Molecular Characterization of Hydrotreated Atmospheric Residue Derived from Arabian Heavy Crude by GC FI/FD TOF MS and APPI FT-ICR MS

High resolution mass spectrometry in combination with distillation and SARA fractionation provides us an opportunity for in-depth understanding about the hydrotreating process at the molecular level. In this study, the atmospheric residue derived from Arabian heavy crude and its hydrotreated products were initially subjected to distillation and SARA fractionation. The saturates were characterized by GC FI/FD TOF MS. The aromatics and resins were characterized by APPI FT-ICR MS. Compositional changes of different compounds (paraffins, naphthenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and heteroatomic compounds) contained in different distillates (vacuum gas oil, vacuum residue) were obtained. More detailed knowledge about the hydrotreating process was achieved.