Gas chromatography (GC) as an analytical technique is accepted and widely used. Its application is amenable to gaseous, liquid and even solid samples using a variety of sample introduction techniques. The use of a sulfur-specific detector coupled with GC for the analysis of trace species in petroleum and petrochemical samples is of particular interest, and the Sievers® 355 Sulfur Chemiluminescence Detector (SCD) has become commonly used for this.

Several ASTM methods based on GC/SCD exist, such as, trace thiophene in benzene (D 7011); hydrogen sulfide in residual fuels (D 6021); sulfur species in gaseous fuels (D 5504); and sulfur species in gasoline (D 5623). Other methods of interest being developed include sulfur in LPG (liquefied petroleum gases), diesel fuel, and sulfur simulated distillation. A recent presentation describing GC/SCD and its application within the petroleum and petrochemical industries with an emphasis on ASTM methods is available.

The presentation, Development of ASTM Methods for Sulfur by Gas Chromatography and Chemiluminescence (SCD), by Randy Shearer, Ph.D., GE Analytical Instruments SCD Product Manager, discusses ASTM methods for sulfur detection using the SCD with GC.

See the full presentation.