Sulfur in Crude

Scope

The analysis of sulfur in crude oil as per ASTM D4294 is demonstrated. The performance shown is applicable to:

• light and heavy crude oils
• residual oil
• bunker fuels

Background

Sulfur will always be an important element in crude oils and fuel oils. Sulfur content is regulated in many products and plays an important role in fuel quality and control of polluting emissions. Around the world, regulations limit the amount of sulfur allowable in diesel fuels, kerosene, heating oils, etc., thus affecting the price and quality of crude oil based on sulfur content of the crude. Reliably characterizing the sulfur content of crudes ensures proper quality for the various feedstocks at the refinery and optimum blending ratios when blending different crudes to meet the desired sulfur concentration. Monitoring sulfur is also critical when characterizing other similar oils, like residual oils and bunker fuels. To meet the needs of the industry, Rigaku offers NEX QC, a simple and versatile benchtop EDXRF analyzer for the analysis of sulfur and other elements in crude oil, petroleum oils, and fuels.

Model: NEX QC

Low range: 0.1 – 1.0% sulfur

Calibration

An empirical calibration was built using a set of commercially available certified crude oil standards. A summary of the calibration for 0.1 – 1.0 S is shown here.

Correlation plot S

Repeatability

To demonstrate repeatability (precision), the select samples were chosen from the set of calibration standards. Each sample was measured in static position with typical results shown below.

High range: 0.5 – 5.0% sulfur

Calibration

An empirical calibration was built using a set of commercially available certified crude oil standards. A summary of the calibration for 0.5 – 5.0 S is shown here.

Correlation plot S

Repeatability

To demonstrate repeatability (precision), the select samples were chosen from the set of calibration standards. Each sample was measured in static position with typical results shown below.

Multi-element versatility

The NEX QC is capable of measuring more than just sulfur. Multi-element analysis is important for detecting crude oil contamination or adulteration by the presence of salt and other chlorine-bearing compounds. Left undetected, the presence of Cl can bias the S reading high and potentially leave the presence of Cl unnoticed. NEX QC can detect Cl and other elements and correct for the presence of Cl so that its presence is noticed and does not bias the S reading.

Sweet crude 0.5% S containing no Cl

Sweet crude oil contaminated with Cl
If unnoticed and uncorrected, the Cl will bias the sulfur reading high

International standard test methods

The Rigaku NEX QC complies with the following international standards and test methods for measuring sulfur in crude and petroleum oils. Note that by weight 1 ppm = 1 mg/kg.

Conclusion

The performance shown here demonstrates the ability of the NEX QC to yield excellent results for the measurement of crude oil and other heavy petroleum oils. A simple, modern touchscreen interface allows for reliable and efficient measurement protocols, and performance meets the major international norms shown above.