In response to tightening regulations on acceptable levels of sulfur in diesel fuels, Panalytical has launched the MiniPal 4 Sulfur, a compact EDXRF spectrometer.
The MiniPal 4 Sulfur delivers improved sensitivity and resolution and lower limits of detection, down to 1ppm.
It is able to achieve this through the use of a 15kV silver anode tube that avoids overlap with sulfur signals, and a silicon drift detector.
The EDXRF spectrometer utilises software and automatic program selection, which automatically selects the most appropriate calibration relative to the sulfur content of an unknown sample.
The company said the instrument is ideal for quality control and ensuring compliance with the increasing demands of international regulations.
All relevant ASTM, ISO, DIN and EPA analysis protocols are supported.
European Union countries face the introduction of the new Euro V regulations, with a 10 ppm limit on sulfur in ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD), in January 2009.
Through a series of incentives and local initiatives, many EU countries are already in line with the standard.
In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency has mandated the reduction of sulfur content in ULSD to 15 ppm.
All highway diesels must meet this standard by December 2010.
In Asia, many national environmental bodies have adopted the current Euro IV standard and look set to move to the tougher Euro V in due course.
