Monitoring of Sulfur Components by Simultaneous Analysis

Importance of Monitoring Sulfur Components in Fossil Fuels

Monitoring sulfur compounds in fuels is critical for environmental compliance, engine performance and emission control. Precise quantification of trace sulfur species helps refineries optimize desulfurization processes and meet stringent regulatory limits.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates a simultaneous analysis of five key sulfur compounds in a gasoline matrix using combined gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and sulfur chemiluminescence detection. The goal is to achieve high sensitivity and resolution within a rapid run time.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The analysis employed a GCMS QP2020 NX system coupled with a Nexis SCD-2030 detector. Samples were introduced via an AOC-30i autosampler (1 µL split injection, split ratio 1:15) onto an SH-I-1MS capillary column (30 m × 0.32 mm I.D., 4 µm). The oven was programmed from 50 °C to 330 °C at 15 °C/min. Helium served as the carrier gas at 45 cm/s. A microchannel 4-port splitter apportioned effluent equally to the MS and SCD detectors. Key MS settings included electron impact ionization and full scan mode; SCD conditions involved hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and ozone flows with an 850 °C furnace.

Main Results and Discussion

All five analytes—1-propanethiol, thiophene, benzothiophene, dibenzothiophene and 2,2’-dithiodipyridine—were baseline separated in under 18 minutes. Detection limits reached sub-part per million levels. The dual detection approach provided complementary mass spectral identification and selective sulfur response, enhancing confidence in compound confirmation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High sensitivity for trace sulfur monitoring in quality control labs
• Rapid throughput supports routine screening in refineries
• Dual detection ensures both qualitative and quantitative reliability

Future Trends and Possibilities

Advancements may include faster columns with smaller particle sizes, improved splitting interfaces for minimal peak dispersion, and automated data processing algorithms powered by machine learning to further streamline sulfur speciation workflows.

Conclusion

The combined GC–MS/SCD methodology on the GCMS QP2020 NX with SH-I-1MS column delivers a robust solution for simultaneous determination of diverse sulfur species in fuels, meeting modern analytical demands for speed and sensitivity.

Reference

Application News 01-00206, Shimadzu Corporation 2022