Presentation Profile
Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Analysis of Sulfur and Other Elements in Petroleum Products
Currently Scheduled: 10/15/2019 - 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
Room: South Lobby
Main Author
Joel Langford - Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
- Peters Jonathan - Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
- Fornadel Andrew - Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
Abstract:
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is a non-destructive, simple, and rapid technique for elemental analysis of solids, powders and liquids. Compared to other elemental analysis techniques, such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, XRF involves minimal sample preparation and relatively fast acquisition times, making it an ideal instrument for use not only in the laboratory, but at petroleum well-sites and refineries. In 2017, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted Tier 3 regulations on sulfur content in fuels which changed the maximum allowable sulfur content from 30 parts per million on an average annual basis to 10 parts per million. In addition to the Tier 3 regulations, the International Marine Organization (IMO) will implement on January 2020 a directive to reduce sulfur in marine/bunker fuels to less than 0.5 percent. With more stringent criteria on sulfur content due to the EPA Tier 3 program and IMO directive, and in combination with XRF’s overall simplicity, XRF spectroscopy is now becoming an essential part of petroleum product elemental analysis.
There are two general types of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy; energy dispersive (EDXRF) and wavelength dispersive (WDXRF). ASTM has methods for sulfur analysis in petroleum products by both WDXRF (ASTM D7039) and EDXRF (ASTM D4294). This poster discusses the differences between the WDXRF and EDXRF methods. Both pros and cons of each method are addressed including; sample analysis time, limits of quantification, laboratory footprint, and spectral resolution. We discuss the differences between the two methods by analyzing the same jet fuel sample on both a Shimadzu EDX-7000 (EDXRF) and Shimadzu XRF-1800 (WDXRF). We also discuss the versatility of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy in quantifying other elements besides sulfur. For example, Pb spectra, which is important for understanding the anti-knock capability of the fuel, were collected on both instruments and compared. Overall, this poster acts as a facilitator in discussing WDXRF and EDXRF elemental analysis of petroleum products.
