Hydrocarbon analysis with QED

For hydrocarbon analysis QROS use a technique called Fluorescence Spectroscopy. This is carried out using our own exclusive British built and designed hydrocarbon analyser called QED. QED is unique in being able to identify as well as quantify the type of hydrocarbon in the sample thus making quantification of the compounds present more accurate than other on-site analysers.

Essentially QED analysis involves exposing the sample extract to light at specific excitation energies. This light energy excites molecules within the sample triggering emissions of further photons at a longer wavelengths which are subsequently measured by the spectrophotometer. The measured emission energies across a range of wavelengths is then graphically presented, quantified and tabulated in the format seen below, with values for TPH, DRO, Sum of the 16 PAHs, Total Aromatics, BTEX and Benzo-a-Pyrene automatically calculated. A further feature allows each report to have the sample composition of light, mid and heavy range hydrocarbons to be tabulated.as a percentage.

(Click the graph for an example of QED results in PDF format)

Each sample is accordingly presented in a useful format giving ppm concentrations as well as a graphical hydrocarbon fingerprint. As each hydrocarbon type has a characteristically shaped graphical fingerprint, the trained user is able to compare the sample fingerprint against a library of fingerprints and make an informed judgement on the nature of the material in the sample, thereby identifying if the hydrocarbon is predominantly petrol, diesel, fuel oil, creosote, coal tar, pyrogenic material or lubricating oil. By correctly identifying the hydrocarbon, the most appropriate calibration can be used to generate the most accurate results.

If the hydrocarbon type is known then the different concentrations for each hydrocarbon type allowed for soil disposal to landfill can be applied allowing for optimal disposal routes. Correct identification of the hydrocarbon type can also be invaluable when tracking hydrocarbon plumes from different sources. An indication of the weathering of fuel based hydrocarbon is also possible.

This unequalled on-site information means the end user is best positioned to make rapid but informed site decisions allowing the project to keep to schedule.

Hydrocarbon type fingerprints

The QED hydrocarbon analyser generates distinctly distinguishable fingerprints for hydrocarbon types allowing the sample fingerprint to be compared against a library of known fingerprints (shown right) and more accurately determining the results.

Click image for full pdf file.

QED: Award Wining Hydrocarbon Analyser