Determination of volatile nickel and vanadinum species in crude oil and crude oil fractions by gas chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

A new method using Gas Chromatography (GC) coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS) was developed for the determination of nickel and vanadium species in crude oil and its fractions. The method requires a transfer line and ICP injector uniformly heated to at least 350 °C (662 °F) and rapid transfer of separated species from the GC to the ICPMS in heated Argon gas. The Ni and V distributions determined by this method revealed the metal fingerprint of each metal in different crude oils. Fingerprints and yield distribution (boiling point vs. amount) of Nickel and Vanadium porphyrins are shown in this work.