ASTM D3120 Determination of Trace Quantities of Sulfur in Light Liquid Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Fuels with Oxygenates by Oxidative Microcoulometry

The standard method described in the ASTM D3120 standard is used to determine sulfur concentrations in the trace range. It is applicable to light liquid hydrocarbons and fuels such as gasoline, diesel, bioethanol with a boiling range of 26 to 274 °C. The standard method is applicable for sulfur levels between 3.0 and 1000 mg/kg. Samples with a concentration above 1000 mg/kg of sulfur can be measured once sufficiently diluted with an appropriate solvent.

ASTM D3120 describes oxidative combustion of the samples in an oxygen stream at a temperature between 900 and 1200 °C. The SO₂ formed from the sulfur compounds is absorbed in the electrolyte of the coulometric measurement cell, where it is then quantified by redox titration. 

The method described in ASTM D3120 is used primarily in the petrochemical industry and in refineries for the production of fuels. Here, sulfur concentrations must be measured regularly, as they affect not only product quality but also the safety and efficiency of the production process. Organic sulfur compounds are considered catalyst toxic, but they also cause other damage such as corrosion and fouling on the systems. Furthermore, measurement of the total sulfur parameter is of particular importance in fuel quality assurance because regulatory rules known as emission limits must be adhered to for this element. 

When it comes to coulometric sulfur measurement, Analytik Jena's multi EA 5100 is a powerful analysis system that complies with the requirements of ASTM D3120. 

Our solutions for ASTM D3120

Sources

• D3120 Standard Test Method for Trace Quantities of Sulfur in Light Liquid Petroleum Hydrocarbons by Oxidative Microcoulometry