Ultra-sensitive High-throughput TS Analysis in Light Hydrocarbons, Spark Ignition Engine Fuel, and Diesel Engine Fuel by UV Fluorescence according to ASTM D5453 – Vertical Approach Application Note · multi EA 5100

Introduction

The determination of total sulfur (TS) by means of combustion-coupled UVfluorescence detection is an integral part of the daily routine in the process and quality control of refineries, derived fuels production, and many other labs dealing with control and legal limit checking of fuels and related matrices. No matter if analyzing process streams, additives, or ultra-pure end products, it is crucial to gain information about the sulfur content in the shortest possible time. This is to avoid undesirable effects such as catalyst poisoning, low product quality, or exceeding legal limits. The fact that fewer and fewer lab technicians are analyzing an ever-increasing number of samples, especially when it comes to trace and ultra-trace applications, leads to an enormous pressure on performance in terms of reliability of the results and the processing time. Delayed or incorrect results significantly influence the company‘s performance and profitability. Where time is money, a technique ensuring the fastest possible yet reliable analyses is a crucial precondition.

The vertical approach, with direct injection into the combustion tube, offers a more than twice increased throughput speed compared to the horizontal mode with boat inlet for sample supply. Besides this, the mode is characterized by minimum process blank and generation of significant peaks even in ultra-trace analysis. All this makes the vertical operation very attractive. Nevertheless there are limitations, it is only applicable for sample matrices with boiling points up to 400 °C and viscosities below 10 cSt. The multi EA 5100 with its double furnace technology allows for efficient combustion for any type of matrix while optimizing the analysis time.