Application Note SI-01367 Fast Analysis of Paraffins, iso-Paraffins, Olefins, iso-Olefins, Naphthenes and Aromatics in Hydrocarbon Streams

Application Note SI-01367 1 of 4 www.varianinc.com Introduction The Varian PIONA+TM Analyzer was developed to characterize the complete hydrocarbon sample composition, including individual oxygenates, in a single analysis of spark ignition engine fuels by multi-dimensional gas chromatography. The sample is separated in the component groups per carbon number and in individual components through the use of multiple columns and traps. In the PIONA+ system, paraffins, iso-paraffins and iso-olefins, olefins, naphthenes and aromatics are identified. However, analysis time in the PIONA mode is about 180 minutes, which severely limits the number of samples that can be analyzed per day. A unique aspect of the design of the Varian PIONA+ Analyzer is the ability to independently heat the individual traps (concurrent heating). This application note describes work to determine if concurrent heating could be used to significantly reduce the analysis time and improve sample throughput. Materials and Reagents Varian Calibration Standard CP299107 Commercial Validation Standard CP912394