Overview
EN ISO 8754:2025 / ISO 8754:2025 specifies a standardized method for the determination of sulfur content in petroleum products using energy-dispersive X‑ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). The method covers products such as naphthas, unleaded motor gasolines, middle distillates, residual fuel oils and base lubricating oils. It is applicable to samples with sulfur mass fractions from 0.03 % to 5.00 % and can also be used for biofuels and biofuel blends (with matrix-correction guidance).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Analytical principle: Measurement of characteristic X‑radiation induced by an X‑ray tube or a radioactive source (e.g., Fe) and comparison to calibrated standards.
- Scope limits: Valid for sulfur mass fraction range 0.03 %–5.00 %; specialized low‑sulfur automotive fuel procedures are covered in ISO 13032.
- Sampling references: Normative sampling standards cited - ISO 3170 (manual sampling) and ISO 3171 (automatic pipeline sampling) - to ensure representative test portions.
- Apparatus & preparation: Requirements for EDXRF analyzers, sample cups and instrument setup, including analyser preparation and calibration procedures.
- Calibration & standards: Preparation and storage of primary and calibration standards, calibration procedures and short‑/long‑term checking routines.
- Matrix effects: Annex describes procedures for correcting matrix influences - notably oxygen‑related corrections relevant to biofuel blends (see A.3).
- Quality and reporting: Clauses on calculation, expression of results, precision (repeatability and reproducibility) and required test report content.
- Safety note: The standard includes a warning about hazardous materials and equipment; users must apply appropriate safety and regulatory practices.
Practical applications and users
- Who uses it: Analytical laboratories, refinery quality control teams, fuel suppliers, lubricant manufacturers, environmental/regulatory agencies, and biofuel producers.
- Typical applications:
- Routine quality control of fuels and lubricants.
- Verification of supplier/product specification compliance (sulfur limits).
- Blend control and incoming material inspection in refineries and fuel terminals.
- Regulatory monitoring and environmental compliance testing.
- Rapid screening where EDXRF offers non‑destructive, high‑throughput sulfur analysis.
Related standards
- ISO 13032 - specialized procedure for automotive fuels with sulfur
