Biofuel Industry News
the laboratory. The accuracy was also well within acceptable limits. Overall, ultimate optimisation, sensitivity and analytical robustness were achieved.
Conclusion Table 2: The wavelengths used for the analysis, the results of the detection limit and stability studies.
A Thermo Scientific V-groove nebuliser was used in conjunction with the temperature controlled spray chamber to reduce the amount of solvent reaching the plasma. This helped to reduce the background emissions resulting from the molecular-carbon and oxygen-based emissions in the plasma.
Method
Multi-element calibration standards were prepared from 1000 mg/L single element solutions (Fisher Scientific, Loughborough, UK), which were diluted to the required concentrations (Table 1) with analytical reagent grade ethanol (Fisher Scientific, Loughborough, UK). A check standard was also prepared using the same procedure used for the preparation of the calibration standards.
A method was developed containing the wave- lengths of interest (Table 2). The plasma para-meters were optimised to provide the best possible detection limit. The parameters obtained are shown in Table 3 in addition to the details of the sample handling kit used.
The instrument was calibrated and the sub-array plots for each of the wavelengths were examined. Adjustments to the central integration and background correction points were made, as necessary, to minimise the impact of interferences. A detection limit study was
performed by measuring a ten replicate analysis of a matrix-matched blank. The standard deviation of the results of the ten replicate readings were multiplied by three to provide the detection limits. The check standard was then analysed at an hourly interval over a four-hour period.
Results
The results of the detection limit study and analysis of the check standard are shown in Table 2. The detection limits were as expected for this matrix, slightly higher than an aqueous matrix and well below the maximum permitted levels of the current legislative standards. This can be attributed to the dedicated radial view, which allows for the optimisation of the radial viewing height to minimise interferences from matrix-based emissions. The elevation in the detection limits can be attributed to the increased background structure resulting from oxygen- and carbon-based emissions in the regions of interest.
The results of the stability test were within acceptable limits, with all of the recoveries within 10% of the prepared value. The stability of the sample introduction system was enhanced by the use of the temperature controlled spray chamber, isolating the spray chamber from temperature effects within
The presence of contaminants in ethanol has a number of detrimental effects, including environmental pollution and engine corrosion. This has triggered the introduction of strict regulations, specifying the maximum allowable concentrations of various contaminants in ethanol. Experimental data demonstrate that ICP spectrometry operated in radial view is capable of performing trace multi-element analysis of copper, phosphorus and sulfur in ethanol in compliance with current legislation. The method delivers excellent detection limits, stability, accuracy, sensitivity and analytical robustness.
References
1. ASTM D4806 - 09 Standard Specification for Denatured Fuel Ethanol for Blending with Gasolines for Use as Automotive Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel,
http://www.astm.org/Standards/D4806.htm
2. ASTM D5798 - 09B Standard Specification for Fuel Ethanol (Ed75-Ed85) for Automotive Spark-Ignition Engines,
http://www.astm.org/Standards/D5798.htm
3. Automotive fuels – Ethanol as a blending component for petrol,
https://www.astandis.at/shopV5/Preview.action%3bj sessionid=4A5AEFC67BB7C0977DC9DC9A1EF055C7? preview=&dokkey=295906&selectedLocale=en
4.http://
www.evs.ee/Checkout/tabid/36/screen/
freedownload/productid/136699/doclang/en/ preview/1/EVS_EN_15376;
2008_en_preview.aspx
5.http://
ec.europa.eu/energy/res/events/doc/ biofuels/presentation_cahill.pdf
Thermo Scientific is part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific Table 3: The parameters used for the analysis.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) is the world leader in serving science, enabling our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. With revenues of more than $10 billion, we have approximately 35,000 employees and serve over 350,000 customers within pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as environmental and industrial process control settings. Serving customers through two premier brands, Thermo Scientific and Fisher Scientific, we help solve analytical challenges from routine testing to complex research and discovery. The Thermo Scientific brand represents a complete range of high- end analytical instruments as well as laboratory equipment, software, services, consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory workflow solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete portfolio of laboratory equipment, chemicals, supplies and services used in healthcare, scientific research, safety and education. Together, we offer the most convenient purchasing options to customers and continuously advance our technologies to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery, enhance value for customers and fuel growth for shareholders and employees alike. Visit
www.thermofisher.com.
7
Performing In line/In Tank Biodiesel Content Analysis with the FPS2830 Biodiesel Sensor
Based on a Tuning Fork flexural resonator for fluid properties measurement, MEAS France now provides an innovative, miniaturised and rugged Biodiesel sensor – FPS2830. The multi-parametric fuel properties measurement capability of the sensor allows direct and simultaneous measures of Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) content from 0 to 100% in Diesel fuel and fuel temperature from -40 to 150°C.
Designed for fuel environmental conditions, the Biodiesel Sensor – FPS2830 is a fully integrated self contained sensor assembly that integrates sensing elements and computing electronics within a unique mechanical package resistant to shock and vibrations. The M14x1.5 thread package allows both tank and in line mounting.
Real time communication to ECM in digital CAN format (SAEJ1939 protocol), coupled to 12/24V power supply, make the FPS2830 Biodiesel Sensor –the ideal tool for in line / in field fuel quality monitoring for both industrial and OEM applications. Analogue 0-5V output is also available on request.
Reader Reply Card No 23
February/March 2010
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