Analysis of Kerosene

Significance of the topic

High-temperature gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection (FID) is a cornerstone technique in petrochemical analysis. Its ability to separate and quantify hydrocarbon fractions ranging from light to heavy components makes it essential for quality control, process optimization and regulatory compliance in fuel manufacturing. The use of specialized high-temperature columns expands the analytical window to higher boiling compounds, ensuring comprehensive profiling of kerosene and similar fuels.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates the analysis of kerosene using a Shimadzu GC system equipped with a SH-I-5HT high-temperature column. The primary aims are to evaluate column performance under a temperature gradient, establish retention characteristics for standard hydrocarbon markers (C10 and C40), and confirm method suitability for routine petrochemical testing.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Instrumentation Used:

• Gas chromatograph: Shimadzu GC (SH Series) with FID detector
• Analytical column: SH-I-5HT, 30 m × 0.32 mm I.D., 0.25 µm film thickness
• Guard column: SH-I Guard, 5 m × 0.53 mm I.D.
• Carrier gas: Hydrogen at 40 cm/s (constant linear velocity)
• Make-up gas: Nitrogen at 30 mL/min

Temperature Program:

• Initial column temperature: 50 °C
• Ramp: 10 °C/min to 300 °C, hold for 20 min
• Injection temperature program: 53 °C to 300 °C at 10 °C/min

Injection Details:

• Volume: 1 µL, cold on column
• Dead time: 1.25 min at 50 °C
• FID temperature: 330 °C
• Data acquisition rate: 20 Hz

Key Results and Discussion

The method achieved clear baseline separation of hydrocarbon standards at C10 and C40 retention times, demonstrating the column’s capacity for high-boiling analytes. Peak shapes were sharp and symmetric, indicating efficient stationary phase performance and minimal thermal degradation. The constant linear velocity approach provided reproducible retention times, while the extended hold at 300 °C ensured elution of late-eluting components in kerosene.

Reproducibility tests showed relative standard deviations below 1% for retention times and peak areas, confirming method precision. The use of hydrogen as carrier gas combined with a high-temperature column reduced analysis time without compromising resolution, offering an efficient workflow for petrochemical laboratories.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Comprehensive profiling of kerosene and related fuels up to C40 and beyond
• Improved laboratory throughput through optimized temperature programming
• Enhanced resolution and peak shape for complex hydrocarbon mixtures
• Robust method suitable for QA/QC, regulatory testing and R&D applications

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in column materials and stationary phases will push the temperature limits further, enabling analysis of ultra-heavy fractions and additive packages. Integration with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or two-dimensional GC (GC×GC) offers deeper compositional insights. Automated sample handling and data processing tools will streamline high-throughput petrochemical labs, while green chromatography initiatives may focus on replacing hydrogen with alternative carrier gases.

Conclusion

The SH-I-5HT column on a Shimadzu GC-FID platform delivers reliable, high-temperature performance for kerosene analysis. The method combines fast run times, excellent resolution and robust reproducibility, making it a valuable tool for petrochemical quality control and research. Its adaptability to evolving chromatographic technologies positions it well for future analytical challenges.

Reference

Shimadzu Corporation. Application Note ERAS-1000-0470: Analysis of Kerosene on SH-I-5HT Column. First Edition, Sep. 2023.