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US firm Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc. has published a new application report which details the analysis of sulphur in bunker fuel and diesel using the Rigaku NEX QC EDXRF analyzer.

The test method used is said to comply with ASTM D4294, Standard Test Method for Sulphur in Petroleum and Petroleum Products by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (EDXRF).

Commenting on the issue of sulphur content in fuels, Applied Rigaku Technologies said: "Sulphur content is regulated in many petroleum fuel oils and significantly impacts both fuel quality and the ability to control polluting emissions. Permissible sulphur content of bunker fuels continues to decline in the open seas as well as in protected areas, which allow only low sulphur bunker fuels and marine diesels to be used. The monitoring of sulphur content to ensure regulatory compliance and improve air quality affects both users and suppliers of bunker fuels."

The new method applies to the determination of total sulphur levels in petroleum and petroleum products including diesel fuel, jet fuel, kerosene, other distillate oil, naphtha, residual oil, lubricating base oil, hydraulic oil, crude oil, unleaded gasoline, gasohol, biodiesel and similar products.

"The Rigaku results demonstrate the superior performance of the NEX QC analyzer for the measurement of sulfur in bunker fuel and diesel in air, in compliance with major international norms and without the need for helium purge. As an important tool to meet the requirements for monitoring sulphur at various levels, the NEX QC analyzer has the ability to measure sulphur over a broad range of concentrations, proving essential as sulfur levels continue to become lower in the future," Applied Rigaku Technologies said.

Request a copy of the application report, please visit the following address: http://www.rigakuedxrf.com/edxrf/app-notes.html?id=1230_AppNote