Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to a novel method for the characterization and quantification of involatile macromolecules in hydrocarbon samples of crude oil. More particularly, the method utilizes pyrolysis/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (PY/GC/MS, PY/GC/MS/MS or PY/GC/triple quad MS) to detect and quantify polymeric asphaltene inhibitors in crude oil.