Analysis of Sulphur and Chlorine in Crude Oil by EDXRF

Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc. (USA) has published a new application note describing the analysis of sulphur (S) and chlorine (Cl) in crude oil by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The report includes complete information about sample preparation, method calibration and repeatability, and demonstrates the multi-element capabilities of the new Rigaku NEX QC+ analyser.

EDXRF is a technique widely used in the industry for sulphur measurement, as well as for measuring other elements present in oils and fuels. The analysis method described in the new report offers a fast, simple means of screening and monitoring the chlorine content of crude at the well site, along pipelines, during blending and other pre-refining examinations. For the analysis described in the report, eight certified oil standards were used to develop empirical calibrations for sulphur and chlorine. The empirical method
was used to determine the detection limits for both elements. Measurements shown in the report were carried out on the Rigaku NEX QC+ spectrometer, a new low cost, high resolution benchtop EDXRF elemental analyser featuring a high-resolution Peltier cooled Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) and 50 kV X-ray tube, which provides greater applications versatility and low limits-of-detection (LOD). The configuration is designed to enable more precise analytical results with shorter measurement times.

The results demonstrate that, given stable samples, proper sample handling and proper calibration techniques, the use of compact benchtop instrumentation employing semiconductor detectors can easily resolve and measure sulphur and chlorine present in oil. The spectrum presented confirms that the Rigaku NEX QC+ EDXRF analyser can achieve excellent results in screening and monitoring the concentration of sulphur, chlorine and other elements in crude oil and other similar oils.