High Temperature SimDist Analysis According to IP 507/07

Importance of the Topic

The boiling range distribution of heavy petroleum products is critical for quality control, process optimization and regulatory compliance. High temperature simulated distillation (SimDist) per IP 507/07 allows detailed characterization of heavy distillates and residual fuels with initial boiling points above 100 °C and final boiling points up to 750 °C. This method supports refineries and laboratories in ensuring product consistency and performance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates the implementation of IP 507/07 using the Bruker SimDist Analyzer to determine the boiling range distribution of heavy petroleum samples. The study covers calibration, sample analysis, recovery assessments and comparative evaluation against ASTM D86 reference data.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Samples and calibration mixtures were prepared at 2 % in carbon disulfide and injected at 1 µL. The capillary gas chromatograph featured a cold on-column injector, cryogenic column oven with CO₂ cooling and a flame ionization detector under full electronic flow control. Helium was used as carrier gas at 19 mL/min. The oven temperature ramp started at 35 °C, increasing at 10 °C/min to 430 °C. Injector and detector temperatures were programmed to reach 430 °C.

Used Instrumentation

• Bruker Simulated Distillation Analyzer for IP 507/07
• Bruker GC with BR-1HT capillary column (5 m × 0.53 mm × 0.1 µm)
• COC Cold On-Column injector and CP-8400 autosampler
• FID detector with electronic flow control
• CompassCDS chromatography software with SimDist plug-in

Main Results and Discussion

Calibration with n-alkane standards from C₁₅ to C₁₂₀ produced a linear boiling point–retention time relationship. Analysis of a motor oil sample yielded 100 % recovery and a boiling point distribution matching ASTM D86 reference data (IBP ~ 477 °C, FBP ~ 709 °C). A heavy residue sample achieved 88.7 % recovery, with a defined boiling range up to 750 °C. Chromatograms showed clear resolution of boiling fractions and robust reproducibility.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Accurate determination of boiling range for heavy distillates and residual fuels
• Compliance with IP 507/07 for regulatory and quality purposes
• High reproducibility and full automation through integrated software
• Minimal sample preparation and rapid analysis times

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include higher-temperature column technologies, improved detector sensitivity, integration of automated sample handling and data analytics using machine learning. Green solvent alternatives and miniaturized systems could further enhance throughput and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

The Bruker SimDist Analyzer combined with CompassCDS software reliably implements IP 507/07 requirements for high temperature simulated distillation of heavy petroleum samples, delivering accurate boiling range distributions and robust performance.

Reference

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