Application for Optimised Determination of Sulphur in Fuels

Due to the increasing shortage of valuable raw materials such as mineral oil and natural gas, alternative fuels and the synthesis of substitute fuels from biomass (biodiesel, bioethanol etc.) are rapidly gaining in importance. On one hand, the basic materials which often contain extremely high levels of sulphur and, on the other hand, virtually sulphur-free end products with traces of sulphur of < 100 ppb have to be properly controlled. This requires the analysis technology itself to be just as varied as the new challenges facing sulphur analysers in fuel analysis, in order to meet requirements.

The multi EA® 5000 by Analytik Jena (Germany) is a multi-matrix analyser which has been especially developed for determining sulphur contents in a uniquely wide concentration range for all fuel types, whether in a gaseous, solid, or liquid state. The fully-automatic, matrix optimised dosing technique guarantees highest precision during sample preparation, while eliminating potential operator errors. This combined with the highest safety standards is especially important during the analysis of complicated matrices such as liquefied gases under pressure (CNG, LPG etc.).

Just as modern fuels are varied, so are the demands they place on the combustion process. Failure to take this into account in the selection of the process parameters may quickly lead to incomplete combustion, thereby significantly impairing analysis accuracy and operational safety. Conventional systems require a special method for each sample to be analysed. The multi EA® 5000, in contrast, only works with one method. Optimisation of the process parameters to the respective samples is achieved here fully automatically, using flame sensor technology during combustion.

The use of the intelligent wide-range principle of the UV fluorescence detector facilitates reliable determination of sulphur contents in the range of ultra traces up to mass percent in a single analysis cycle.

It has a fully automatic sample preparation to ensure maximum precision and safety as well as a flame sensor and double furnace technology for matrix-optimised sample digestion. In addition, it provides a reliable coverage of the relevant concentration range from ultra traces up to mass percent and includes an integrated safety system (Self Check System) and automatic system tightness tests (high-performance gasbox); to ensure maximum operational safety even during the analysis of critical sample matrices such as liquefied gases. It is Ideally suited for shift operation with minimal maintenance requirements and can be extended at any time for C/N/Cl analysis and determination of important environmental parameters TOC/AOX/EOX.