Easy-to-Use Portable IR Analysers for Biofuels Measurements

Last Autumn, transportation of biodiesel through a US pipeline represented a major milestone in the biofuels marketplace. On-site blend analysis was crucial -- both at the beginning of the pipeline and at the end -- to ensure it met specifications. These tests were done using Wilks Entrprise Inc.’s (USA) InfraCal Biodiesel Blend Analyser and InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer from Wilks Enterprise. While the application of measuring biodiesel blend ratio is relatively new, the technology is not. Wilks Enterprise has been making specific analysis instrumentation for a number of industries since 1995. Over 2000 InfraCal Analysers are in worldwide use in the petroleum industry measuring oil in wastewater. For biofuels, analyses include blend ratio of biodiesel and ethanol in gasoline, FFA and water in biodiesel feedstock, total glycerides during biodiesel production and water in methanol or ethanol.

InfraCal Biodiesel and Ethanol Blend Analysers are preset for one analysis, either biodiesel or ethanol blend, and can be operated by personnel with no scientific background. The InfraSpec VFA-IR Spectrometer, a spectral range infrared analyzer, will measure biofuel blends as well as other parameters. It also can be used by non-technical personnel for a direct numeric readout or by laboratory personnel familiar with infrared spectra for more detailed analyses. All analysers are rugged, compact, and portable. They can be operated from a battery pack or a cigarette lighter adapter cable and analysis takes less than one minute.

As government incentives, regulations and funding for biofuels continue to expand, significant events like pipelines transporting biodiesel will become more common place. The InfraSpec Spectrometer and InfraCal

Analyzers are currently used by major oil companies, pipeline transportation companies, and regulatory agencies such as the US Weights and Measures. The quick and easy analysis makes them ideal for a laboratory,

fuel loading rack or even a measurement from a pump at a fueling station.