This document introduces a method for routine detection and quantification of biomarkers in petroleum using the Agilent 7890A/7000A Series Triple Quadrupole GC/MS with backflushing using a Pressure Controlled Tee configuration. In a single run, diverse biomarkers from several transitions can be detected, confirmed, and quantified at levels as low as 2 ppm, with RSDs well below 5%. This method is suitable for “fingerprinting” of petroleum samples and the deconvolution of oil mixtures in complex, multisource petroleum systems.
This document presents a method for the routine detection and quantification of biomarkers in petroleum samples using the Agilent 7890A/7000A Series Triple Quadrupole GC/MS. The method utilizes a Pressure Controlled Tee (PCT) configuration with backflushing to remove higher boiling substances from the column prior to subsequent runs. This approach allows for the detection of diverse biomarkers at levels as low as 2 ppm with relative standard deviations (RSDs) well below 5% in a single run. The technique is suitable for fingerprinting petroleum samples and deconvoluting oil mixtures in complex systems.
| Detection limit | 2 ppm |
|---|---|
| Precision (RSD) | below 5% |
| Source temperature | 250 °C |
| Quadrupole temperature | 150 °C |
| Delta EMV | 70 eV |
| Acquisition mode | Selected reaction monitoring |
The method can detect, confirm, and quantify biomarkers at levels as low as 2 ppm.
The analysis achieves relative standard deviations (RSDs) well below 5%.
Backflushing removes higher boiling substances from the column prior to subsequent runs, reducing accumulated chemical noise and increasing throughput.