Chemical TechnologySept 2015

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Chemical Technology • September 2015
FOCUS ON CONTROL& INSTRUMENTATION
At-Line analysis of sulphur in fuels using ED-XRF spectroscopy
A new application brief explaining how
the use of ED-XRF spectroscopy for at-
line analysis of sulphur in fuels can cut
production delays from days to minutes
is now available to download from http://
analysis-of-sulphur-in-fuels.
Sulphur content is a key quality deter-
minant for many petroleum products and
the knowledge of the content of sulphur
in fuels impacts processing and assists
compliance with government regulations.
Traditionally, the analysis of sulphur in fuels
has been performed in the laboratory using
XRF spectroscopy. However, the practice
often results in production delays due to
the time required to transport samples from
the line to the laboratory as well as the time
samples spend waiting in queue in the lab
to be processed.
Now, a new generation of portable
ED-XRF spectrometers is enabling rapid
and accurate at-line analysis — right at
the production line — for many applica-
tions requiring the detection of sulphur
in fuels. According to the new application
brief, "At-Line Analysis of Sulphur in Fuels
According to ASTM D4294 Using ED-XRF
Spectrocopy," with a por-
table ED-XRF spectrometer,
at-line analysis can be per-
formed once the sample is
collected from any process
point — and it fully conforms
to the ASTMD4294 require-
ment for analysis time of 1
to 5 min per sample."
In addition to an intro-
duction and discussion of
the need for at-line QC, the
new brief discusses the
advances and advantages
of portable ED-XRF technol-
ogy for at-line analysis of
sulphur in fuels. The brief
also documents, in detail,
the at-line analysis of a
series of samples using a SPECTROSCOUT
portable spectrometer equipped with a
transmission target X-ray tube (Rh target),
a filter changer, a helium purge system
and a high resolution large area SDD. The
resolution of the SDD used amounted to
<155 eV (Mn Kα) at an input count rate of
up to 200,000 cps. The results from the
tests showed compliance with criteria set
out in ASTM D4294.
The brief concludes with helpful guid-
ance for the specification and selection of
an at-line ED-XRF system.
For more information contact Tom Milner,
in Germany, on tel: +49 2821 8920 or
Don Goncalves, in the USA on tel: +1-781-
793-9380 or z