ASTM D2887 Boiling Range Distribution of Petroleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The boiling range distribution determination by distillation is simulated by the use of gas chromatography. A nonpolar packed or open tubular (capillary) gas chromatographic column is used to elute the hydrocarbon components of the sample in order of increasing boiling point. The column temperature is raised at a reproducible linear rate and the area under the chromatogram is recorded throughout the analysis. Boiling points are assigned to the time axis from a calibration curve obtained under the same chromatographic conditions by analyzing a known mixture of hydrocarbons covering the boiling range expected in the sample. From these data, the boiling range distribution can be obtained.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The boiling range distribution of petroleum fractions provides an insight into the composition of feedstocks and products related to petroleum refining processes. The gas chromatographic simulation of this determination can be used to replace conventional distillation methods for control of refining operations. This test method can be used for product specification testing with the mutual agreement of interested parties.
5.2 Boiling range distributions obtained by this test method are essentially equivalent to those obtained by true boiling point (TBP) distillation (see Test Method D2892). They are not equivalent to results from low efficiency distillations such as those obtained with Test Method D86 or D1160.
