| Abstract
| - A multidimensional gas chromatographic (GC) procedure is developed for the complete characterization of fuel vapors containing alcohols and ethers (oxygenates). The technique is a modification of ASTM D4815 where a second analytical column and detector are used for the quantification of the light hydrocarbons (hydrocarbons with volatility higher than or similar to 2,2,4-trimethylpentane) which simply went to vent in the original procedure. The analysis uses precolumn backflushing in conjunction with two analytical capillary columns plumbed in parallel and connected to separate detectors. The polar precolumn retains the oxygenates until 2,2,4-trimethylpentane elutes from this column to an analytical column. The alcohols, ethers, and heavy hydrocarbons that remained on the precolumn are then backflushed onto the second analytical column.
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