20 Analytical Instrumentation
Easy-to-Use Spectrometer Provides On-Site Detection of Biodiesel in Diesel Fuel for Operators of Emergency Backup Generators
ASTM Method D975 currently allows up to 5% biodiesel in diesel fuel without the requirement for biodiesel content labeling. This presents a major problem for operators of Emergency Diesel Generators (EDG) – whether at nuclear power plants or other industrial facilities - as the presence of biodiesel in the fuel can shutdown the EDG. The InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer from Wilks (USA) provides a quick, on-site analysis method to determine the presence of biodiesel in diesel.
Diesel fuel can typically be stored for as long as 10 years to power emergency backup generators in the event of an electrical power outage. In a nuclear power plant, EDGs supply electrical power to safely shut down the reactor when there is a loss of normal off-site power. They also supply power to critical items such as cooling pumps for decay heat removal. Since biodiesel is a natural food source for microbial growth, biocides are added which should prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold. However, nuclear power plants and other facilities cannot risk microbial growth that could clog filters and shut down the EDG. In cold weather areas, there is also concern that the cold-flow properties of biodiesel- blended fuel may cause it to gel in cold temperatures and again clog filters. Therefore, it has become important for many standby generator operators to determine whether their fuel delivery contains biodiesel.
The InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer can detect biodiesel contamination as low as 100 ppm in less than 5 minutes by an operator with minimal training. It is a mid-infrared analyser that uses the wavelengths specified by both the ASTM D7371 and EN 14078 for measuring biodiesel in diesel fuel. Because it is compact and portable, the measurement can be done on- site when the fuel is delivered and eliminate the need to wait for measurement results from an off-site laboratory.
The InfraSpec Spectrometer incorporates a flow-through sample system and integrated syringe pump with automatic software controls for all pumping actions. The operation simply fills a syringe with diesel fuel and places the syringe onto the integrated syringe pump. The “run” button is selected and in a few minutes the display reads the ppm level of biodiesel in the fuel sample.
As more biofuels products enter the supply chain, the chance for contamination in situations where it could have a negative impact will increase. The InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer can provide the quick analytical method for on-site biodiesel detection measurements at a price significantly less than other analytical instruments which will be a valuable asset for users where it is critical to their operation to ensure that there is no biodiesel present in their fuel.
Reader Reply Card No 78 New miniPV®-HX Automatic Viscometer Cannon Instrument Company (USA) has introduced the miniPV®
solution viscometer. The instrument design is based on Cannon’s successful miniAV® added functionality for the measurement of polymer solution viscosity. The miniPV®
-HX fully automatic polymer with
-HX is
compatible with aggressive acids and solvents commonly used for the dilute solution viscosity determination of polymers. The powerful ViscproII software provides determination of relative viscosity based on accurate flow time measurements to 1/100th second made under conditions of temperature control within 1/100th of a degree. Reduced and inherent viscosity values can also be reported and the intrinsic viscosity can be determined by one of two single-point methods, or the more rigorous Huggins-Kraemer analysis. The software also supports Mark- Houwink-Sakurada parameters and an optional branching factor for reporting polymer molecular weight.
Reader Reply Card No 79
The new miniPV-HX delivers complete automation including tube filling, cleaning, anddrying along with automatic flow time measurement and data logging into a standard database format. The Viscpro II software features provide flexible report formatting and versatile data export functionality. Dr. David Trowbridge, polymer scientist and applications engineer at Cannon Instrument Company, comments that “this new product has made accessible very accurate viscosity measurements with really none of the labor-intensive aspects that have traditionally been associated with these measurements.” The new miniPV-HX is available with an integrated autosampler that allows an entire sequence of samples to be measured without an attending operator.
The minPV-HX has a height of 30.5” and a benchtop footprint of about 40cm (15.5”) square. The modular design also includes a control unit (35cm x 40 cm, 13.5” x 15.5”) and solvent station (8cm x 33 cm, 8” x 13”) which can be stacked to conserve work space.
Reader Reply Card No 80 Viscosity Training Sessions
Brookfield (USA) offers two hands-on courses that equip users of Brookfield instruments with the knowledge to get the most out of their viscosity test methods. These one-day training sessions are presented in easy-to-understand terms that give attendees the working know-how to verify and improve upon the data required for meaningful R&D and successful QC testing.
The courses are offered at Brookfield’s headquarters in Middleboro, MA., and at major metropolitan areas across the United States. Arrangements can also be made to conduct courses at customers’ facilities where content can be adapted to their specific product applications.
PRACTICAL COURSE ON VISCOSITY MEASUREMENTS provides attendees with the tools and concepts they need to make the most precise viscosity measurements possible. The course is designed to benefit all operators from beginner to advanced. Participants are encouraged to bring product samples for testing where hands-on time is provided in a relaxed laboratory environment.
APPLIED COURSE ON VISCOSITY TEST METHODS is designed for the intermediate to advanced Brookfield Instrumentation user in R&D, Analytical, and Process Engineering functions. Focusing on test methods and techniques, it will review and discuss how Brookfield rotational viscometers and rheometers can be used to provide meaningful product analysis. The course takes you beyond pass/fail criteria, to an understanding of how to apply viscometric data as a problem solving and product performance/processing tool.
Reader Reply Card No 81 February / March 2011 •
www.petro-online.com Reader Reply Card No 82
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