Determination of chloride in crude oils by direct dilution using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS)

Abstract

The potential of using inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry, ICP-MS/MS, (also known as triple quadrupole ICP-MS) for the determination of chloride in petroleum crude samples following direct dilution was investigated. To reduce potential interferences that form in the plasma due to the complexity of the samples, including sulfur-based interferences, an MS/MS mass-shift method was used with H₂ cell gas. A limit of quantification (LOQ) for Cl of 40 μg kg⁻¹ was achieved. Twelve crude samples and SRM NIST 1634c were evaluated using ICP-MS/MS. To determine the accuracy of the method, the results were compared with Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) data.