Advancements in Petroleum Fractionation: Overcoming Challenges and Enhancing Efficiency

Automation & Innovation for Sample Preparation
Poster Presentation

Prepared by C. Mitchell
Biotage, 8275 Walnut Hill Lane, Apt 431, Dallas, Texas, 75231, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 408-425-9898

ABSTRACT

Extractable petroleum hydrocarbon (EPH) fractionation is a specialized methodology utilized to separate aliphatic and aromatic fractions of petroleum hydrocarbons found in environmental samples. This testing is a subset of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) which are the measurable amounts petroleum-based chemical compounds in gasoline, diesel and oil range organics. Information obtained from EPH fractionation testing provides a more detailed assessment of the hydrocarbon composition and helps environmental scientists identify the potential impact of these contaminants. The three laboratory techniques commonly used for Extractable Petroleum Hydrocarbon (EPH) fractionation are High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Fractionation, Solid Phase Extraction (SPE), and Gas Chromatography with a secondary column (GCxGC). Each technique has challenges such as low sample throughput, high solvent usage, breakthrough of fractions, potential contamination, and issues related to analytical data processing. This presentation outlines challenges for solid phase extraction and solutions to meet the regulatory requirements of various states and regions in North America. Results demonstrate why utilization of positive pressure SPE on automated platforms such as the Biotage ExtraheraTM provides an innovative approach to performing EPH fractionations, offering improved control and consistent processing. In addition to consistent positive pressure processing, the use of ISOLUTE® EPH SPE consumables eliminates the potential risk of unwanted fraction breakthrough, and the innovative instrumentation has emerged as a viable option to address TPH cleanup. Overall, the benefits of choosing solid phase extraction over other techniques are highlighted, emphasizing solvent reduction, faster processing times, higher throughput and enhanced accuracy and reproducibility. The findings of this research contribute valuable insights for laboratories seeking to optimize EPH fractionation techniques for more efficient and reliable analyses.