and Discussion

The modified oven achieved the target ramp rate, enabling Procedure B conditions. Calibration peaks from C6 to C44 met method skewness (0.8–1.3) and discrimination (0.9–1.1) specifications. The retention time versus boiling point plot was linear from C9 to C44, confirming thermal fidelity. Analysis of reference gas oil yielded boiling points within certified tolerances at all fractional cuts, and nine replicate injections showed relative standard deviations below 0.5%, demonstrating precision and repeatability.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Reduces simulated distillation cycle time to nine minutes
• Maintains full compliance with ASTM D2887 Procedure B criteria
• Uses existing 100/120 V GC systems without major capital investment
• Supports high-throughput QA/QC labs and refinery process monitoring
• Minimizes sample volume and operator time

Future Trends and Opportunities

Broader adoption of oven insert technologies can accelerate other GC methods that are constrained by standard oven ramp rates. Integration with method translation software and advanced column designs may further enhance resolution and sensitivity. Such innovations will benefit petrochemical, biofuel, and environmental analyses, driving efficiency in high-throughput laboratories.

Conclusion

The novel use of the GC Accelerator plate insert effectively upgrades 100/120 V Agilent GC ovens to meet the accelerated ASTM D2887 Procedure B method. Analysts can achieve a nine-minute simulated distillation while fulfilling all method requirements, offering a cost-effective solution for routine petroleum boiling range analysis.

References

1. ASTM D2887-16a Standard Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of Petroleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography, ASTM International, 2016