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Prompt gamma-ray activation analysis for certification of sulfur in fuel oil SRMs

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Abstract

A combination of cold neutron prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (CNPGAA) and thermal neutron (TN) PGAA was used to determine sulfur in fuel oils to develop a method to provide values for certification. CNPGAA was used to measure S/H mass ratios, and TNPGAA to measure hydrogen mass fractions. Measurements were combined to determine sulfur mass fractions (with expanded uncertainties) of 2.159 ± 0.072 % for SRM 1622e, 0.7066 ± 0.0120 % for SRM 1619b, and 0.1266 ± 0.0030 % for SRM 1617b, in agreement with certified values. The results validate the method as suitable for certification of sulfur at mass fractions ≥0.1 %.

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Acknowledgment

The author wishes to thank the operators and staff of the NCNR for their assistance with setting up and hel** to maintain the PGAA instruments. The identification of certain commercial equipment, instruments, or materials does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Institute of Standards and Technology. These identifications are made only in order to specify the experimental procedures in adequate detail.

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  1. Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, STOP 8385, Gaithersburg, MD, 20899, USA

    Rick L. Paul

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  1. Rick L. Paul
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Correspondence to Rick L. Paul.

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Paul, R.L. Prompt gamma-ray activation analysis for certification of sulfur in fuel oil SRMs. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 311, 1149–1154 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-016-4935-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-016-4935-x

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