Background

Tetraethyl lead (TEL) is an anti-knock agent added to gasoline, or petrol. Lead is a toxic metal that interferes with anti-pollution devices and contributes to lead poisoning. In the 1970s, regions around the world began phasing out lead in MoGas (motor gasoline), beginning in the United States and Europe. Lead is still used in AvGas (aviation gasoline) for some piston engine propeller aircraft; however, efforts are being made to lower and remove lead in this fuel as well. One of the main international standard test methods for the measurement of lead in gasoline is ASTM D5059 using X-ray spectroscopy, XRF (X-ray fluorescence). As efforts continue to reduce and remove lead from gasoline fuels worldwide, Applied Rigaku Technologies offers EDXRF analyzer NEX CG II using indirect excitation Cartesian Geometry for the measurement of lead by ASTM D5059 as well as many other applications in the petroleum and fuel industries.