The use of biodiesel in on-road diesel fuel continues to increase, with D975-compliant fuel allowing up to 5 vol% biodiesel and more and more retail locations offering B6-B20 blends. All new diesel vehicles are equipped with advanced emission control devices. These devices offer significant emissions reductions but are also sensitive to metal contaminants in the fuels. The use of metal catalysts in the production process can carryover into the biodiesel and limits are set through D6751 to be protective when biodiesel is blended with diesel fuel. Data from MP-AES (Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy) analysis of finished biodiesel blends will be shown and compared to existing methodology with a focus on improved limits of detection and the improved safety and economy of the MP-AES. Results show much improved sub-ppm detection limits with the MP-AES compared to the typical methods used by industry for analysis of biodiesel and biodiesel blends.

Comparison of existing methods for analysis of finished biofuels using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES) - moving the biofuels industry forward

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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