MARPOL 2020 — Meet the 0.5% Threshold with Rigaku Benchtop & Process Solutions

Under MARPOL sulphur regulations, marine fuel oil used outside of ECAs must meet a 0.5% wt threshold to comply with new IMO 2020 requirements. 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 benchtop NEX QC Marine Fuel Analyser (MFA) and the NEX XT total sulphur gauge for bunker fuel blending.

Marine Fuel Analysis with Rigaku NEX QC MFA Benchtop Analyser

For at-line sulphur analysis onboard or at bunkering ports, the Rigaku NEX QC MFA delivers unmatched reliability and measurement precision to ensure compliance. The instrument is an affordable and portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analyser optimised for routine determination of sulphur in oil. Calibrated from 0.05 to 3.5 wt%, the NEX QC MFA easily meets the industry’s needs for 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.

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).

Bunker Fuel Blending with Rigaku NEX XT Total Sulphur Gauge

For on-line sulphur analysis, Rigaku offers the advanced NEX XT total sulphur gauge for marine fuel blending. With a sulphur detection range of 200 parts-per-million (ppm) to 6 wt%, the NEX XT process analyser helps ensure MARPOL compliance.

NEX XT delivers on-line, real-time X-ray transmission (XRT) measurement of sulphur in heavy oils, meeting the needs of blending operations supplying marine bunker fuels. 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 1480 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.

Among 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 complete sulphur analysis needs of refineries, pipelines, blending operations, bunkering terminals, and other storage facilities, the NEX XT process analyser offers total sulphur measurement for crude, bunker fuel, fuel oils, and other highly viscous hydrocarbons, including residuums.

Rigaku EDXRF Benchtop & Process Solutions for Petroleum Analysis

Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc. offers a complete line of benchtop and process instruments for petroleum analysis applications. Rigaku EDXRF products serve many screening and monitoring needs and meet compliance for multiple testing methods and standards. For more information, contact us by email.