Determination of Hydrocarbon Types in Diesel Fuel According to the JPI* Method*(Japan Petroleum Institute)

Introduction

With the current concern regarding the environmental impact by particulate matter emitted from diesel vehicles, the testing method for evaluating the characteristics of diesel fuel is becoming increasingly important. A testing method was developed and standardized at the Japan Petroleum Institute for the quantitation of each hydrocarbon type contained in petroleum products, such as diesel fuel (JPI-5S-49-97). This method employs HPLC to separate the hydrocarbons into five categories (paraffines, olefines, monoaromatic, di-aromatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and then quantitate them. Here we will show an example of quantifying each type of hydrocarbon in a commercially marketed diesel fuel, in accordance with the JPI method.

February 13, 2004 GMT