Analysis of Low Concentration Sulphur in Petroleum-Based Fuels by Benchtop WDXRF

Rigaku Corporation (USA) is pleased to publish a new application report highlighting the performance of the Rigaku Supermini 200, the world’s only benchtop wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometer and the latest in a series of revolutionary compact WDXRF systems from Rigaku. Application Note #5044 details the analysis of petroleum-based fuels for low concentrations of sulphur by benchtop WDXRF. The new method complies with ASTM D2622 – 10: Standard Test Method for Sulphur in Petroleum Products by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry.

Sulphur in petroleum-based fuels contributes to atmospheric pollution. Sulphur content in fuels is strictly controlled and regulation of sulphur content in fuels, including diesel fuel and gasoline, has been tightened. The accurate measurement of sulphur content in fuel oil is, therefore critical, for refineries. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is used for quantitative analysis of sulphur in petroleum-based fuels, due to its simple sample preparation requirements.

The new application note covers sample preparation, method calibration and repeatability, and demonstrates that low concentration sulphur in petroleum-based fuel can be routinely analysed with excellent accuracy, sensitivity and repeatability using a benchtop WDXRF spectrometer with minimal site requirements.

For this application, four millilitres of each sample was poured into a standard liquid cell. “Number 2 diesel fuel” standards were used for calibration of diesel fuel, gasoline and kerosene. Two aliquot quantities of the sample were prepared and quantified with the calibration. The process was repeated twenty times.

The Rigaku Supermini200 benchtop WDXRF system, which can be plugged into a standard wall receptacle and does not require cooling of the X-ray tube or the power supply, is shown to meet specifications of the test method.

A copy of this application report may be requested on the official Rigaku website at http://j.mp/XAxpTz.