Abstract: A method for the determination of residual pentane content in de-oiled asphalt of Liaohe heavy crude vacuum residuum (VR) was studied by using static headspace gas chromatography. The effects of gas-liquid phase ratio, equilibrium time and equilibrium temperature on headspace analysis were investigated. Test results showed that for this determination method the linear testing range was pentane content within 0～12.94% (R= 0.9997), the detectable limit of pentane was 0.11% and the recovery rates of adding standard material were 98.19%～104.66%. The pentane content of asphalt particles with high softening point from Liaohe heavy crude VR was less than 0.5% determined by said method.

Key words: pentane, de-oiled asphalt, headspace gas chromatography, particles