Hydrogen Sulfide Determination in Fuel

Severe hydroprocessing required to refine ultra-low sulfur fuel grades generates hydrogen sulfide as a by-product. If low levels of hydrogen sulfide remain soluble in the finished fuel, the possibility exists for hydrogen sulfide-initiated corrosion of copper and the resulting failure of the ASTM D-130 specification for finished fuel. 

Both oil-soluble and water-soluble chemical scavengers can be added to fuel to remove hydrogen sulfide from oil and from water that may be contained in the fuel. Method ASTM D-5705 has been developed to help identify the presence of hydrogen sulfide in residual fuel oil. 

Measurement of Hydrogen Sulfide in the Vapor Phase Above Residual Fuel Oils 

A 1-L H2S-inert test container (glass test bottle) is filled to 50 vol % with fuel oil from a filled H2S inert container (glass sample bottle) just prior to testing. In the test container, the vapor space above the fuel oil sample is purged with nitrogen to displace air. The test container with sample is heated in an oven to 140°F (60°C) and agitated on an orbital shaker at 220 rpmfor three minutes. 

FIGURE. 7-1 Measurement of HS in the Vapor Phase of Residual Fuel Oil 

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