Ultra-high resolution hybrid comprehensive-multidimensional gas and supercritical fluid chromatography for explicit characterisation of petrochemicals

Petrochemical analysis demands the highest possible chemical separation of components. This allows precise measurement of both the matrix, and specific compounds or molecular markers in a wide variety of samples, both in crude oils and in processed down-stream products. This project applies a novel method offering the highest possible resolution of chemical species, by employing a new multi-column technique termed hybrid column separation. This will allow individual compound or class extraction from matrix, without prior fractionation, and support petrochemical product (crude oil, shale, biofuel) characterisation. An analogous supercritical fluid method using the new technique, and a new sulfur chemical sensor will be developed.