Shimadzu Journal Vol. 08 - Hydrocarbon Processing Industry

Importance of the Topic

The hydrocarbon processing industry (HPI) faces stringent environmental and process challenges due to complex feedstocks and strict regulations on sulfur and aromatic content. Accurate analysis of these compounds is essential for catalyst performance, emissions control, and compliance with international standards.

Aims and Overview

This issue of Shimadzu Journal vol.8 Issue2 highlights industry-user insights and presents four case studies demonstrating analytical solutions for HPI: sulfur detection by GC-SCD, aromatic quantitation via HPLC and GC-VUV, total sulfur analysis by EDXRF, and nanoscale imaging of lubricant interfaces by FM-AFM.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Key techniques include gas chromatography coupled with sulfur chemiluminescence detection (GC-SCD) for selective sulfur analysis, HPLC-RID and GC-VUV for aromatic profiling, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) for rapid sulfur quantitation, and frequency-modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM) for in-liquid surface imaging. Shimadzu systems (Nexis GC-2030, eTOC, ELSD-LTIII, Nexera MX) support these methods.

Main Results and Discussion

GC-SCD provided linear, equimolar detection of trace sulfur compounds in diesel, demonstrating high sensitivity, reproducibility, and recovery across matrices. HPLC-RID (ASTM D6379, D6591) and GC-VUV validated alternative workflows to the FIA method for aromatics in jet fuel and diesel. EDXRF results complied with ASTM D4294 and ISO 8754 for marine and distillate fuels, meeting new IMO 2020 sulfur limits. FM-AFM captured additive adsorption layers on metal oxides in lubricant studies with molecular resolution.

Benefits and Practical Applications

These analytical approaches offer rapid, automated, and high-throughput workflows with minimal sample preparation. Enhanced selectivity and sensitivity enable compliance with evolving regulations, optimized process control, and deeper insights into material performance—from fuel quality to lubricant tribology.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging detectors (e.g., GC-VUV), lab automation, and digital integration will accelerate HPI analytics. FM-AFM and mass spectrometry–based breathomics exemplify the expansion of analytical tools into new domains such as in-liquid nanoscale imaging and non-invasive diagnostics, opening pathways for predictive maintenance and personalized health monitoring.

Conclusion

Collaborations with users and continuous innovation in instrumentation enable Shimadzu to address critical analytical challenges in the HPI sector. The presented methods enhance accuracy, throughput, and compliance, supporting industry efforts toward cleaner, more efficient processes.

Reference

• Shimadzu Journal vol.8 Issue2
• ASTM D4294, ISO 8754, ASTM D6379, D6591 standards