Analysis of Sulfur and Chlorine in Oil under Air Conditions, using EDXRF

This Application note describes the use of the Thermo Scientific ARL QUANT’X EDXRF spectrometer for the analysis of light elements like sulfur and chlorine in oil, at low concentration levels under air conditions. Equipped with a unique multi stage Si(Li) Peltier cooled detector, the ARL QUANT’X offers the best energy resolution and the highest peak to background ratio necessary for detecting ppm levels of S and Cl without the need for peripheral dependence, like helium or liquid nitrogen. Analysis of S and Cl under air conditions is made possible due to the high power on the X-ray tube, the close coupling distances: X-ray tube-sample-detector and the large solid stage Si(Li) crystal, thus eliminating the need for Helium or vacuum conditions, resulting in significant cost savings and ease of maintenance. The level of quantifications reached with the ARL QUANT’X under these conditions easily meets the requirements for analyzing light elements in oil.