Group Types Analysis of Residue Petroleum by Mass Spectrometry

The asphaltenes in the residue samples are precipitated using n-heptane. The heptane-soluble components are further fractionated into saturates, aromatics and resins on the alumina/silica gel column. Then each fraction is analyzed on a VG Autospec MS. The mass spectrometric data are processed using group-type methods. It is clearly observed that the saturate constituents of residue increase by processing on a 60-liter pilot plant, while the contents of aromatics and colloids decrease. Moreover, the molecular distribution of hydrogenated sample is similar to that of the crude sample. The change is helpful to process hydrogenated sample. The experimental approach provides a useful method, which is helpful for developing residue catalyst and technology.