Analysis of Sulfur and Chlorine in Oil by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence

Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc. has announced the publication of a new application report that details the analysis of sulfur (S) and chlorine (Cl) in oil by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF).

The report highlights the multi-element capabilities of the low-cost Rigaku NEX QC benchtop analyzer and includes complete information about sample preparation, method calibration and repeatability.

Chlorine is often present in crude oils either naturally or through contamination. Left unmeasured, chlorine may bias sulfur measurement during the blending of crude oil or cause corrosion during the refining process.

Furthermore, the appropriate balance of sulfur and chlorine determines the efficiency and lubricity of cutting fluid, as unbalanced amounts can cause damage to cutting tools and machined parts.

Monitoring the sulfur and chlorine content is therefore critical in the production of various oils and oil products.

The method for analysis of sulfur and chlorine in oil described in the new report is suitable for the measurement of crude oil, cutting fluids and high chlorine content used oils.

For the analysis, twelve certified oil standards were used to develop empirical calibrations for sulfur and chlorine, two typical calibration standards were selected to demonstrate precision, and the empirical method was used to determine the detection limits for both elements.

Measurements demonstrated in the new report were carried out on the Rigaku NEX QC EDXRF analyzer.

The results show that the NEX QC analyzer provides excellent performance for the measurement of sulfur and chlorine in oil, and that the use of compact benchtop instrumentation employing semiconductor detectors can easily resolve and measure the sulfur, chlorine and other elements present in oil.