Micro-Z ULS WDXRF Analyser from Rigaku Facilitates Compliance with ASTM 2622-10, Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products

Recent developments in ultra-low sulfur (ULS) fuel have improved fuel efficiency and created cleaner exhaust gas. Globally, the permitted sulfur limit in fuel oils has been decreased to 10 ppm in many countries and regions. For compliance verification, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry is the definitive analysis tool for use at distribution terminal and refineries, as well as mobile or stationary testing laboratories.

In 2017, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 3 standards for gasoline sulfur content for light-duty and medium-duty passenger vehicles took effect. Tier 3 sets new vehicle emissions standards and lowers the sulfur content of gasoline, addressing the vehicle and its fuel as an integrated system. This action was requested in a May 2010 Presidential memorandum. The Tier 3 gasoline sulfur standards are similar to levels previously in place in California, Europe, Japan, South Korea, and several other countries.

The Tier 3 program’s gasoline sulfur reductions are critical to enabling manufacturers to comply across the fleet with the stringent vehicle standards. The gasoline sulfur standards are designed to achieve significant and immediate benefits by reducing emissions from existing vehicles. Under the Tier 3 program, the EPA requires refiners to reduce the average amount of sulfur in gasoline to 10 parts per million (ppm), down from the previous standard of 30 ppm,

To facilitate compliance with new and changing regulations, Rigaku Corporation has introduced the Rigaku Micro-Z ULS sulfur analyser. Designed for ultra-low level sulfur analysis of diesel and gasoline (petrol) fuels, this benchtop wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) instrument features a novel design that measures both the sulfur peak and the background intensity.

In recent years, there has been an increasing need for an instrument which does not require the use of helium gas, for locations where acquisition or delivery of helium to the analysis site is difficult. The Micro-Z ULS sulfur analyser does not require helium gas in operation.

The Rigaku Micro-Z ULS is the ideal solution for sulfur analysis of petroleum-based fuels, with a lower limit of detection (LLD) of 0.ppm S. Employing robust fixed optics, featuring a specially designed doubly curved RX-9 analyzing crystal, the analyser can be powered by any standard wall AC outlet.

The unit is specifically designed for non-technical users. All operations–from calibration through routine analysis–can be performed via the easy-to-use interface.

The Rigaku Micro-Z ULS meets ASTM 2622-10, ISO 20884 and JIS K2541-7 specifications.

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