Kerosene Analysis for Trace Metals

Distillated kerosene may get contaminated with trace metals from different sources, such as from the crude oil itself, transporting pipes, and storage tanks. If these contaminants are not removed or deactivated, they will not only have a negative impact on the combustion properties, but also oxidize and contribute to the formation of filter clogging gums. At elevated temperatures, trace metals can corrode the turbine and produce deposits on the turbine components. Routine monitoring of kerosene fuels is therefore essential for high quality fuel production.

ASTM Standard Test Method D7111 can be used to measure trace metal contaminants in kerosene and other middle distillates fuel. Although the method is not developed for the purpose of analyzing samples containing particulates, particulates less than 1µm can be carried to the plasma and included in the quantitation. Because sample introduction transports volatile samples more efficiently than nonvolatile samples, the method also overestimates for the samples that are sufficiently volatile.