Fuel analysis system
View Patent ↗A fuel analysis system and method wherein an x-ray source emits x-rays at an energy level below but proximate the absorption edge of sulfur. A monochromator is in the optical path between the source and a fuel sample for directing x-rays at a single energy level at the fuel sample to limit excitation of any sulfur in the fuel sample. A detector is responsive to x-rays emitted by the sample and an analyzer is responsive to the detector and configured to determine the amount of silicon and aluminum in the sample.
1. A fuel analysis system comprising:
an x-ray source which emits x-rays at an energy level below but proximate the absorption edge of sulfur;
a monochromator in the optical path between the source and a fuel sample for directing x-rays at a single energy level at the fuel sample to limit excitation of any sulfur in the fuel sample;
a detector responsive to x-rays emitted by the sample; and
an analyzer responsive to the detector and configured to detect at least one element in the sample.
2. The analysis system of claim 1 in which the x-ray source is a molybdenum anode x-ray tube.
3. The analysis system of claim 1 in which the monochromator includes doubly curved crystals.
4. The analysis system of claim 1 in which the element include elements chosen from the group consisting of: sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, and phosphorous.
5. A fuel analysis method comprising:
directing x-rays at a single energy level below but proximate the absorption edge of sulfur at a fuel sample to limit excitation of any sulfur in the fuel sample;
detecting x-rays emitted by the sample; and
detecting of at least one catalyst fine in the sample.
6. The method of claim 5 in which the x-ray source is a molybdenum anode x-ray tube.
7. The method of claim 5 in which the monochromator includes doubly curved crystals.
8. The method of claim 5 in which the catalyst fines include elements chosen from the group consisting of sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, and phosphorous.