High-temperature two-dimensional gas chromatography of hydrocarbons up to nC60 for analysis of vacuum gas oils

In a tense energetic context, the characterization of heavy petroleum fractions becomes essential. Conventional comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (2D-GC or GC × GC) is widely used for middle distillates analysis, but only a few applications are devoted to these heavier fractions. In this paper, it is shown how the optimization of GC × GC separation allowed the determination of suitable high-temperature (HT) conditions, adjusting column properties and operating conditions. 2D separations were evaluated using 2D separation criteria and a new concept of 2D asymmetry (As2D). New HT conditions allowed the extension of GC × GC range of applications to heavier hydrocarbons, up to nC60. A first application of high-temperature two-dimensional gas chromatography (HT-2D-GC) to a full vacuum gas oil (VGO) feed stock is described. Comparisons with other standardized methods illustrate the high potential of HT-2D-GC for heavy fractions analysis.