Cost-effective, Rapid and Simple Analytical Solution for Sulphur in Petroleum Products

The Energy Dispersive XRF (EDXRF) Lab-X3500 from Oxford Instruments (UK) is a compact bench-top analyser that can be used in the lab, field, mobile laboratory; in fact where ever you need on site analysis operated by production staff and with full conformance to ASTM D4294.

The EDXRF X-Supreme8000 offers multi-sample analysis for “ultra low sulfur” (<10ppm) up to 5% covering all sample matrix types. In addition, the X-Supreme8000 has the flexibility to measure additional elements such as Nickel and Vanadium in fuel oil. These instruments are world renowned for simple installation, long term reliability and ease of use. This is achieved through close attention to detail on high quality design and manufacture.

Both the X-Supreme and Lab-X can be located anywhere, wherever confirmation of sulphur concentration is required for regulatory purposes. With X-ray tubes optimised for sulphur determination and running at minimal power all help ensure long service life, typically over ten years, leading to extremely low running costs.

Dedicated application packages cover different analytical requirements. For Ultra Low Sulphur determination (< 10mg/kg) the various ISO/ASTM test methods recommend the measurement of two aliquots (portions) of sample when measuring sulphur concentrations below 100mg/kg. On the X-Supreme8000 the software “requests” two aliquots are placed on the sample carousel, measurements are sequentially taken and the average and individual sulphur concentration results are displayed. Background “SmartCheck” software routines automatically check a number of customer defined parameters, for example; the difference in sulphur concentration between aliquots; and should the results be outside tolerance, a warning message is displayed. This all leads to high quality analysis, often with the analysis carried out by production staff.

In addition to Sulphur, other elements can be measured with equal ease, for example; chlorine in platforming catalyst, lead in gasoline etc., providing a cost-effective, dependable and flexible analytical solution.

For those customers requiring sulphur analysis to ASTM D2622 Wavelength Dispersive XRF (WDXRF) the MDX1000 offers simultaneous elemental analysis. Superb reliability is achieved through employing two fixed monochromators, thereby avoiding any moving parts.