Systems and methods for separating classes of paraffinic compounds

Abstract

Systems and methods for the separation of classes of paraffins from a hydrocarbon sample can include a first column comprising a first zeolite adsorbent material for the isolation of one or more n-paraffins from the hydrocarbon sample and generation of a first eluate including one or more iso-paraffins and one or more one-ring or multi-ring naphthenes. The system can further include a second column, coupled to the first column, comprising a second zeolite adsorbent material for the isolation of one or more iso-paraffins or one-ring naphthenes from the first eluate and generation of a second eluate including one or more multi-ring naphthenes.

1 . A system for the isolation of classes of paraffins from a hydrocarbon sample, comprising:
 (a) a first column comprising a first zeolite adsorbent material for isolation of one or more n-paraffins from the hydrocarbon sample and generation of a first eluate comprising one or more iso-paraffins and one or more one-ring or multi-ring naphthenes; and   (b) a second column, coupled in fluid communication with the first column, comprising a second zeolite adsorbent material for isolation of one or more iso-paraffins or one-ring naphthenes from the first eluate and generation of a second eluate comprising one or more multi-ring naphthenes.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first zeolite adsorbent material has a pore size from about 4 Å to about 6 Å. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first zeolite adsorbent material is ZSM-23. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second zeolite adsorbent material has a pore size up to about 7 Å. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second zeolite adsorbent material is Zeolite Beta.