In the hydrocarbon processing industry, detailed analysis of light petroleum streams is an absolute necessity. Thoroughly characterizing petroleum products—such as crude oil fractions, gasoline blending components, naphtha, and reformate—provides invaluable insight into blending behavior and overall processing performance. By separating and quantifying as many individual hydrocarbons as possible, facilities can effectively ensure optimal product quality and accurately determine market value.
The GAS Detailed Hydrocarbon Analyser (DHA) provides a robust, fully automated solution specifically tailored to address these demanding analytical requirements. Operating on the low thermal mass oven design of the Thermo Trace GC1600, the system injects undiluted samples via a Split-Splitless injector (SSL) directly onto a high-resolution capillary column. A Flame Ionisation Detector (FID) then detects the completely separated components. Because component identification heavily relies on a comprehensive retention index database (containing over 500 components), the GC1600’s superb retention time stability is critical for ensuring consistent and reliable results. Ultimately, all complex DHA calculations—including accurate PIONAX group typing and physical property assessments—are fully integrated into the Chromeleon data system, eliminating the need for data export and delivering an exceptionally user-friendly workflow.
Benefits
Compliance with International Standards: Ensures full analytical adherence to major industry methods, supporting ASTM D5134, D6729, D6730, D6733, D7900, alongside IP and ISO DHA protocols.
Integrated DHA Calculations: Features fully embedded reporting and calculation modules directly within the Chromeleon CDS, eliminating the need for external software tools.
High Resolution Separation: Utilizes extended capillary columns to maximize analytical separation and guarantee reliable identification of complex components.
High Uptime and Low Maintenance: Integrates modular InstantConnect detector and injector technology to allow for rapid servicing and minimize unexpected operational downtime.
Expandable to Simdist Merge: Provides the capability to merge DHA data directly with simulated distillation results for highly advanced crude oil characterization.
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Analyser Platform | Thermo Trace GC1600 |
| Detector Type | Flame Ionisation Detector (FID) |
| Injection System | iConnect SSL (Split-Splitless injector) or optional PTV-Backflush |
| Column Setup | Single high-resolution capillary column |
| Data System | Chromeleon chromatography data system with integrated DHA Calculator software |
| Analysis Runtime | Dependent on the specific method utilized |
| Reporting Capabilities | Individual components, PIONAX groups, and key physical parameters |
| Optional Features | Data merge option of DHA Front End and SIMDIST |
Detailed Analysis of Gasoline Blending Streams: Enables the comprehensive characterization of light petroleum streams, including alkylate, reformate, and naphtha fractions.
Individual Component Identification: Facilitates the precise separation and quantification of hundreds of distinct hydrocarbons utilizing retention index-based databases.
PIONA and Group Type Reporting: Automatically categorizes components into defined groups such as paraffins, iso-paraffins, olefins, naphthenes, aromatics, and oxygenates.
Physical Property Calculation: Accurately calculates crucial parameters including heat of combustion, molecular weight, vapor pressure, density, MON, and RON.
DHA Front End Analysis for Crude Oil: Performs high-resolution SIMDIST analysis on light hydrocarbons up to C9, which can be seamlessly merged with HT-SIMDIST data.
The analyser is fully designed to comply with the following major industry standards:
ASTM D5134
ASTM D6729
ASTM D6730
ASTM D6733
ASTM D7900
IP 344 / 601