Background

This application note demonstrates quantitative analysis of low concentration sulfur in diesel fuel, gasoline and kerosene according to ASTM D2622-10 on Rigaku Supermini, a benchtop wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) spectrometer. Sulfur in petroleum-based fuels contributes to atmospheric pollution. Sulfur content in fuels, especially in automobile fuels, is strictly controlled and regulations of sulfur content in fuel oil, such as diesel fuel and gasoline, have been tightened. Therefore, control of sulfur content is very important in refineries. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry has been used for quantitative analysis of sulfur in petroleum-based fuels, owing to simple sample preparation. In XRF analysis of fuel oil, the sample is simply poured into a plastic cup equipped with a transparent film without any complicated treatment, such as chemical decomposition or serial dilution. In addition, concentration of total sulfur is obtained in XRF analysis.