Rigaku Publishes New Method for Elemental Analysis of S, V, Ni in Crude Oil by EDXRF

Austin, TX. July 17, 2013.

Applied Rigaku Technologies, Inc. is pleased to publish a new application report that details the analysis of sulfur, vanadium and nickel in crude oil using the Rigaku NEX QC+ energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) analyzer. The report includes complete information about sample preparation, method calibration and repeatability.

Sulfur (S), vanadium (V) and nickel (Ni) occur naturally in crude oil, but their concentrations vary depending on the geographical region of the oil deposits. Vanadium and nickel can taint the refining process during crude oil cracking, thereby making crude oil with low levels of vanadium and nickel advantageous. In oil fields and off-shore wells, a quick and easy means of screening for vanadium and nickel is essential for characterizing the quality of the crude prior to refining. Applied Rigaku Technologies fulfills such analytical industry requirements with the NEX QC series of EDXRF analyzers.

As detailed in the published report, empirical calibrations were built using a suite of 10 commercially available mineral oil calibration standards, and two calibration standards were measured in 10 repeat analyses to demonstrate precision. Analysis was performed using the Rigaku NEX QC+ high resolution benchtop EDXRF analyzer, optimized for rapid qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis. The spectra presented demonstrate the multi-element capability of the NEX QC+ spectrometer for analyzing crude oils and show excellent sensitivity and detection limits for the critical elements. Fast and simple, the NEX QC+ analyzer provides an ideal tool for monitoring the concentrations of vanadium and nickel in crude, as well as the sulfur content, enabling thorough evaluation of the quality of the refining process.

The results of this study, emphasizing stable samples, proper sample handling and proper calibration techniques, indicate that the Rigaku NEX QC+ EDXRF analyzer can achieve excellent results in monitoring the concentration of sulfur, vanadium and nickel in oil.

A copy of this application report may be requested at:
http://www.rigakuedxrf.com/edxrf/app-notes.html?id=1323_AppNote 

About Rigaku

Since its inception in Japan in 1951, Rigaku has been at the forefront of analytical and industrial instrumentation technology. Rigaku and its subsidiaries form a global group focused on life sciences and general purpose analytical instrumentation. With hundreds of major innovations to its credit, Rigaku and its subsidiary companies are world leaders in the fields of small molecule and protein crystallography, X-ray spectrometry and diffraction, X-ray optics, as well as semiconductor metrology. Rigaku employs over 1,100 people globally and its products are in use in more than 70 countries – supporting research, development, production control and quality assurance activities. Throughout the world, Rigaku continuously promotes partnerships, dialog, and innovation within the global scientific and industrial community.