Comprehensive analysis of multiple asphaltene fractions combining statistical analyses and novel visualization tools

• The asphaltene fractions are isolated from HFOs with differing bulk behaviours. Ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry yields detailed characterization. Infra-red multi photon dissociation is used to provide structural insight. Novel visualization allows rapid comparison of fragment alkylation and condensation. Components that may underly handling issues identified. Marine heavy fuel oils (HFOs), derived often blended hydrotreated residual cuts, typically possess high boiling point, viscosity, molecular complexity, so inherently challenging analyze at the level. Their content associated undesirable phenomena including flocculation, deposition, black paint formation in marine engines. Asphaltene eight were selected for analysis by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR MS) due their behaviour, responsiveness additive chemistries designed stabilise against issues. A region was fragmented using infra-red multiphoton (IRMPD), relative heteroatom cores smaller aromatic moieties, degree aromaticity, fragments generated each sample compared. more extensive elucidation molecular-level differences between n-alkane insoluble afforded, key components underlying variation behaviour identified through statistical approaches. approach presented packages be adjusted address samples, simpler ubiquitous formulations eventually developed.