ED-XRF analyser offers marine fuel analysis onboard or at bunkering

Regulations limiting the sulfur content of fuel used in the marine industry continue to evolve. New MARPOL regulations require the sulphur content of any fuel used onboard ships not to exceed 0.5 wt%. This threshold is a substantial reduction from the 3.5 wt% limit. As efforts continue to lower and reduce sulphur from marine fuels, Rigaku offers the NEX QC MFA (Marine Fuel Analyser), delivering unmatched reliability and measurement precision to meet the industry’s needs and ensure compliance with IMO 2020. 

The NEX QC MFA is an affordable and portable benchtop energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analyser optimised for the marine fuel industry. Developed for routine determination of sulphur in oil, the NEX QC MFA is calibrated from 0.05 to 3.5 wt%, easily meeting the needs of existing ECAs and new IMO requirements. NEX QC MFA delivers compliance with ASTM D4294 and ISO 8754 methods, and with multi-element capabilities, can measure more than just sulphur. Monitor for nickel (Ni), vanadium (V), and iron (Fe) content or analyse for zinc (Zn) to confirm fuels have not been adulterated with lube oils. 

Specifically designed for marine fuel applications, the Rigaku NEX QC MFA features an intuitive icon-driven touchscreen interface for easy operation and a built-in printer for convenience. The 50 kV X-ray tube and Peltier-cooled semiconductor detector deliver exceptional spectral resolution and throughput. The high voltage capability and multiple automated X-ray tube filters provide enhanced sensitivity and low limits of detection (LOD). 

To determine traditional sulphur levels in bunker fuel, marine diesel, and other fuel oils, the NEX QC MFA offers compliance for ASTM D4294-10, ISO 20847, ISO 8754, IP 496, IP 336, and JIS K 2541-4. Meet MARPOL 2020 regulations and other international test methods all with one instrument.