Presentation Profile
Development of an Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDXRF) Technology and Experimental Technique to Measure Low PPM of Sulfur and Chlorine to Comply with Tier 3 Gasoline Standards
Currently Scheduled: 1/19/2018 - 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Room: Exhibit Hall
Main Author
Dr. Raj Shah - Koehler Instrument Company
- Vincent Colantuoni - Koehler Instrument Company
- Eric Cervino - Koehler Instrument Company
Abstract:
Starting 2017- barring any last minute revisions- the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be administering new Tier 3 Gasoline Standards. In the latest, compelling attempt to reduce air pollution, the new standards will affect high sulfur content in gasoline to promote cleaner emissions from passenger vehicles and trucks. To comply with the new requirements set in place, fuel composition must now be limited to a maximum of 10 ppm sulfur content.
ASTM D7220 “Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Automotive, Heating, and Jet Fuels by Monochromatic Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry” can be used to verify various fuels’ compatibility with the newly implemented EPA standards. Types of fuels covered under ASTM D7220 include oxygen-enriched gasoline (RFG), diesel, diesel/biodiesel blends (volume ≤ 20% biodiesel), kerosene, jet fuel, jet fuel/biodiesel blends (volume ≤ 5% biodiesel) and No. 2 home heating oil. This poster will focus mainly on experiments conducted with gasoline, however. The test method’s assignment is based off evidence proving that current EDXRF (Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence) Technology using matrix-matched empirical calibrations can be used for the EPA performance-based testing.
Koehler’s EDXRF apparatus adheres to the ASTM D7220 model and has been manifested to ensure a refiner meets with the newly enforced Tier 3 Gasoline Standards and the associated robust regulations. After numerous rounds of laboratory testing, the ASTM D7220 test method has a proven record of accurately measuring the presence of sulfur in various fuel samples. This powerful analytical tool utilizes polarized X-ray technology to accurately determine the sulfur content of the sample in question. When the beam passes through the sample, it reveals the sulfur content after comparing it to a sulfur-free background spectrum. By using the Koehler EDXRF instrument, refiners can be confident in their continued compliance with the EPA by providing the agency with accurate, reportable data. Preliminary data along with results and discussion will be included in our findings.
