ASTM D7220-06 Broadens Measurement Range in Petroleum Based Products

Horiba Scientific (USA) was excited to learn of the recently published revision of ASTM D7220-06, the Standard Test Method for Sulphur in Automotive, Heating, and Jet Fuels by Monochromatic Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry by ASTM International. The expanded method allows the upper measurement range to 942 ppm, specifies a PLOQ of 3 ppm sulphur, and opens the scope of fuels beyond diesel and gasoline to include oxygen enriched gasoline, diesel/biodiesel blends, kerosene, jet fuel, jet fuel/biodiesel blends and home heating oils.

This news is significant because HORIBA’s MESA-6000 delivers the latest innovation in ultra low sulphur measurements in petroleum based products by allowing the user to simultaneously measure sulphur and chlorine. This means that anyone requiring the measurement of multiple elements can purchase a single analyser to achieve multiple results. The MESA-6000 utilises a combination of EDXRF technology combined with a mono-chromating optic to produce a polarised, monochromatic x-ray source. This approach, combined with the latest in SDD detector technology, enables an ultra low noise background for the best limits of detection for both S and Cl. This instrument also provides excellent performance at high concentrations for this wide range of sample types.