EDXRF elemental analysers for upstream, midstream, and downstream

Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc. specialises in benchtop EDXRF and process elemental analysers serving upstream and midstream for in-field use and downstream for refineries and commercial labs. Rigaku EDXRF (energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence) instrumentation offers solutions for a broad range of petroleum analysis applications. They serve many screening and monitoring needs and meet compliance for multiple testing methods and standards.

Rigaku Benchtop EDXRF for analysis of sulphur and other elements
With multi-element analysis capabilities, the Rigaku EDXRF benchtop portfolio includes the compact and affordable NEX QC Series for sulphur in oil per ASTM D4294, also offering compliance for ISO 20847, ISO 8754, IP 496, IP 336, JIS K 2541-4, and ISO 13032, lead in gasoline per ASTM D5059, and more. NEX QC Series analysers have a small footprint, are portable, and feature an intuitive icon-driven touchscreen interface for easy operation and a built-in printer for convenience.

Rigaku’s NEX DE Series analysers are specifically designed for rapid elemental analysis; these high-performance EDXRF spectrometers help users certify products quicker and easier. Analyse sulphur, vanadium, iron, and nickel in crude, residual oil, bunker fuels, and other heavy hydrocarbon oils.

For measuring ultra-low and trace element concentrations, the NEX CG II second-generation Cartesian Geometry analyser is offered. NEX CG II pushes the boundaries of EDXRF technology with its unique optical kernel making it well suited for ASTM and international compliance for ultra-low sulphur applications, such as testing ultra-low sulphur in diesel (ULSD) and meeting Tier 3 gasoline requirements per ASTM D7220. NEX CG II delivers the lowest chlorine detection limits for ASTM D4929 compliance using Part C methodology and easily meets ASTM D5059 Parts A and C using the Bi internal standard method to measure lead in gasoline samples.

Unlike conventional EDXRF spectrometers, NEX CG II is an indirect excitation system using secondary targets rather than tube filters. Monochromatic and polarized excitation from secondary targets in full 90° Cartesian Geometry eliminates background noise and results in exceptionally low detection limits — even in challenging sample types. NEX CG II brings a new level of analytical sensitivity to the petroleum industry. It provides multi-element capabilities and delivers low limits of detection.

NEX CG II is an excellent tool for non-technical operators yet powerful enough for expert use in commercial labs and R&D facilities. Users can measure sulphur and chlorine simultaneously from one sample pour. They can measure sulphur, nickel, vanadium, and iron at the same time. Measure and monitor ultra-low sulphur concentrations in diesel and other petroleum products, or quickly analyse other trace minor and major elements in crude, lube oils, waste oil, and cutting fluids. This powerful, next-generation EDXRF spectrometer offers exceptional versatility.

Real-time, online elemental analysis for crude, bunker fuel and blending, and liquid streams
For real-time process control needs, Rigaku offers NEX XT, a total sulphur analyser for crude oil and bunker fuel monitoring and blending, and NEX OL, a multi-element analyser for liquid streams.

For on-line sulphur analysis, NEX XT delivers total sulphur measurement from 200 parts-per-million (ppm) to 6 wt% of crude, bunker fuel, fuel oils, and other highly viscous hydrocarbons, including residuums. This versatile, compact, and robust X-ray transmission/absorption (XRT/XRA) process gauge is specifically optimised for the total sulphur analysis needs of refineries, pipelines, blending operations, bunkering terminals, and other storage facilities.

Featuring uniquely engineered hardware and novel proprietary software technologies, the NEX XT system is faster, more sensitive, and much more compact than previous generation systems. Rigaku NEX XT provides continuous monitoring of sulphur at pressures up to 1450 psig and up to 200°C in custom configurations. NEX XT operates as a standalone analyser or provides real-time closed-loop control when tied into a blending or plant-wide automation system.

Its other key features are a simplified user interface, reduced standards requirement, automatic density compensation, password protection, and a standard platform for communicating sulphur and density to a DCS. Due to its unique design and robust construction, sample conditioning and recovery systems are typically not required.

For liquid stream applications, the NEX OL process EDXRF analyser is configurable for use in classified and non-classified areas and can analyse from aluminum to uranium. It is ideal for monitoring cobalt, manganese, and bromine catalysts in PIA and catalyst in liquid streams.