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REFORMULYZER M4
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction ....................................................................................... 11
1.1. Who should read this manual............................................................. 11
1.2. Manual setup ............................................................................... 11
1.3. Technical information ..................................................................... 12
1.3.1. System pressure test .................................................................. 12
2. Terminology ....................................................................................... 13
2.1. General terms .............................................................................. 13
2.2. ASTM definitions ........................................................................... 13
2.3. EN-ISO definitions .......................................................................... 13
2.4. EN definitions............................................................................... 14
3. Software ........................................................................................... 15
3.1. Software startup ........................................................................... 15
3.1.1. Startup of OpenLAB ................................................................... 15
3.1.2. Startup of Workbench ................................................................. 16
3.2. Reformulyzer Help ......................................................................... 16
3.3. Reformulyzer Main Screen ................................................................ 17
3.3.1. Run Control ............................................................................. 17
3.3.2. Results tab .............................................................................. 19
3.3.3. Diagnostics menu ...................................................................... 22
3.3.4. QC History tab ......................................................................... 25
3.3.5. Online Manager tab ................................................................... 25
4. Running samples and tuning analysis parameters ........................................... 26
4.1. Running sample analysis .................................................................. 26
4.1.1. Step 2A: Select the analysis mode for samples with known composition ..... 27
4.1.2. Step 2B: Select the analysis mode for samples with unknown composition .. 28
4.1.3. Step 3: Set specific parameters ..................................................... 28
4.1.4. Step 4: Add samples to the queue .................................................. 30
4.1.5. Step 6: Viewing Results ............................................................... 30
4.1.6. Step 7: Put GC into standby.......................................................... 30
4.1.7. Approving results ...................................................................... 30
4.2. Tuning analysis parameters............................................................... 31
4.2.1. Tuning the A-time ..................................................................... 31
1. Introduction
1.1. Who should read this manual
This manual is intended for people operating the Reformulyzer® M4 and accompanying
software, or any part of it.
Chapter 2: Terminology, describes specific words and terms used in the Reformulyzer®
M4 and in its field of operation.
Chapter 3: Software, explains starting the software and the basic dialogs.
Chapter 4: Running samples and tuning analysis parameters, describes the ‘daily’
Reformulyzer® M4 operations, like running analyses and viewing and
reporting results.
Chapter 7: Application range and analysis modes, describes the analysis matrix of the
Reformulyzer® M4 and the detailed analysis structure of the Reformulyzer®
M4 analysis modes.
Pressures and flows are regulated by the Agilent GC. Flows going from the Agilent GC into
the Reformulyzer M4 application unit are 2 x 5.0 ml/min Nitrogen and 1 x 4.0 ml/min
Hydrogen. These flows are flow-regulated by the Agilent EPC’s.
2. Terminology
2.1. General terms
Olefin = any unsaturated hydrocarbon containing one or more pairs of carbon atoms
linked by a double bond., having the general formula CnH2n, also known as alkene.
Please refer to chapter 5.1 for a more detailed description.
Paraffin = any saturated hydrocarbon having the general formula CnH2n+2, also
known as alkane. Please refer to chapter 5.1 for a more detailed description.
Oxygenate = chemical compounds containing oxygen as a part of their chemical
structure. Please refer to chapter 5.1 for a more detailed description.
Ether = a class of organic compounds that contain an ether group — an oxygen atom
connected to two alkyl or aryl groups — of general formula R–O–R’. Please refer to
chapter 5.1.6 for a more detailed description.
Alcohol = an organic compound in which the hydroxyl functional group (-OH) is
bound to a carbon atom. Please refer to chapter 5.1.7 for a more detailed
description.
Fore flush = position of column of trap in which the flow is directed from the
beginning to the end of the column of trap
Back flush = position of column of trap in which the flow is reversed from the end
to the beginning. This technique is mainly used to elute higher retained
components faster, mostly in combination with higher temperatures
Repeatability The difference between successive test results obtained by the same
operator and same apparatus under constant operating conditions on identical test
materials would, in the long run, in the normal and correct operation of the test method,
exceed the repeatability values only in one case in twenty. Repeatability values can be
found in Table 6.
