For hydrocarbon analysis QROS use a technique called Ultra Violet Fluorescence Spectroscopy (UVF). This is carried out using our own exclusive in house designed and manufactured hydrocarbon analyser called QED. QED is unique in being able to identify the type of hydrocarbon in the sample on site, making quantification of the hydrocarbons present more accurate than other on-site analysers.

QED analysis exposes the sample extract or water sample to Ultra Violet light at various excitation energies. This light energy excites petroleum hydrocarbon molecules within the sample triggering emissions of photons which are measured by the analyser. The emission intensities across a range of wavelengths is then compared to the same intensities obtained from petroleum hydrocarbon reference calibrators and values for GRO, DRO, Sum of the 16 PAHs, Total Aromatics, BTEX and Benzo-a-Pyrene automatically calculated. The lowest concentration QED calibrator for BaP is 3 parts per billion making QED a highly sensitive instrument. The UV fluorescence generated by petroleum hydrocarbons is characteristic and if fluorescence is detected it generally indicates that Petroleum type hydrocarbons are present in the sample.

Each sample analysis generates a hydrocarbon fingerprint. As each hydrocarbon type has a characteristically shaped hydrocarbon fingerprint, the trained user is able to compare the sample fingerprint against the QED library of fingerprints and identify the hydrocarbon type. By correctly identifying the hydrocarbon, the most appropriate calibration can be used to generate the most accurate results. This feature is unique to QED. Other hydrocarbon analysers guess which hydrocarbon may be present in the sample and frequently apply an incorrect calibration. Mixtures of hydrocarbon types can also be resolved with QED into the proportion of diesel and degraded fuel, which can also be used to estimate the level of fuel degradation.

QED can also use custom calibrators of unusual hydrocarbons or from free product found on site.

The type of hydrocarbon present will define if a soil sample is hazardous or non hazardous. QED allows the correct classification to be made on site, minimising stockpiling. Correct identification of the hydrocarbon type can also be invaluable when tracking hydrocarbon plumes from different sources. An indication of the weathering and degradation of fuel based hydrocarbon is also possible, which can be used to monitor the effectiveness of bio-remediation..

This unique on-site information means the end user is in the best position to make rapid but informed site decisions maximising the project efficiency and reducing the total project cost.