High Temperature Simulated Distillation Performance Using the Agilent 8890 Gas Chromatograph

Importance of the Topic

This summary addresses the application of high temperature simulated distillation (SIMDIS) using the Agilent 8890 gas chromatograph for characterizing boiling point distributions of middle and heavy petroleum fractions. Accurate boiling range data are crucial in refinery operations, quality control, and product specification to ensure consistent performance and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Study Overview

The main goal of the study was to configure and evaluate the Agilent 8890 GC according to ASTM D6352, demonstrating calibration from n-C12 to n-C102, verifying performance with ASTM 5010 reference material, and assessing repeatability for vacuum gas oil samples. The study aimed to confirm that the system meets or exceeds the precision and repeatability criteria defined in the standard.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Instrument configuration: Agilent 8890 GC with cool-on-column inlet and flame ionization detector (FID).
• Column: metal capillary DB-HT-SIMDIS, 5 m × 0.53 mm, 0.1 µm film thickness to withstand up to 400 °C.
• Carrier gas: helium constant flow at 18 mL/min; inlet and detector temperatures set at 400 °C and 450 °C, respectively.
• Temperature program: initial hold at 50 °C for 0.1 min, ramp at 35 °C/min to 400 °C.
• Calibration: standards prepared in carbon disulfide covering n-C12 to >n-C90, with additional n-C44 marker to aid peak identification.
• Performance verification: ten sequential injections of ASTM 5010 reference material; duplicate vacuum gas oil samples analyzed for repeatability.

Key Results and Discussion

Calibration chromatograms demonstrated clear elution of paraffins from n-C12 through n-C102, extending beyond the standard requirement of n-C90 and improving final boiling point determination. Overlay of ten 5010 reference runs showed exceptional retention time precision. Comparison with ASTM consensus boiling temperatures revealed average deviations within 1 °C for most yield points and only 4 °C at the final boiling point, well within the 18 °C allowance. Duplicate analyses of vacuum gas oil met all ASTM D6352 repeatability specifications, with temperature differences far below the prescribed limits.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High retention time precision ensures reliable boiling range distributions for heavy petroleum fractions.
• Extended calibration to n-C102 enhances accuracy for final boiling point measurements.
• Rapid temperature programming and robust column allow efficient sample throughput in QA/QC laboratories.
• Meeting ASTM repeatability and precision requirements supports regulatory compliance and product specification.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may include coupling SIMDIS with mass spectrometry for compound identification, further extending calibration to ultra-heavy fractions, and integrating automated sample preparation. Software improvements can offer real-time quality metrics and remote diagnostics. The methodology can also be adapted for emerging bio-derived and alternative fuels, supporting sustainable energy initiatives.

Conclusion

The Agilent 8890 GC configured for ASTM D6352 delivers high precision, extended calibration range, and robust repeatability for high temperature simulated distillation of petroleum fractions. The system’s performance meets stringent industry standards, making it a valuable tool for refinery laboratories and quality control applications.

References

• ASTM D6352 Standard Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of Petroleum Distillates in Boiling Range from 174 °C to 700 °C by Gas Chromatography, ASTM International, 2015