EDXRF for Analysis of Sulphur in Oil by ASTM D4294

Applied Rigaku Technologies (USA) announces the publication of a new Application Note for the analysis of sulphur (S) in oil per ASTM D4294. Application Note #1135 demonstrates the efficacy of the Rigaku NEX QC benchtop energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analyser for this measurement.

Sulphur will always be an important element in crude and fuels oils, and plays a significant role in fuel quality as well as in the control of polluting emissions. Worldwide, regulations limit allowable sulphur content in diesel fuels, kerosene, heating oils, and similar fuels. Jet fuels also rely on the measurement of sulphur content to ensure optimum fuel properties and maintain emission standards. The monitoring sulphur content, from characterising, blending and refining crude oil, to the production of various fuel oils, therefore continues to be an essential analysis.

The method described in the application note complies with international standards for measuring sulphur in crude and petroleum oils and demonstrates the ability of the NEX QC, a simple and versatile benchtop EDXRF analyser, to yield exceptional results for the measurement of sulphur in diesel fuel in air, without the need for helium purge.