Low-Power WDXRF To Meet Changing Petroleum Demands

Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) analysis is a well-known laboratory technique for the measurement of a wide range of elements in petroleum industry products. Elements tested include contaminants such as sulfur and chlorine in fuels, additive elements such as zinc, phosphorous and calcium in lubricants, as well as poisons such as nickel and vanadium in used catalysts. For petroleum applications, WDXRF instruments are traditionally operated at high power, 3000 Watts or more, to achieve the highest levels of sensitivity down to sub-part-per-million (ppm) levels across the broadest sample range. For successful and efficient operation, high power instruments require external support, such as water cooling, power supply, X-ray tube replacement and operator training. Not surprisingly, the cost of ownership of such instruments is relatively high.