Proposed Standard for Portable Analysis of Biodiesel Content

A proposed ASTM International standard aims to offer a new way to determine biodiesel content in diesel fuel oil. The standard (WK55232) is being developed by the organization’s committee on petroleum products, liquid fuels, and lubricants (D02). It focuses on the use of portable, rapid, mid-infrared analyzers.

ASTM International member Ian Mylrea, research and development manager at Stanhope-Seta, says that the new standard aims to bring a chemistry laboratory to fieldwork.

“The proposed standard could support the use of a handheld, battery-powered device in what is typically a laboratory-based analyzer marketplace,” says Mylrea. “This means that measurements on biodiesel content can be done close to point-of-use quickly and easily.”

Mylrea notes that, once the standard has been approved, the committee will seek participants for an interlaboratory study.