Normalab FIA Classic Hydrocarbon Types Analyzer, 4 Columns

Hydrocarbon type analysis by fluorescent indicator adsorption

The FIA Classic is Normalab’s four-column apparatus for the fluorescent indicator adsorption method. A small sample is added to a packed silica gel column that contains a fluorescent dye; as the sample is pushed through with air pressure, the hydrocarbon types separate into zones of saturates, olefins and aromatics, which show under ultraviolet light as different colours. The length of each zone is read on a graduated scale and converted to volume percent.

Normalab lists ASTM D1319 and IP 156 and related methods. The method covers hydrocarbon types over the concentration ranges of 5 to 99 volume % aromatics, 0.3 to 55 volume % olefins and 1 to 95 volume % saturates in petroleum fractions that distill below 315 °C. The leaflet explains that the test characterises petroleum fractions as gasoline blending components and as feeds to catalytic reforming, and is also used for products from reforming, thermal cracking and catalytic cracking as blending components for motor and aviation fuels.

Technical specifications

What is delivered

The FIA Classic is delivered with four graduated scales for measurement, four needle valves to adjust the air inlet separately for each column, four pressure gauges (one per column), an electric vibrator for packing the silica gel and a set of accessories. The accessory set contains the lower joints, the upper joints and the clamps for spherical connectors; the web page describes them as top and bottom connection clips.

Glass columns, silica gel, dye and other reagents are on request, so the user selects precision or standard columns to suit the laboratory. The weight is stated as 35 kg in the leaflet and 30 kg on the web page.

Selecting and installing the apparatus

With four independent columns, an operator can run several samples in one session, for example blending components and finished gasoline, and the integrated UV lamps provide the illumination the reading needs. The 1900 mm height requires a room with enough ceiling space and a stable mounting.

Before ordering, confirm the column type, the reagents, silica gel, a compressed air supply limited to 125 kPa, the weight and footprint, and the 230 V supply. Related equipment is grouped under liquid analytical systems.

Since the method depends on careful column packing and consistent air pressure, new operators should practise with a known reference fuel before reporting results, and the vibrator is used to pack the silica gel evenly in every column.

Related Normalab products: Normalab FIA Classic Hydrocarbon Types Analyzer (ASTM D1319), Normalab NDI Classic Semi-Automatic Distillation Analyzer, Normalab NGT Classic Existent Gum Tester for Fuels, Normalab ARV Tech Air Release Properties Tester for Oils, Normalab NTB Classic Copper Strip Corrosion Test Bath and Normalab NMC 460 Automatic Micro Carbon Residue Tester.

Documents and quotation

The Normalab FIA Classic leaflet is attached. Send the standard, number of columns and reagent requirements for a quotation; availability and lead time are confirmed before ordering.