Presentation Profile
Applications of Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence for Compliance with EPA Tier 3 Standards and Key Analytical Determinations
Currently Scheduled: 10/11/2023 - 12:20 PM - 12:40 PM
Main Author
Raj Shah - Koehler Instrument Company, Inc.
- William Streiber - Koehler Instrument Company Inc.
- Palaknoor Kaur - Department of Chemistry, StonyBrook University, Stony Brook, NY
- Vincent Colantuoni - Koehler Instrument Company Inc.
Abstract:
Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) represents a rapid, straightforward, and non-destructive elemental analysis technique extensively employed in the petroleum industry for evaluating liquids, powders, and solids. Its applications span various stages of the oil production and refining process, encompassing upstream activities at well sites, mid-stream operations involving pipelines, storage facilities, and blending operations, as well as downstream activities at refineries. In 2017, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced new regulations pertaining to fuel composition, particularly the reduction of maximum allowable sulfur content from 30 parts per million (ppm) on an annual average basis to 10 ppm. To comply with these more stringent requirements, enhanced tools and technologies are necessary to accurately determine the sulfur content in fuels, including gasoline and diesel. The EDXRF method emerges as an ideal analytical tool for precisely measuring sulfur content in fuel samples, conforming not only to ASTM D7220 standards but also satisfying the EPA Tier 3 program criteria. Moreover, EDXRF holds potential for determining the concentration of additional elements such as manganese, lead, zinc, phosphorus, and calcium. The analysis of manganese and lead content provides insights into the presence of anti-knock agents utilized in motor gasoline and Avgas to enhance octane ratings. Concurrently, the determination of zinc, phosphorus, calcium, and sulfur content offers indications of antioxidant and anti-wear agents in lubricating oils. This research poster elucidates the versatile applications of EDXRF, empowering end-users to effectively obtain accurate results and adhere to international testing standards for their desired analytical objectives.