Reproducibility The difference between two single and independent test results obtained
different operators working in different laboratories on identical test materials would, in
the long run, in the correct operation of the test method, exceed the reproducibility
values only in one case in twenty. Reproducibility values can be found in Table 6.
Repeatability (one operator, one instrument): If two results from one operator are
determined as volume % or mass % under repeatability conditions, then both results are
considered acceptable or authorized for standardization when they do not differ more than
the values given in Table 5.
results are considered acceptable and authorized for standardization when they do not
differ more than the values given in Table 5.
2.4. EN definitions
EN standards are European standards.
The EN 228 method describes the requirements and test methods for unleaded petrol used
in petrol engine vehicles. Please refer to chapter 6.2 for a detailed overview of this
method.
3. Software
This chapter describes some basic operations of the software. More details can be found in
Reformulyzer help. Accessing Reformulyzer help is also described in this chapter.
Agilent OpenLAB Control Panel has the option to create shortcuts for an
instrument on the desktop. This allows starting up an instrument, without
using Agilent OpenLAB Control Panel.
Please refer to the Agilent OpenLAB manual for more information about this
product.
Select the instrument and press the connect (plug) button. When the instruments tab is not
visible, make sure ‘Instruments’ is checked in the ‘View’ menu.
Schedule a sequence
Sequences can be managed by the sequence editor by clicking the button. The
sample name, vial, sample type, test and specification have to be entered. New sequences
can be processed and saved with a new (unique) name. By selecting the
button, all sequence lines will be added to the queue.
Find an analysis
All analyses that are done on the Reformulyzer® M4 are listed in the Analyses section and
sorted on date (newest on top).
Select an analysis in the list to display basic information about the analysis in the
Analysis Information part of the Analyses section.
Double-click an analysis (or click the Open chromatogram button) to open the
chromatogram of the selected analysis in the Analysis results section.
Selecting the button opens a window with filter options to narrow your
search.
The test will open in the right window by double click on the test name.
You can close each individual analysis included in the overlay separately.
This means that, if you accidentally opened an incorrect analysis, you can
remove that specific result.
When two or more chromatograms are displayed separately, they will retain
their own grouping times. This is useful when comparing against a reference
chromatogram and displaying in separate mode. Small shifts in grouping
times can be corrected while the general picture remains visible.
Hardware state:
Actual temperatures and valve positions are displayed. New settings can be entered by
selecting a heater or valve using the right mouse button.
Heater Chart:
Displays the actual temperatures in time.
Valve chart:
Displays the actual valve position in time.
Manual Control:
The most important buttons in this menu are:
Clear ECU Errors
This option is used when the ECU is in shutdown mode. It will clear all errors of the
ECU.
PID settings
This option is used when it is needed to set or adjust the PID settings. The PID
settings are stored as in a file on the PC and in the ECU on the internal SD card.
Tune valve
This option is currently not active.
Browser:
This manual interface program communicates directly to the ECU and can be used for
advanced troubleshooting. This is not required for day-to-day operation.
Trend lines for different components can be viewed by selecting the desired component in
the right lower table.
3 Set parameters
4.1.1. Step 2A: Select the analysis mode for samples with known composition
(n)PiPNA
Gasoline
Gasoline
OPIONA
PIONA
PIANO
OPNA
PONA
PNA
E85
Light straight run ● ● ●
Heavy straight run ● ● ●
Depentanized bottom ● ● ●
Reformate ● ● ●
FCC-light ● ●
FCC-medium ● ●
FCC-heavy ● ●
Visbreaker ● ●
Alkylate ●
Isomerate ●
Gasoline blend ● ● ●
E85 Gasoline ●
Analysis time (min) 26 32 34 35 59 44 42 61 42
After the first analysis, check if the used analysis mode gives proper results.
