AC8634 - Fast and Accurate D86 data for Jet Fuel and Diesel Samples

Significance of the Topic

Determining the boiling range of jet fuel and diesel by ASTM D86 distillation is critical for product quality control and process optimization in petroleum refining. Traditional physical distillation methods are time-consuming, labor-intensive and pose safety risks. A faster, automated approach can improve throughput, precision and operational safety.

Objectives and Study Overview

The AC 8634 application aims to provide rapid, accurate simulated D86 data for ASTM D86 groups 3 and 4 samples (jet fuels and diesels) using gas chromatography. The study evaluates method performance, correlation accuracy against standard D86 results and potential operational benefits.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The method employs the SIMDIS technique on an Agilent Technologies 7890 GC configured with a proprietary temperature programmable inlet (TPI) and a flame ionization detector (FID). An automatic liquid sampler (ALS) may be added to further enhance throughput. SIMDIS volume percent data are converted to D86 true boiling point (TBP) distributions using a correlation algorithm based on ASTM D2887-06a Annex 6.

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent Technologies 7890 Gas Chromatograph
• AC Analytical Controls Temperature Programmable Inlet (TPI)
• Flame Ionization Detector (FID)
• Automatic Liquid Sampler (optional)
• AC 8634 software with pre-programmed settings

Main Results and Discussion

A round-robin study with 38 laboratories and 92 samples (46 jet fuels, 46 diesels) demonstrated that the AC 8634 simulated results deviate by less than the inherent reproducibility limits of ASTM D86. Field testing confirmed that the method delivers fast (6–8 minutes per run), precise and fully automated boiling range data, effectively doubling sample throughput compared to physical distillation and significantly reducing labor.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High accuracy exceeding D86 reproducibility, enabling precise cut-point control
• Twice the throughput of traditional distillation (up to four samples per hour)
• Up to 75% reduction in labor costs through full automation
• Elimination of fire hazards associated with manual distillation
• Seamless integration with refinery quality control workflows

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), adoption of more sensitive detectors, application to a wider range of petroleum fractions and incorporation of machine learning for improved correlation models. These developments could further enhance speed, accuracy and adaptability in refinery and petrochemical quality control.

Conclusion

The AC 8634 GC-SIMDIS application offers a robust, rapid and automated alternative to ASTM D86 physical distillation for jet fuel and diesel analysis. By delivering accurate boiling range data with significantly higher throughput and safety, it supports more efficient refinery operations and tighter quality control.