Complete Portable EDXRF Testing Solution for MARPOL Low Sulfur in Fuel Regulations

The maximum content of S in fuel was reduced from 3.5% to 0.5% with Emission Control Areas (ECA) remaining at the 2015 standard ultra-low 0.1% S content in early 2020. Authorities request a MARPOL sample during inspections and may decide to take samples from engine feed or returning line, especially in ECAs, to confirm compliant fuel is in use. Bruker’s MARPOL package provides a complete EDXRF (energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence) solution to test for the IMO 2020 Low Sulfur Fuel Oil Standard Requirement with its portable CTX 500S or S1 TITAN 500S, ready-to-go MARPOL factory calibration set-up, QC kit and QC standards.

Sulfur content in fuel is regulated because exhaust from ship fuel, or bunker, is a significant contributor to harmful air pollution. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) enacted Marine Pollution (MARPOL) Annex VI, regulation 14, to ensure sea vessels comply with sulfur content in fuel restrictions to reduce exhaust pollution. There are multiple stakeholders for MARPOL Regulation 14, but vessel owners are ultimately responsible for compliance. IMO 2020 low sulfur in fuel regulations are enforced by local maritime authorities. There are two authorized EDXRF testing methods to determine compliance with the MARPOL sulfur regulations. Bruker offers two portable EDXRF analyzers which make the job faster and easier; and they can be taken wherever and whenever measurements are needed, including aboard ships. Learn about these complete portable EDXRF sulfur in fuel testing solutions from Bruker.

Bruker's Portable XRF Analyzers CTX

  • Small, lightweight battery operated portable XRF analyzer
  • 7.1 kg with battery
  • 13.5 cm x 25 cm x 35 cm WxDxH
  • Sample chamber: 12 cm x 13.5 cm x 8.5 cm WxDxH
  • Operating temperature: -10°C to +40°C
  • Splash / dust proof (IP-54) stainless steel housing for use in rugged conditions

This portable solution can quickly and accurately be used at service labs, supply stations, on docks, in ports and even aboard barges and ships. Suppliers, engineers, ship captains and inspectors need to trust that the analyzer measuring sulfur in fuel oil provides accurate and reproducible results no matter who takes the measurements or where they are taken. Bruker’s Portable XRF MARPOL package for quick and simple-to-use screening of sulfur in fuel oil is used by maritime inspectors around the world.

The high performance and contrast daylight visible LCD 3.7 inch touchscreen display is for system control and view of easy-to-read, and understandable results. These can be viewed as spectra, concentration or as pass/fail with preset thresholds.

Flexible Quick Elemental Analysis with XRF

Quick Check of more than S in fuel, such as wear metals (Al, Ti, Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Pb, Sn, Ag) in oil,
Bruker’s portable XRF analyzers can be customized to meet specific needs.

  • Ready-to-go factory standard or custom calibrations
  • Optional EasyCal Software to create your own calibrations
  • Measure powders, liquids, solids or sludge
  • Capable of measuring elements from Mg to U in ambient air
  • Print results with optional Bluetooth™ portable printer