StarSD Simulated Distillation Software
Simulated Distillation
Simulated Distillation (SD) is a method used to determine the boiling
range distribution of petroleum fractions and products. Samples
are analyzed by temperature programmed gas chromatography on a column
which separates hydrocarbons in order of their boiling points. Temperatures
are assigned as a function of retention time, based upon a calibration
curve obtained by chromatographic analysis of a mixture of hydrocarbons
with known boiling points. Results are reported in terms of the
temperatures at which specified percentages of the total sample
have eluted from the column. The data may be processed further to
provide information about the real properties of the sample, such
as cold starting and vapor lock characteristics of gasolines, or
motor oil volatility. Results can also be correlated to those which
could be expected from other (non-chromatographic) analysis methods
and used to estimate parameters for large scale petroleum refining
processes.
StarSD
The Varian StarSD software package provides a complete solution
to the problem of collecting, analyzing and managing SD analysis
data generated by means of either packed or capillary column chromatography.
StarSD offers six SD analysis options that conform to ASTM methods
D2887 (Boiling Range Distribution of Petroleum Fractions); D3710
(Boiling Range Distribution of Gasoline and Gasoline Fractions);
D5307 (Boiling Range Distribution of Crude Petroleum); extended
versions of 2887 and 5307 for High Temperature SD and a Lube Oil
method which also calculates Motor Oil Volatility to ASTM D5480.
In addition, StarSD software complies with IP406-95 method (Boiling
Point Distribution of Petroleum Fractions).
Star Workstation software collects SD data according to information
contained in a Workstation method. SD calibration or analysis calculations
and reports may be performed automatically as part of Workstation
Automation, or performed interactively on previously acquired Workstation
data files. SD data may also be exported to text files enabling
customized processing by other software packages. This entire sequence
of events can be automated using the Workstation's standard features.
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