High Temperature SimDist Analysis According to IP 507/07

Significance of the Topic

The accurate determination of boiling range distribution for heavy petroleum products is essential in refining, product specification, environmental compliance and quality control. High­temperature simulated distillation by capillary gas chromatography enables detailed characterization of heavy distillates and residual fuels beyond the range of standard ASTM methods, supporting process optimization and regulatory adherence.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the implementation of IP 507/07 for high­temperature simulated distillation (SimDist) using a Bruker GC system. Key aims are to calibrate the system with defined hydrocarbon standards, validate recovery in a motor oil sample, and characterize a heavy residue fraction to assess method performance against conventional distillation benchmarks.

Methodology

Samples and calibration standards were prepared at 2 % (w/v) in carbon disulfide. A 1 µL aliquot was introduced via cold on­column injection into a capillary column. The oven was programmed from 35 °C to 430 °C at 10 °C/min, the injector ramped from 100 °C to 430 °C at 15 °C/min, and the FID was maintained at 450 °C. Helium carrier flow was set to 19 mL/min. The boiling range calibration mix spanned C15 to C120, establishing a linear response curve over 100–800 °C.

Used Instrumentation

• Bruker SimDist Analyzer configured for IP 507/07
• Bruker GC with COC cold on­column injector and electronic flow control
• BR-1HT capillary column (5 m × 0.53 mm × 0.1 µm film)
• Flame ionization detector with EFC
• CP-8400 autosampler
• CompassCDS software with SimDist plug­in for data acquisition and calculation

Main Results and Discussion

Calibration exhibited excellent linearity from 100 to 800 °C, confirming reliable temperature assignment across the target range. A motor oil sample yielded 100 % recovery, validating injection accuracy and system integrity. In the heavy residue sample, overall recovery was 88.7 %, consistent with expected non­volatiles.
Key boiling points for the residue (SimDist vs. D86):

• Initial boiling point: 476.7 °C vs. 504.8 °C
• 50 % distilled fraction: 626.1 °C vs. 613.3 °C
• Final fraction range extended beyond 745 °C

Chromatograms demonstrated clear resolution of high­boiling fractions, enabling accurate distillation profiles up to 800 °C. Comparison with standard ASTM D86 showed slight shifts attributable to the capillary GC approach but maintained overall agreement in mid­range cuts.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The GC­based SimDist method offers faster analysis times, reduced solvent consumption and improved precision for heavy fractions compared to classical distillation. It is particularly suited for routine QC of heavy distillates, residual fuels and lubricants in refining, petrochemical and QA/QC laboratories. Integrated software streamlines data handling, reporting and method compliance.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include automated sample preparation, enhanced column materials for greater high­temperature stability, alternative detectors for extended range, and real­time process monitoring. Integration with machine learning algorithms could further improve prediction of fuel performance parameters and accelerate method development for emerging feedstocks.

Conclusion

The Bruker SimDist Analyzer, coupled with CompassCDS and the SimDist plug­in, fulfils IP 507/07 requirements for high­temperature simulated distillation of heavy petroleum fractions. The method delivers robust calibration, reliable recovery and clear distillation profiles up to 800 °C, making it a powerful tool for modern petroleum analysis.

References

• IP 507/07: Determination of boiling range distribution by gas chromatography method – Part 2: Heavy distillates and residual fuels. Energy Institute, London.