Preparation For Element Analysis In HPLC Vials

Sample Preparation: Nitrogen and sulfur analysis in HPLC Vials

The quality of many petroleum products is related to the amount of sulfur and nitrogen present. Knowledge of sulfur concentration is necessary for processing purposes. There are regulations promulgated in many federal, state, and local agencies restricting the amount of sulfur present in fuels. Nitrogen content affects the performance of the oils and is therefore an important parameter as well.

The most time-consuming process in this analysis is the sample preparation and ideal for automation. The Synchron Xperimate pipetting station is equipped with heating modules, shakers, barcode reading and automated crimping. The heaters and shakers allow melting and  homogenizing of solid fractions, before diluting accurately on an analytical balance. The feedback from the integrated balance ensures a precisely known dilution factor to reliably interpret analysis results.

The automated  crimper makes the samples ready for direct analysis with ultraviolet fluorescence (sulfur) or chemiluminescence (nitrogen). Of course track & trace via barcode readers is ensured as well as the LIMS connection and database management.

Related ASTM methods:
ASTM D4629 – 10 Standard Test Method for Trace Nitrogen in Liquid Petroleum Hydrocarbons by Syringe/Inlet Oxidative Combustion and Chemiluminescence Detection

ASTM D5453 – 09 Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Sulfur in Light Hydrocarbons, Spark Ignition Engine Fuel, Diesel Engine Fuel, and Engine Oil by Ultraviolet Fluorescence

ASTM D5762 – 10 Standard Test Method for Nitrogen in Petroleum and Petroleum Products by Boat-Inlet Chemiluminescence.