Analysis of Low Concentration Sulfur in Petroleum-based Fuels by Benchtop WDXRF According to ASTM D2622-1

The Woodlands, TX -- November 19, 2012 Rigaku Corporation is pleased to publish a new application report highlighting the performance of the Rigaku Supermini200, 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 sulfur by benchtop WDXRF. The new method complies with ASTM D2622 – 10: Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry.

Sulfur in petroleum-based fuels contributes to atmospheric pollution. Sulfur content in fuels is strictly controlled and regulation of sulfur content in fuels, including diesel fuel and gasoline, has been tightened. The accurate measurement of sulfur content in fuel oil is, therefore critical, for refineries. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is used for quantitative analysis of sulfur 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 sulfur in petroleum-based fuel can be routinely analyzed with excellent accuracy, sensitivity and repeatability using a benchtop WDXRF spectrometer with minimal site requirements.

For this application, four milliliters 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://www.rigaku.com/products/xrf/supermini/app5044 .