4.1.2. Step 2B: Select the analysis mode for samples with unknown composition
When you compare analytical modes, the sum of the non-aromatics with the same carbon
number must be equal.
For the new mode, different cutting times and separation temperatures can be used.
Configuring new modes can best be set up in the simplest mode, which is mostly PNA.
Configuring new Reformulyzer® M4 modes can best be set up in the simplest mode, which is
OPNA.
One of the characteristics of gas-solid chromatography is that the front of the peak moves
to an earlier retention time with increasing concentrations.
Another effect is that the peaks are interdependent because the total capacity of the
columns is limited: peaks may push aside other peaks. A low injection volume minimizes
these effects.
If you are looking for low levels of certain components or groups, you may want to use
injection volume of 0.2 µl or 0.3 µl.
queue can be paused by selecting the run / pause button in the RunControl
menu.
An approved analysis can be made editable again by a user with appropriate user rights.
The A-time can best be determined in a simple mode like PNA with a well-known sample
like the AC Quantitative Reference sample 50.16.512 (box 20001.157).
Benzene and Poly-Naphthene must elute completely in the first aromatic fraction, best
verified with the weight percent results. Most of the Dodecane must elute in the 13X
Column fraction (verify visually or through Agilent integration report).
Checks
Benzene sample target 0.1 weight %
Poly Naphthene sample target 0.1 weight %
Dodecane peak in 13X Column fraction more than half the height of Undecane
when using 20001.157
Operating range
Generally the A-time is found between 1.5 and 2.0 minute
The lower limit for the A-time is 1.1 minute.
The upper limit for the A-time is 2.2 minute
Adjusting
Make small adjustments of 0.01 to 0.05 minutes and reanalyze.
When reaching one of the operating limits, there is the possibility to change
the flow A.
The B-time can best be determined in a simple mode like PNA with a well-known sample
like the AC Quantitative Reference sample 50.16.512 (box 20001.157).
Checks
Toluene second aromatic fraction less than 0.2%
Poly Naphthene second aromatic fraction less than 0.1%
C8 aromatic the second C8 aromatic is not allowed in the first aromatic fraction
Operating range
Generally the B-time is found between 1.6 and 2.1 minute
The lower limit for the B-time is 1.2 minute.
The upper limit for the B-time is 2.3 minute
Adjusting
Make small adjustments of 0.01 to 0.05 minutes and reanalyze.
The OPNA mode requires a longer B-time than other modes to be sure to elute all
oxygenates in the first aromatic fraction. Tune this mode separately.
Checks
1. PNA mode
Poly Napthene retention time of 16.0 ± 0.1 min
2. OPNA mode
Poly Napthene retention time of 19.6 ± 0.1 min
Operating range
B-flow is set to 5 1.0 ml/min
D-time is set to 3.15 min
Adjusting
Make adjustments to column 2 flow of 0.1 mL/min and reanalyze.
Most commercial gasolines (over 80%) contain MTBE or ETBE as the oxygenated component.
Concentrations are generally 11 weight percent or lower. Sample 00.02.045 (box
20001.542) Gasoline K with MTBE can be used for fine tuning of the Eth-Alc Trap separation
temperature in the Gasoline mode.
Checks
MTBE target value 0.5%
Decane target value 0.2% (when running 50.16.512 sample)
Operating range
EthAlcSep 95 - 130°C
Adjusting
Make adjustments of 5°C min and reanalyze. If MTBE is low, decrease the temperature. If
decane is low, increase the temperature.
When MTBE breaks through the trap to the 13X Column it will most likely elute at the
position of the C4 hydrocarbons. When running the Gasoline mode, it will elute at the C4
olefin location resulting in a higher olefin concentration.
