This application note examines the quantification of total sulfur levels (using compound independent calibration) and sulfur speciation in reformulated gasoline.
The document details an analytical method for measuring total sulfur levels and identifying specific sulfur species in motor fuels. It addresses the need for sensitive detection techniques as environmental regulations lower permissible sulfur limits in gasoline.
The study utilizes an Agilent 6890 gas chromatograph coupled with an Agilent 7500a ICP-MS via a GC-ICP-MS interface. The method employs compound-independent calibration using thiophene standards to quantify total sulfur and speciate individual compounds like dimethylbenzothiophenes.
| Gas Chromatograph Model | Agilent 6890 GC |
|---|---|
| ICP-MS Model | Agilent 7500a ICP-MS |
| Interface Model | G3158A |
| Column Dimensions | 30 M x 0.25 mm id x 0.25 µm |
| Typical Run Time | 12 minutes |
The detection limit (DL) for total sulfur is approximately 0.1 ppm to 0.5 ppm.
Calibration was based on thiophene and 2-methylthiophene spiked into a solvent mixture.