Applications
Laser Technologies
Traditional techniques for particulate measurement in fuels typically involve filter membrane tests (otherwise known as 'Millipore tests') which are lengthy test procedures needing appreciable operator skill and time. Most testing does not permit precise, real-time measurements to be made and results are difficult to replicate consistently. Fuel testing also involves the use of disposable filters which can be costly and operators dealing with to fuel sampling and handling with open beakers of fuel.
Determination of particulate matter by weight is not a fool proof means of accurately assessing the potential damage that contaminated fuel may cause to modern filtering systems and engine components. Future regulations are likely to demand particulate population determinations in addition to the traditional mass concentration; therefore an impending demand for advanced diagnostics for measuring particulates is seen.
Latest laser measurement technologies allow a fresh approach to be considered and development of appropriate test instrumentation which allow not only numbers of particles to be determined, but also their size and distribution.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography Technologies
Latest HPLC and column measurement technologies
Latest advances in HPLC technology include the development of highly compact HPLC systems that provide greater diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for detecting a wide range of
Compounds. Design features include intelligent software, precise solvent delivery systems, ease of operation and smaller footprint.
For fuels testing applications, these latest HPLC systems provide the basis for an entirely fresh approach to the development of more precise and specific analytical solutions.
Conventional HPLC test methods
A potential drawback with many conventional HPLC procedures, particularly in laboratories involved with differing test applications, is that routine replacement of the HPLC column is often needed. Such replacements may have significant implications on test performance where even an experienced technician may find that a new column of the same designation and source might not reproduce the original separation or even meet system suitability.
One solution to this problem is the use of total solution HPLC ‘packages’ that are designed for specific test applications with both column and software being fully configured to provide known performance for the compound being tested…allowing plug & go operation.
The ‘total solution’ approach means that the lengthy process of rigorously testing each column before use is avoided, the system being ready for immediate use.
Miniaturised Infra Red (IR) technologies for the determination of Bio components in Bio diesel, Bio-gasoline and for other Distillate Fuel measuring applications
Determination of bio-ester materials by GC
Quality control tests of Bio fuels and Ester components may be undertaken at the manufacturing stage or at the lower fuel blended levels to identify potential issues such as stability, fuel 'commingling’ and contamination. Testing represents an extreme challenge when a comprehensive analytical lab facility is not close to hand.
Traditional techniques for bio-ester content measurement in fuels have typically involved the use of Gas Chromatography (GC) separation techniques. Determination of bio-ester materials by GC is very time dependant and the speed of separation is relatively slow; in addition dedicated, non-portable analytical equipment is required for testing. Depending on the skills and ability of the technician, the separation of the ester components can sometime be diffuse and difficult to discriminate whilst needing operator time to compile the resultant data for sample measurement reporting. Tasks that are not easy, especially for the less experienced technician.
Latest Infra Red (IR) and ATR plate measurement technologies
Over the last few years the development of miniaturised ‘micro’ Infra Red technology has come to the fore. This technology has lead to the development of portable IR instruments suitable for many applications including the determination of Bio-esters in bio diesel, oil in water, ethanol in gasolines, and total ester content in bio-ester manufacturing.
The new instruments incorporate an IR window cell onto which the sample is placed for analysis, via an integral ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance) plate receptors system, and software measurements are made within seconds. Sample throughput is extremely high with simple data output for easy interpretation by non analytical personnel. The instruments are fully portable and can be powered by an optional rechargeable battery. Data memory may be downloaded via an RS232 comms port.
Many different test applications
These latest technologies provide a totally new measurement platform allowing a fresh approach to fuel QA management to be considered. The instruments can be configured to meet different measuring criteria and to determine a wide range of organic components with confidence, good repeatability and with high levels of precision and accuracy.
SetaAnalytics are evaluating these technologies and developing instrument techniques to provide enhanced measurements and improved safety standards to meet future regulatory requirements.