MTBE and other ethers may partly be catalytically converted into methanol
and a C4 olefin on the trap. It will then show up as a peak at around 20
minute (OPNA mode) or just before 14 minute (Gasoline mode). These
peaks can be calculated as MTBE (or the ether present in your sample) since
they actually represent material. This catalytic activity decreases over time
but may increase when moisture is introduced in the carrier gas.
4.3.1. Gasoline
Analysis mode: PONA, Gasoline
Generally an olefin separation temperature of 150°C can be used initially for gasoline
analysis on a new Olefin-Trap. During the life time of the trap the temperature can be
decreased in order to retain all of the olefins.
Most commercial gasolines (over 80%) contain MTBE or ETBE as the oxygenated component.
Concentrations are generally 11 weight percent or lower. Sample 00.02.045 (box
20001.542) Gasoline K with MTBE can be used for fine tuning of the Eth-Alc and Olefin trap
separation temperatures and as a check for the analysis mode.
Most commercial gasolines (over 80%) contain MTBE or ETBE as the oxygenated component.
Concentrations are generally 11 weight percent or lower. The 26516.510 sample or another
reference with a known value can be used to check the correct analysis and the Eth-Alc
Trap separation temperature.
Start with an OlefinSep temperature of 150°C. Use a reference gasoline to check if the
settings are correct. When C4 olefins are lost, reduce the temperature by 5°C.
OlefinSep 165°C
5A 140°C
The straight naphtha generally contains less than 0.5% olefins. A high Olefin-Trap
separation temperature can be used to avoid that traces of paraffins are counted as
olefins.
The straight naphtha usually does not contain butane but has pentane as lowest n-paraffin.
Therefore an intermediate 5A-Trap temperature can be used. If butane is present, a 5A-
Trap temperature of 120°C needs to be used.
OlefinSep 165°C
5A 140°C
Generally contains less than 0.5% olefins. A high Olefin-Trap separation temperature can
be used to avoid that traces of paraffins are counted as olefins.
The reformer feed usually does not contain butane but has pentane as lowest n-paraffin.
Therefore an intermediate 5A-Trap temperature can be used. If butane is present, a 5A-
Trap temperature of 120°C needs to be used.
5A 120 PIANO
This sample is most easily analyzed using the PONA mode (no normal paraffin separation).
Research labs often need to determine the normal paraffins.
5A 140 - 160°C
These samples contain high levels of olefins (range 20 - 40%) but since the olefins have
higher boiling points a relatively high Olefin-Trap separation temperature can be used.
-Cyclo-alkanes = naphthenes
-Polycyclo-alkanes = poly-naphthenes
-Aromatics
5.1.1. Paraffins
Paraffins can be divided into normal paraffins (straight chain or linear) and iso-paraffins
(branched). To the oil refiners, gasolines with normal paraffins are undesirable because
they have much lower octane numbers than the highly branched paraffins, naphthenes and
aromatics
Examples:
iso-pentane (iso-paraffin) C
C C
C C
5.1.2. Naphthenes
By removing two hydrogen atoms from the end carbon atoms of a paraffin chain and
joining the ends together we get a cyclo-alkane (naphthenes).
Examples:
cyclohexane
methyl-cyclopentane
5.1.3. Aromatics
Aromatics are compounds containing the benzene ring structure. They are desirable in
gasoline because of their high octane numbers. However, concentrations are often
restricted in finished gasolines due to legal constraints.
Examples:
benzene
toluene (methyl-benzene)
naphthalene
5.1.4. Olefins
Olefins are the unsaturated counterpart of the paraffins and naphthenes. They are not
found in crude oils but are made during processing. Straight-run naphtha normally contains
only minor amounts (0.2 %), reformate around 0.5 % while FCC naphtha can contain up to
60% normal, cyclic and iso-olefins.
Examples:
n-butene
or or
iso-butene
cyclohexene
5.1.5. Poly-Naphthene
By joining two or more naphthene rings together, or by joining naphthenes and aromatic
rings, a vast array of complex molecules results. It is believed that much of the higher
boiling portions of crude petroleum consist of mixed molecules.
