High Temperature SimDist Analysis According to IP507/07

Significance of the Topic

The boiling range distribution of heavy petroleum fractions is a critical parameter in refining and fuel quality assessment. Simulated distillation using capillary GC provides rapid, accurate profiling of heavy distillates and residual fuels, supporting regulatory compliance and process optimization.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the application of the Varian 450-GC/SimDist Analyzer to perform high-temperature simulated distillation according to IP507/07. Specific goals include evaluating method performance for samples with initial boiling points above 100°C and final boiling points above 750°C, verifying recovery using a motor oil standard, and comparing GC-SimDist results with ASTM D86 data.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Samples and calibration mixtures were prepared at 2% in carbon disulfide. The IP507/07 method employs capillary gas chromatography with FID detection. System parameters include an initial oven temperature of 35°C with a 10°C/min ramp to 430°C, an injector temperature program from 100°C to 430°C at 15°C/min, and FID set at 450°C. Helium was used at 19 mL/min and 1 µL injections were applied.

Used Instrumentation

• Gas chromatograph: Varian 450-GC/SimDist Analyzer
• Injector: Varian SPI capillary injector with electronic flow control
• Column: 5 m × 0.53 mm × 0.1 µm CP-SimDist Ultimetal
• Detector: FID with EFC control
• Autosampler: CP-8400 or CP-8410
• Software: Galaxie GC Workstation with SimDist plug-in

Main Results and Discussion

Calibration with a boiling point reference mix produced a linear response across the target temperature range. The motor oil sample yielded 100% recovery and a continuous boiling point curve. A residue sample achieved 88.7% recovery. Key boiling point percentiles (1%, 5%, 10%, … up to 90%) matched closely with ASTM D86 values, confirming method accuracy for heavy fractions.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High-temperature capability for heavy distillates and residues
• Automated, reproducible simulated distillation profiles
• Small sample size reduces solvent use and waste
• Direct comparison with standard distillation (ASTM D86)
• Streamlined data processing via integrated SimDist software

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include higher temperature columns for ultra-heavy fractions, enhanced detectors for sulfur or aromatic speciation, and further integration into process control systems. Miniaturized GC systems and AI-assisted data analysis will improve throughput and decision-making in refinery QA/QC.

Conclusion

The Varian 450-GC/SimDist system reliably performs IP507/07 simulated distillation of heavy petroleum products, delivering accurate boiling range distributions in agreement with reference methods. This approach supports quality control, regulatory compliance, and efficiency in hydrocarbon processing.

References

• IP 507: Determination of boiling range distribution by gas chromatography method - Part 2: Heavy distillates and residual fuels. Energy Institute, London.