Portable Infrared Analysers Provide an Easy On-Site Method for Detection and Measurement of Biofuels - Sandra Rintoul

While the current economic recession has impacted most industries worldwide, there still have been gains in global biofuels production. The EU had almost a 20% increase from 2009 to 2010. South America also increased production for both domestic and export markets. The news from the Asia-Pacific region is similar to the US -- the intention to reduce oil imports is there; but, in most countries, the financial backing to get it going is not.

As the financial situation begins to stabilise, it is very likely that more biofuels will be blended into petroleum fuel. At the same time, there are fuel consumers and distributors who want to make sure that there is no biodiesel in their storage tanks, pipelines or in the case of the military in the fuel for their tactical and emergency vehicles. The presence of biodiesel in diesel fuel can also negatively impact the performance of emergency back-up generators.

With the increased integration of biofuels into petroleum fuels comes the need for accurately measuring the amount of biodiesel in fuel -- whether it is for ensuring a correct blend or detecting contamination. Portable infrared analysers, such as those discussed below, represent the quickest and easiest way to accurately make such measurements on-site and in a matter of minutes.