Examples:
Poly-Naphthene
5.1.6. Ethers
Ethers are hydrocarbon molecules with an oxygen atom in their carbon chain. The four
ethers which may be present in fuels are the following:
MTBE C C
O C
(Methyl-Tertiary-Butyl-Ether)
C C
ETBE C C C
O C
(Ethyl-Tertiary-Butyl-Ether)
C C
DIPE C C
(Di Iso-Propyl-Ether) C C
C O C
TAME C C
O C
(Tertiair-Amyl-Methyl-Ether)
C C C
5.1.7. Alcohols
Alcohols are hydrocarbons with a hydroxyl (OH) group at the hydrocarbon molecule. The
most common alcohols are the C1 up to C4.alcohols.
Methanol C OH
Ethanol C
C OH
n-Propanol C C
C OH
i-Propanol C
C OH
C
n-Butanol C C
C C OH
s-Butanol OH
C C
C C
i-Butanol C OH
C C
C
t-Butanol C
C C OH
C
The following formula is used to calculate the flame ionization detector response factors:
0.7487 x
C aw xC n H aw xH n
Cn
RRf
C aw
Where:
This formula is only valid for hydrocarbons and not for molecules containing oxygen such as
ethers and alcohols. The C-O bond influences the FID response so the theoretical
calculation based on carbon content cannot be used. The relative response factors for
oxygenates have been determined experimentally.
5.3. Calculations
5.3.2. RON/MON
RON/MON can be calculated for FCC samples. A correlation has been developed to
calculate RON and MON for FCC samples in PIONA mode.
RON can be calculated for Reformate samples. A correlation has been developed to
calculate RON in PNA, PIPNA and PIANO modes.
RON/MON calculations are based on proprietary correlations on FCC- and Reformate-
samples. The results can be used for trend monitoring.
Calculation availability:
Method Calculation
5.3.6. Density
The density of the sample can be calculated and is reported at the selected temperature
either at 15 °C (59 °F) or 20 °C (68 °F) respectively. This calculation uses the component
or component group densities. This should be used for trend monitoring.
5.4.2. nPiPNA
In the seventies, the price of naphtha increased drastically. This made the analyses for
process control more essential. The n-paraffin amount in the naphtha feed for the stream
cracker is an important parameter in determining the yields of ethylene, propylene and
butadiene, which are the bases for PVC and other plastics. To accommodate this shift, AC
upgraded the PNA analyzer into the nPiPNA analyzer to determine n-Paraffins, Isoparaffins,
Naphthenes and Aromatics.
5.4.3. PIONA
The increased use of the cracking process to reduce the bottom of the barrel gave refiners
sufficient amount of FCC naphtha. Environmental concerns led to the requirement for
unleaded gasoline. To produce unleaded gasoline without reducing the octane number,
refiners blended FCC naphtha directly into the gasoline. It became essential to
characterize olefin content because the amount of olefins influences the octane number.
This led to the development of the PIONA analyzer.
Gasoline mode with a total analysis time of 41 and also a PIONA mode for oxygenates is
developed.
The following section describes the scope and specifications of these methods in detail.
6.2. EN 228
Requirements and test methods for premium grade unleaded petrol.
- aromatics -- 35,0
Benzene content c % (V/V) -- 1,00 EN 238
EN 12177
EN ISO 22854
Oxygen content c % (m/m) 3,7 EN 1601
-- EN 13132
EN ISO 22854
Oxygenates content c % (V/V) EN 1601
EN 13132
- Methanol g -- 3,0 EN ISO 22854
- Ethanol h -- 10,0
- iso-propyl alcohol -- 10,0
- iso-butyl alcohol -- 10,0
- tert-butyl alcohol -- 7,0
- ethers (5 or more C atoms) -- 15,0
- other oxygenates i -- 10,0
NOTE Requirements in bold refer to the European Fuels Directive 98/70/EC [1], including Amendment 2003/17/EC [2]
a See also 5.7.1
b A correction factor of 0,2 for MON and RON shall be subtracted for the calculation of the final result, before reporting according to
the requirements of the European Directive 98/70/EC [1], including Amendment 2003/17/EC [2]
c See also 5.7.2
d The content of oxygenate compounds shall be determined as prescribed in Table 1 in order to make the corrections when necessary
according to clause 13.2 of ASTM D 1319.
