Accurate Low Level Sulphur Measurement in Diesel with High Nitrogen Content Using UV Fluorescence

With the introduction of new regulations by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the petroleum refining industry now meets strict limitations on the sulphur content of automotive diesel and gasoline. June 2006 marked the deadline by which most refiners had to meet a 15 parts per million (ppm) sulphur content limit for much of their diesel and gasoline production. ASTM method D5453, “The standard test method for determination of total sulphur in light hydrocarbons, motor fuels and motor oils by ultraviolet fluorescence” is a combustive UV Fluorescence technique used to quantify sulphur in gasoline and diesel fuel. It is a widely used analytical technique in the petroleum industry for measuring sulphur finished motor fuels.