This document describes the analysis of trace elements in petro-diesel and biodiesel fuels using the Agilent 4100 MP-AES. The instrument is capable of stable analysis of organic matrices and eliminates the need for expensive and dangerous gases, resulting in lower running costs and improved productivity.
The document details a method for analyzing trace elements (Mg, Ca, Na, K) in petro-diesel and biodiesel to prevent engine corrosion. It highlights how the Agilent 4100 MP-AES uses magnetically-coupled microwave energy with nitrogen gas to create a stable plasma capable of handling challenging organic matrices without expensive or dangerous gases like acetylene.
The procedure utilizes an External Gas Control Module (EGCM) and the OneNeb nebulizer to prevent carbon deposition and reduce background emissions. The note provides specific instrument operating conditions, analyte settings for wavelengths and pressures, method detection limits in parts per billion, and results from spike recovery tests demonstrating accuracy within +10% of target values.
| Nebulizer Type | Inert OneNeb |
|---|---|
| Spray Chamber Type | Double-pass glass cyclonic |
| Operating System | Microsoft Windows 7 |
| Mg Detection Limit (MDL) | 27 ppb |
| Ca Detection Limit (MDL) | 8.2 ppb |
| Na Detection Limit (MDL) | 18.7 ppb |
| K Detection Limit (MDL) | 27 ppb |
The method detection limit for Mg is 27 ppb.
It allows air injection into the plasma to prevent carbon deposition and reduce background emissions.