e When Ethyl-tert-butyl ether (ETBE) is present in the sample, the aromatic zone shall be determined from the pink brown ring
downstream of the red ring normally used in the absence of ETBE. The presence or absence of ETBE can be concluded from the analysis
as required in footnote d.
f For the purpose of this standard ASTM D 1319 shall be applied without the optional depentanisation step. Therefore clauses 6.1, 10.1
and 14.1.1 shall not be applied.
g Stabilising agents shall be added.
h Stabilising agents may be necessary.
i Other mono-alcohols and ethers with a final boiling point no higher than prescribed in Table 3.
EN ISO 22854 supersedes the EN14517 method which was redrawn in 2008.
6.4.1. Scope
This European Standard specifies two types of unleaded petrol; one type with a maximum
oxygen content of 3.7 % (m/m) and a maximum ethanol content of 10.0 % (V/V) and one
type intended for older vehicles that are not warranted to use unleaded petrol with a high
biofuel content with a maximum oxygen content of 2.7 % (m/m) and a maximum ethanol
content of 5.0 % (V/V).
% (V/V)a % (V/V)a
6.5.1. Scope
This test method provides for the quantitative determination of saturates, olefins,
aromatics and oxygenates in spark-ignition engine fuels by multidimensional gas
chromatography. Each hydrocarbon type can be reported either by carbon number or as a
total.
This test method is applicable to spark-ignition engine fuel with total aromatic content up
to 50 % (V/V), total olefinic content up to 30 % (V/V) and oxygen compounds up to 15 %
(V/V).
7.1.1. Introduction
The Reformulyzer® M4 is suitable for GC analysis of the following gasoline components and
blends:
FCC naphtha’s
Hydrocracked naphtha’s
Straight run naphtha’s
Reformates
Alkylates
Isomerate
Finished gasolines
All oxygenated blends
E85 samples
Hydrocarbon classes that can be separated are Paraffins, (Iso- and normal), olefins, (iso-
and normal) Naphthenes and Aromatics by carbon number.
The PIPNA or PIANO modes determine Normal Paraffin, Iso-Paraffin, Naphthene and
Aromatic content within 34 or 44 minutes and are dedicated to Naphtha, Reformer
Feed and Reformate samples. The PIANO mode also tests for olefins.
The PONA mode is tuned to the analysis of samples having olefin contents up to 75%
such as FCC naphtha and require 35 minutes.
The Gasoline mode determines Aromatics, olefins and Benzene in Motor Gasoline
according the EN 228 specifications in 42 minutes. It is also suitable for blended
with bio-ethanol and separates the traces of higher alcohols.
The software also offers the option to create additional references to analysis modes,
which allows you to use names that apply to your routine samples. This helps analysts to
ensure that the appropriate analysis is performed.
(n)PiPNA
Gasoline
Gasoline
OPIONA
PIONA
PIANO
OPNA
PONA
PNA
E85
Light straight run ● ● ●
Heavy straight run ● ● ●
Depentanized bottom ● ● ●
Reformate ● ● ●
FCC-light ● ●
FCC-medium ● ●
FCC-heavy ● ●
Visbreaker ● ●
Alkylate ●
Isomerate ●
Gasoline blend ● ● ●
E85 Gasoline ●
Analysis time (min) 26 32 34 35 59 44 42 61 42
7.3. PNA
7.4. nPIPNA
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
7.5. PONA
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
7.6. PIONA
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
7.7. PIANO
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
7.8. OPNA
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
7.9. Gasoline
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
7.10. OPIONA
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
Please refer to the sample documents in the database supplied with each set of samples.
