PEFTEC - Abstract

Abstract Information :

This poster deals with EDXRF technology’s applications to measure the sulfur content in ultra-low sulfur fuels and to measure organometallic additives in lubrication oils and motor gasoline and provides updates on the EPA Tier 3 program. EDXRF is a fast, simple, and non-destructive analysis technique for the measurement of liquids, powders, and solids. It is widely applied throughout the petroleum industry: upstream at the well site, mid-stream at pipelines, storage facilities and blending operations, and down-stream at the refinery. Recently, with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandating new regulations on the composition of fuel, the maximum allowable sulfur content has been scaled down to 10 parts per million (ppm). The EDXRF is an ideal analytical tool for refiners to accurately determine the sulfur content in fuel samples, conforming to not only ASTM D7220, but also meeting the testing requirements for the EPA Tier 3 program for ultra-low sulfur fuels such as gasoline and diesel. Furthermore, the EDXRF can be used to determine concentration of some elements such as manganese, lead, zinc, phosphorous, and calcium. The determination of manganese and lead content gives an indication of the anti-knock agent added to motor gasoline and Avgas to improve octane rating. Whilst the determination of zinc, phosphorous, calcium, and sulfur give an indication of the antioxidant, and anti-wear agents in lubricating oils. This poster discusses the versatile application of the EDXRF which allows end-users to effectively ascertain correct results for this desired use, and conform to international testing standards.