Analysis of Tertiary-amyl-ethyl Ether (TAEE) and C8 Ethers in Finished Gasolines using Reformulyzer® M4

Importance of the Topic

The accurate and rapid analysis of oxygenates and hydrocarbon group types in finished gasoline is vital for meeting regulatory specifications, ensuring engine performance, and optimizing refinery blending operations. Detailed profiling of ethers, including tertiary‐amyl‐ethyl ether (TAEE) and C8 ethers, supports quality control and environmental compliance by verifying volatility, octane rating contributions, and emissions characteristics.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This application note demonstrates a modified gasoline group‐type analysis on the AC Analytical Controls Reformulyzer® M4. The primary goals are to:

• Quantitatively determine TAEE and C8 ethers alongside common hydrocarbon classes.
• Validate compliance with EN ISO 22854 and ASTM D6839 methods.
• Deliver a fast analysis protocol with a total runtime under 40 minutes.

Used Methodology and Instrumentation

The method combines capillary and micropacked columns with selective traps in a multi‐valve flow scheme. Key elements include:

• Reformulyzer M4 analyzer with independent temperature control for traps and columns.
• Polar and pre‐columns to fractionate paraffins, naphthenes, aromatics, and alcohols.
• Ether/Alcohol trap directed to a boiling‐point column for targeted ether analysis.
• Olefin trap and 13X column for olefin separation by carbon number.
• FID detection for quantitation of group types and oxygenates.

Main Results and Discussion

The modified gasoline mode delivered a full hydrocarbon and oxygenate profile in 39 minutes. Representative data showed clear separation of TAEE (C7 ether) and a range of C8 ethers within the ether fraction. Quantitative reporting in weight% and volume% across carbon numbers confirmed the method’s precision and repeatability. Group totals for paraffins, naphthenes, olefins, aromatics, and oxygenates aligned with expected gasoline compositions.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

This approach offers several advantages for refinery and laboratory operations:

• Rapid throughput reduces bottlenecks in quality control workflows.
• Comprehensive group‐type reports support blend optimization and octane management.
• Single‐injection analysis captures multiple oxygenates, including emerging ethers, without runtime penalties.
• Full compliance with international standards ensures data credibility for regulatory and commercial purposes.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Advances in column materials and trap technologies may further shorten analysis times and lower detection limits for novel biofuels and oxygenates. Integration with advanced data processing and remote diagnostics will enhance real‐time monitoring in refinery blending units. Miniaturization and automation could enable on‐line, near‐infrared or compact GC setups for rapid decision‐making.

Conclusion

The Reformulyzer M4 method provides a robust, standardized, and high‐speed solution for gasoline group‐type and ether analysis. The capacity to quantify TAEE and C8 ethers within a single 39-minute run adds valuable flexibility for modern fuel quality laboratories.