ASTM D7041 Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Sulfur in Liquid Hydrocarbons and Hydrocarbon-Oxygenate Blends by Gas Chromatography with Flame Photometric Detection
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 The sample is analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame photometric detector. A fixed amount of sample is injected into the gas chromatograph where it is vaporized. The air carrier stream carries the vaporized sample into a high temperature zone (>900 °C) where the compounds present in the sample are oxidized. Sulfur compounds are converted to sulfur dioxide (SO2). The carrier stream carries the oxidation components onto a chromatographic column where they are separated and the SO2 is quantified by the flame photometric detector. Calibration of the detector is achieved by the use of an appropriate external standard.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method can be used to determine total sulfur levels in process feeds and finished products that fall within the scope of this test method.
4.2 Low levels of sulfur in process feed stocks can poison expensive catalysts used in petroleum refining processes. This test method can be used to monitor sulfur levels in these feedstocks.
