Fast, Simple EDXRF Analysis of Sulfur in Petroleum Products

Because of its ease of use and minimal sample preparation, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence, (EDXRF) spectrometry is a preferred method for the analysis of sulfur. The sulfur content of fuels is widely regulated to reduce atmospheric emissions of sulfur dioxide, or SO2, and other sulfur oxides, or SOx, during combustion of the fuel. Sulfur dioxide has wide-ranging negative health effects, particularly impacting the respiratory system as well as contributing to the formation of acid rain.

The primary sources of SO2 in the atmosphere are from sulfur contained in fossil fuels that are burned for power generation and transportation as well as naturally-occurring volcanic emissions. To limit SO2 discharge into the atmosphere, various organisations and governments have imposed increasingly strict limits on the sulfur content of fuels. A recent example of this is the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) regulation set to take place in 2020 limiting the content of sulfur in marine fuel at 0.5%, reduced from the current 3.5% limit.

This application note describes the use of Shimadzu’s EDX-7000 energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer for compliance with ASTM D4294 and ISO 8754.

The method applied in this application note adheres to the methodology described in ASTM D4294, Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum and Petroleum Products by Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, and ISO 5784, Petroleum Products – Determination of Sulfur Content – Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence.

Several factors were assessed for method compliance, including repeatability (r), reproducibility (R), blank measurement, and a lower limit of detection (LLD).

The method and data outlined in the application note demonstrate the applicability of Shimadzu’s EDX-7000 towards ASTM D4294 and ISO 8754 for measuring total sulfur in petroleum products. As regulations on sulfur in fuels and petroleum products become stricter, fast and easy methods for testing become increasingly important. Shimadzu’s EDX-7000 provides a simple way for analysis of sulfur, and other elements, in petroleum products.