Analysis of Gasoline Blends and Finished Gasoline using Reformulyzer® M4 – OPNA Mode

Significance of the Topic

The fast and accurate determination of hydrocarbon group types and oxygenates in gasoline blends is essential for quality control, regulatory compliance and optimizing fuel performance. Reliable group-type analysis supports refinery operations by ensuring product specifications, environmental standards and efficient blending strategies are met.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note presents the quantitative evaluation of hydrocarbon classes and oxygenates in both gasoline precursors and finished gasoline using the AC Reformulyzer M4 in OPNA mode. The goal is to demonstrate compliance with EN ISO 22854 and ASTM D6839 methods while achieving high throughput and precision.

Methodology

The OPNA mode leverages a combination of capillary and micropacked columns and traps controlled by multiple valves to achieve group-type separation. Key steps include:

• Initial trapping of heavy aromatics and alcohols on a pre-column, with paraffins and naphthenes eluted on the first polar column.
• Retention of ethers on an Ether/Alcohol trap followed by boiling point column analysis.
• Carbon-number distribution of saturates on a 13X micropacked column.
• Sequential analysis of aromatic fractions and polyaromatics on a boiling point column with backflush operations.
• Overall runtime of approximately 39 minutes per sample.

Used Instrumentation

The system comprises the AC Reformulyzer M4 configured for OPNA mode, with:

• Polar capillary column and micropacked traps
• 13X micropacked column for saturate carbon distribution
• Boiling point capillary column for aromatic fractions
• Ether/Alcohol trap for oxygenate isolation
• Automated multi-valve switching and independent temperature control modules
• Flame Ionization Detector (FID) for quantitation

Key Results and Discussion

Testing with gravimetric blends and a certified gasoline CRM demonstrated clear group separations for paraffins, naphthenes, aromatics and oxygenates. Reported weight% and volume% by carbon number were consistent with reference values, confirming both accuracy and repeatability of the OPNA method.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Reformulyzer M4 OPNA mode provides rapid, standardized group-type data in full compliance with EN ISO 22854 and ASTM D6839. Its advantages include:

• High sample throughput for routine refinery and fuel-quality laboratories
• Accurate quantification of oxygenates in ethanol-blended fuels
• Support for regulatory reporting and specification conformance

Future Trends and Possible Applications

Emerging developments may involve coupling with mass spectrometry for enhanced compound identification, miniaturized systems for on-site analysis, and advanced software leveraging machine learning for automated data interpretation and predictive maintenance.

Conclusion

The AC Reformulyzer M4 in OPNA mode delivers a comprehensive solution for fast, precise group-type analysis of gasoline and blends. It meets key international standards, completes analyses in under 40 minutes, and enhances laboratory efficiency.