Precision data from the Rigaku Mini-Z Sulfur Analyzer for ultra-low sulfur levels in fuels
Today's petrochemical market has been regulated to produce lower sulfur levels in all variety of fuels. This legislation has impacted manufacturers of diesel and all grade fuels that keep the U.S. infrastructure functioning. The current ranges for sulfur content in all grade fuels by WDXRF analysis are listed below:
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ATSM Method D2622 = 3 ppm to 5 mass% limit |
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ISO Method 20884 = 5 to 500 ppm limit |
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Method K2541-7 = 5 to 500 ppm limit |
The Rigaku Mini-Z Sulfur Analyzer (Figure 1) is capable of achieving the precision required to repeatedly and reliably run diesel and other grade fuels for the "ultra-low" sulfur levels current regulations require. This simple-to-use spectrometer uses WDXRF technology to bring the lowest LLD (Lower Limit of Detection) on the market of 0.3 ppm for sulfur.
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Figure 1 |
Preparation is easily accomplished by loading one of the specially designed sample cups with the fuel liquid and affixing a support film to be used as the analysis window. The next step is to place the sample on the 6-position carousel, as seen in Figure 2.
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Figure 2 |
The easy-to-use on-board computer (Figure 3) allows sample entry using the multi-functional keypad (similar to a cell phone). Analysis results will then be generated with no additional processing required.
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Figure 3 |
The precision data acquired on the Rigaku Mini-Z Sulfur Analyzer for a range of Conostan diesel standards for ultra-low sulfur are seen in Chart 1.
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Conostan sulfur |
15 ppm |
10 ppm |
5 ppm |
1 ppm |
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Average |
15.0 |
10.1 |
5.1 |
0.9 |
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Standard deviation |
0.244 |
0.183 |
0.143 |
0.135 |
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Chart 1: Ultra-low sulfur in diesel standards. New preps, 10x |
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Average and standard deviation values are calculated from a 10x prepared/analyzed data collection routine. The end result is high precision analyses offered only on the sulfur 'optimized' Rigaku Mini-Z Sulfur Analyzer.
