LimsPulse
Petroleum testing

Sulphur Analyser (XRF / UV Fluorescence)

Measures total sulphur in fuels and oils, either by X-ray fluorescence (fast, non-destructive, from tens of mg/kg to several per cent) or by combustion and ultraviolet fluorescence (very low levels, down to about 1 mg/kg).

  • Petroleum refining
  • Fuel terminals
  • Marine fuel testing
  • Regulatory and customs labs
  • Biofuel production
  • Independent testing laboratories
Photo of a Sulphur Analyser (XRF / UV Fluorescence)
Photo: Elemental analysis, CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped), via Wikimedia Commons
LEARN & PRACTICE

Test your Sulphur analyser knowledge

Multiple-choice questions

Pick an answer to see whether you are right and why.

  1. Q1. What is the typical maximum sulphur content for ultra-low sulphur road diesel (for example EN 590 or BS VI)?

    basic

  2. Q2. In UV fluorescence sulphur analysis, sulphur is measured as…

    basic

  3. Q3. What is the purpose of the membrane dryer in a UVF sulphur analyser?

    intermediate

  4. Q4. Which standard covers sulphur by energy-dispersive XRF?

    intermediate

  5. Q5. Why should XRF calibration standards match the sample matrix?

    intermediate

  6. Q6. A UVF calibration has slope 0.1058 units per mg/kg and intercept 0.010. A sample gives 0.856 units. What is its sulphur content?

    advanced

  7. Q7. UVF results on a diesel are consistently low and the combustion tube shows soot. What is the likely fix?

    advanced

Viva questions

Think of your answer first, then open it to compare.

  1. 1. When would you choose UVF instead of EDXRF for sulphur?

    For ultra-low sulphur fuels near 10 mg/kg, UVF (or WDXRF) gives better precision and lower detection limits. EDXRF suits higher levels, such as fuel oils and crude, and needs little preparation.

  2. 2. What safety points apply to sulphur analysers?

    XRF: X-ray source, so never bypass interlocks and follow radiation regulations. UVF: hot furnace and oxygen supply, so keep oil and grease from oxygen fittings and solvents away from hot zones. Fuels and solvents are flammable; use a hood and dispose of waste properly.

  3. 3. How do you show a sulphur calibration is fit for use?

    Check linearity (correlation coefficient and residuals), then measure an independent check standard near the specification limit and confirm its recovery is within limits. Run the check standard during each batch and plot it on a control chart.

In LimsPulse · Calibration Management

Keep every Sulphur analyser in control: usage logs, calibration and maintenance schedules, and automatic blocking of overdue instruments.

See how