Nitrogen Compound Distribution in Refined Middle Distillate Fuels

Abstract

Three diverse middle distillate fuels from Mobile, Alabama, Jacksonville, Florida, and Kirachi, Pakistan were analyzed to quantify the organic nitrogen compound distribution in each. Organo-nitrogen compounds were isolated by a mild acid extraction followed by a silica-gel adsorption procedure. The extraction process yielded three extracts for each fuel: a basic nitrogen extract in methylene chloride, a nonbasic nitrogen extract in methylene chloride, and a nonbasic nitrogen extract in methanol. The major compounds in each extract were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Keywords:

• diesel fuel
• mass spectrometry
• middle distillate fuels
• organic nitrogen compounds