PEFTEC PEFTEC

PEFTEC - Abstract


Abstract Title: Analysis of Sulfur Compounds in Light Petroleum Liquids by Gas Chromatography and Pulsed Flame Photometric Detection (PFPD) Using ASTM Method D5623
Abstract Type: Poster
Session Choice: Analytical Techniques: Chromatography and Separations
Presenter Name: Mr John Damiral
Co-authors:Ms Cynthia Elmore
Mr Michael Duffy
Company/Organisation: OI Analytical, a Xylem brand
Country: United Kingdom

Abstract Information :

ASTM D5623 is a method primarily for the determination of volatile sulfur-containing compounds in light petroleum liquids with a final boiling point of 230°C or lower at atmospheric pressure, such as petroleum distillates and gasoline. Many sulfur compounds in light petroleum liquids are odorous, can cause corrosion to equipment, inhibit or destroy catalysts, and ultimately have a negative impact on product costs and quality. Sulfur in fuels also causes air pollution. The ability to speciate sulfur compounds is useful in controlling sulfur compounds in finished products and is often more important than determining total sulfur content alone. Gas chromatography combined with a Pulsed Flame Photometric Detector (PFPD) can provide a reliable means to identify and quantify sulfur compounds in petroleum liquids. Other sulfur selective detectors may be used for ASTM D5623 but the PFPD offers several advantages. The PFPD has unambiguous sulfur selectivity from hydrocarbon matrices, increased sensitivity, and equimolar sulfur response. The equimolar response allows quantitation of unknown sulfur compounds that may be present in samples .This study will demonstrate the use of a new generation PFPD for the analysis of light petroleum liquids following the current ASTM D5623. A robust, yet sensitive method is needed for both total and speciated sulfur especially in light of the rapid approach of USEPA Tier 3 requirements in 2017. This rule sets new vehicle emissions standards and lowers the sulfur content in gasoline to 10ppm. The Tier 3 gasoline sulfur standards are similar to levels already being achieved in California, Europe, Japan, and several other countries. A representative list of sulfur compounds will be analyzed with nominal levels of approximately 0.1 to 10ppm. A survey of local gasoline samples will also be performed.