Elements, ICP for fuels

   
OELCHECK test instrument: Spectro Arcos ICP-OES
Sample quantity: 5 ml
Unit: mg/kg (1,000 mg/kg = 1,000 ppm = 0.1% by weight)
Test result: aluminium, barium, lead, boron, chromium, iron, potassium, calcium, copper, magnesium, molybdenum, sodium, nickel, phosphorus, sulphur, silicon, zinc, tin

Indicated if the values are over 1 mg/kg:
manganese, silver, titanium, vanadium
Result range: 0 - 5,000 ppm
Analysis for: diesel fuel
Brief description:

The samples are stirred thoroughly in a sample changer, before being pumped into the nebuliser with a peristaltic pump. They are then atomised with an argon flow. The aerosol then enters a cyclone chamber where the large drops are removed. The aerosol, now prepared, enters the plasma, a mixture of atoms, ions and electrons. The temperature is approx. 10,000 °C. This extremely hot plasma provides the energy to stimulate the individual elements.

The resulting radiation emitted, which has a characteristic wavelength for each individual element, is spread out spectrally and detected with a CCD chip. This allows an entire emission spectrum to be absorbed.

Statement:

The ICP procedure can identify over 30 wear metals, contaminants and additives with an optimum detection limit.

Contaminants can give important clues to possible problems. If certain elements – typical for additives – are found, this can be an indication of possible contamination, e.g. with engine oil or in some cases with oil from a hydraulic system.

If e.g. iron is found in the elemental analysis, this may be an indication of corrosion or the addition of iron-containing fuel additives.

Underlying test standard: OELCHECK test method OPM 046