Tom Adamski - Alpha Omega Technologies, Inc.
Alpha Omega Technologies, Inc.

The problems associated with the conventional ASTM D3606 method are well known by all petroleum laboratories that rely on this analysis. The tailing of the ethanol peak, the retention time shift of the aromatics towards ethanol, specifically benzene merging quickly into the ethanol peak and preventing accurate quantification, are just a few of the problems that plague this method. Additionally, homogeny of packed column manufacturing is a common issue with this analysis. Alpha Omega Technologies (AOTI) has overcome all of these problems by utilizing a two-dimensional gas chromatography system. This system encompasses the use of a simplified Deans switch, a micro-fluidic tee, a standard split/splitless inlet, two capillary columns of different polarities, and a standard flame ionization detector. AOTI has proven, from the cumulative data analyzed, that this improved method will, achieve better component resolution, have a quicker analysis time, and have the ability to analyze a much wider range of component concentrations. This system produces precise qualitative and quantitative data that far surpasses the conventional method for this analysis.