Figure 42 - Gasoline E85 analysis of the AC Ethanol Fuel Blend E85 QC (00.02.697).
Figure 43 - Fast Group Type (FGT) analysis of AC Quantitative Reference standard 50.16.512
(box 20001.157).
8. Troubleshooting
8.1. General troubleshooting list
The following sub-sections describe various symptoms that can be noticed in the
Reformulyzer® M4, their possible causes, and possible solutions.
Whenever a problem occurs, first check the readable parameters of the system. This can
be performed by running the AC Quantitative Reference sample or an AC QC sample in the
mode in which the problem occurs.
Chromatogram examples:
A6 PolyN
Regular
Moisture
8.1.4. Baseline increase on 13X Column fraction, Olefin result too low
Chromatogram examples:
8.1.5. Extra (small) peaks in Olefin section (for samples that contain Olefins)
Chromatogram examples:
Regular
Incomplete
Ghost peaks at the end of - Glass wool inside the - Replace the liner.
the 13X Column elution liner moved
and/or in the beginning of
the first aromatic fraction
No peaks at all in the - FID flame out - Check the FID signal.
chromatogram - Electronic Control - Check the start signal of the GC
Unit does not start and the cable connections.
- Blockage of syringe - Clean or replace the syringe.
- Large septum leak - Replace the septum.
No complete elution of - Flow B too low - Increase flow B until TAME elutes
TAME in the ether fraction. at 3.5 min after the injection from
the Eth-Alc Trap on the Boiling
Point Column set.
If one of these pressures is lower than normal, check the inlet or bottle pressures.
2. Read the head pressure of flow A and flow B. The normal stand-by pressures are listed
in the test results. Also, compare them with the normal operating values, if possible.
If the pressure of flow A is too low, then check the septum.
If the septum is OK, then check the system flows.
3. Switch valves 1 through 7 sequentially, and read the head pressure of flows A and B.
When valve 2 is switched to the on position, the pressure of flow B may drop a little. In
all other cases, the pressure readings should be equal or a little bit higher.
If the pressure decreases, the corresponding valve and columns connections should be
checked for leaks.
4. Use the Communication Control program and verify proper performance of all heated
zones. Heat up each heated zone and read the status of the heaters.
If one or more heaters do not respond in this way, check the following items:
8.3.1. Introduction
Ghost peaks can come from several sources, for example:
Ghost peaks cannot be completely eliminated, but much can be done to reduce their
concentration to acceptable levels.
8.4.1. Introduction
This section contains information on detecting and/or localizing leaks in the Reformulyzer®
M4.
The Reformulyzer® M4 uses flow-controlled carrier gases. This means that any flow going
into the system, must also leave the system. In a leak-tight system the set combined flows
A, B and Pt-Catalyst must equal the flow at the FID. To measure the total carrier gas flow
at the FID, the detector gases should be turned off. When the combined flows at the FID
differ from the combined ingoing flows, a leak might be present in the system.
There are three ways to detect and/or localize leaks in the system:
1. Cool down the oven temperature, injector, detector, valve box, and all heated zones
from the Reformulyzer® M4 Electronic Control Unit.
If the tested parts are not cooled down, a soap solution will boil on the surface. This
also results in bubbles but this is not necessarily a leak.
Turn the Reformulyzer® M4 Electronic Control Unit off and disconnect the
main power cord to avoid a potential shock hazard.
Make sure that the restriction it is not so high that the flow controller is
unable to reach the desired flow. As a guideline the pressure at the flow
controller gauge should be at least 1 bar less than the pressure at the
pressure regulator of the gas flow tuning module.
8.5.1. Introduction
System deviations can be caused by all individual parts of the system. Leaks at connections
or soldering of the different parts might introduce system deviations but these can also be
caused by column deterioration. Minor faults in the system might only affect the
quantitative behavior of the system.
