Analysis of Elements in Residual Fuels and Crude Oil by MP-AES

Significance of the Topic

The accurate determination of trace elements in residual fuels and crude oils is critical to optimize refinery operations commercial value and product quality. Elements such as vanadium nickel iron and sulfur can impair catalyst performance and reduce yields making reliable analysis an essential requirement for timely decision making in the petroleum industry.

Study Objectives and Overview

This work presents the first ASTM accredited method D8322 20 employing microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy exclusively for the multi element quantification in fuel and crude samples. The goal was to replace multiple legacy methods with a single streamlined approach while simplifying sample preparation and maintaining high accuracy and precision.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

Samples of residual fuels and crude oils were prepared by direct dilution in o xylene under a dilute and shoot workflow avoiding labor intensive ashing or fusion procedures. Calibration and quality control involved standard reference materials and third party reference materials in blind interlaboratory trials across twelve laboratories. Instrumentation consisted of the Agilent 4210 MP AES with an organics kit including external gas control module inert OneNeb nebulizer and double pass cyclonic spray chamber. The MP Expert software applet predefined wavelengths background correction and operating parameters ensuring consistency and ease of use.

Main Results and Discussion

Recovery data for multiple elements in NIST standard reference materials and crude oil certified materials consistently fell within the reproducibility limits of the method. Key elements V Ni Ca Na Fe Zn Al and Si exhibited recoveries between 92 and 118 percent. Ongoing calibration checks over a four hour run demonstrated stability with all analytes recovering within plus or minus ten percent. These results confirm the robustness precision and accuracy of the MP AES based ASTM D8322 method.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This single instrument approach reduces total cost of ownership by eliminating the need for expensive shielding gases and flammable fuels required by competing techniques. The nitrogen based plasma generated from compressed air improves safety supports unattended operation and lowers operating costs. The simplified sample workflow accelerates throughput and reduces potential errors enabling reliable routine analysis in refinery laboratories quality control and commercial fuel trading.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may include extending the method to wider petroleum fractions refining process streams and environmental matrices integration with automated sample handling and remote monitoring. Further software enhancements could enable real time data evaluation predictive maintenance and digital traceability supporting Industry 4 0 initiatives.

Conclusion

The MP AES method D8322 20 offers an efficient accurate and safe workflow for multi element analysis in residual fuels and crude oils. Its streamlined sample preparation combined with robust performance makes it a valuable tool for enhancing decision making in petrochemical quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

References

• 1 Agilent ASTM D8322 20
• 2 Measuring Elements in Residual Fuels and Crude Oil per Method ASTM D8322 Agilent publication 5994 2460EN
• 3 Agilent MP Expert software Agilent publication 5990 8975EN