Characterization and quantitative determination of aromatics, nitrogen, sulfur and trace metals in fuel and hydrocarbon samples

Abstract

High resolution two- dimensional gas chromatography time- of- flight mass spectrometry (GC x GC TOFMS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP- MS) and trace nitrogen/ sulfur analysis methods are used to analyze the fuel and hydrocarbon liquid samples. The high resolution two- dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC) along with one dimensional gas chromatography are used to separate the complex samples and to report the identification of separated components provided by time- of- flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS). Traces of elements in gasoline, diesel fuel, pygas samples are determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP- MS). A lithium metaborate fusion method was used for sample preparation. As nitrogen/ sulfur are present in smaller concentrations in gasoline, diesel fuel and pygas samples, accurate determination of these nitrogen/ sulfur concentrations is important for quality control, to prevent engine deposits and to meet the regulatory requirements. For this a nitrogen/ sulfur instrument with an automatic quick furnace is used for selective and sensitive measurements of these elements.