This results in small contamination peaks in the aromatic fractions. It can show Poly-
Naphthene peaks in the aromatic fractions as memory peaks after a reformate sample
analysis.
8.6.1. Introduction
The columns in the system will generally loose performance. Some columns may perform
well over the lifetime of the instrument; others have to be replaced at some interval.
Decreasing performance generally shows in the chromatography. AC engineers are
experienced to locate the source of a problem based on the chromatographic analysis
results of the AC Quantitative Reference sample or AC QC samples.
Leaking trap connections will cause a loss of aromatics and oxygenates in the final analysis
results.
The Eth-Alc Trap is affected by moisture in the carrier gas or by system leaks. Moisture
introduces catalytic breakdown and accelerates loss of capacity to retain ethers. The trap
may suffer from capacity limitations and catalytic breakdown of ethers.
Not all olefins are adsorbed in the adsorption phase of the analysis and the olefins
(especially those with low boiling points) will elute during the first 6 minutes of the
analysis as a broad "hump". This effect can also be caused by an injection volume that is
too high.
The Olefin-Trap is affected by moisture in the carrier gas. Its lifetime is also affected by
the number of olefin analyses and by the concentration and distribution of olefins in the
sample.
Possibly the Olefin-Trap can be affected by some sulfur components in the sample.
Hydrogenation capacity is affected by moisture in the carrier gas as well as in the Pt-
Catalyst. A leak at the connections of the Pt-Catalyst will lower the contents of
naphthenes and paraffins throughout the analysis. Furthermore, a leak will introduce
moisture in the system which can be recognized by poor separation or peak shape of C9
naphthenes and paraffins on the 13X Column.
A poor performing Pt-Catalyst will not hydrogenate all olefins into saturates. These
incompletely hydrogenated olefins can be recognized as extra "ghost" peaks between the
paraffins of one carbon number and the naphthenes of the next carbon number. Compare
the suspected chromatogram with previous chromatograms to find the "ghost" peaks.
Peak tailing means that the material in the 5A-Trap is damaged and can cause a lower n-
paraffin value if the peaks are not integrated properly. A small peak at the start of the n-
paraffin fraction can often be removed by conditioning the trap for 10 minutes at 450
degrees Celsius. Set the 13X Column at a 450 °C as well to let the impurities pass the 13X
Column to the detector.
Also the selectivity of the trap (5 carbon numbers) might be affected, which is indicated by
adsorption of branched paraffins with higher carbon numbers and breakthrough of light
normal paraffins.
A leak at the connections of the trap will cause a loss of n-paraffins in the analysis result.
A leak will probably also introduce moisture in the system.
A poor separation of C9 paraffins and naphthenes indicates the presence of moisture in the
system. This can be caused by a leak or contaminated carrier gases. A leak at the
connections of the 13X Column will cause the paraffins and naphthenes to be reported low.
The automated feature of the software keeps the 13X Column at 300 °C or 330 °C when
the instrument is idle: this prevents the column from collecting moisture.
8.7.1. Introduction
Malfunctioning hardware is often more difficult to locate. Problems with heated zones can
be found relatively easy by a manual check. Problems with valves are more difficult to
troubleshoot. Some general checks and performance problems are described below.
C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Roaming\PAC-PDS
(Tools – Folder Options , Show hidden files and folders and Show Operating
System files)
Information about the sequencing process in the control engine is stored in the file:
ReformulyzerLog.txt
Events in the module that handles the sequencing are stored in the file:
ReformulyzerServiceLog.txt
The instrument log contains events from ChemStation but also from the Reformulyzer® M4
macros.
9. Index
10. Contact
If you have any questions about your PAC products, please contact your nearest PAC office
or PAC Authorized Representative. We are located in most countries worldwide. Use our
website www.paclp.com (Contact Us in the top menu) to find your contact.