Abstract
Important high molecular weight hydrocarbons present in petroleum are commonly referred to as petroleum waxes. The paraffin deposition caused by this class of compounds in pipelines results in a gradual decrease of flow rate and therefore in equipment damage, which increases the costs of oil production. These compounds typically extend to about C70 in most types of petroleum. One of the most effective analytical methods for characterization of high molecular weight paraffins in petroleum is high-temperature gas chromatography (HT-GC). The present investigation is focused on the optimization and application of a high-temperature comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatographic (HT-GC × GC) method, with flame ionization detection (FID) and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of Brazilian whole crude oils. A set of fourteen crude oils, including three from the pre-salt layer, were studied. The contents and distribution characteristics of high molecular weight paraffins in various crude oils were summarized. Linear paraffins in the range of C16–C60 were detected and identified while maintaining the efficiency of the chromatographic separation. iso-Paraffin and naphthene compounds in the range of C17–C60 were also identified and quantified in these crude oils.
Published Version
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