Efficient and Quick Method for Saturates, Aromatics, Resins, and Asphaltenes Analysis of Whole Crude Oil by Thin-Layer Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detector

Saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes (SARA) analysis by thin-layer chromatography–flame ionization detector (TLC–FID) is a fast and efficient technique for group-type analysis of hydrocarbon residues. The present paper attempts to provide a new method for measurement of SARA fractions of whole crude oils using TLC–FID while addressing the issues related to FID calibration and loss of lighter hydrocarbon components during analysis. The experimental results obtained by the new method are compared to the traditional methods.