Applications
Applications Laser based Particle Counting Technologies
Traditional techniques for particulate measurement in fuels typically involve either a gravimetric determination or colour rating using filter membrane tests (otherwise known as 'Millipore tests'), these are lengthy test procedures needing appreciable operator skill and time. Millipore type testing does not permit precise, real-time measurements to be made and results are difficult to replicate consistently. Both gravimetric and colour rating also involve the use of disposable membrane filters and field monitors which can be costly and leaves the operator to deal with fuel sampling and handling, often involving open beakers of fuel.
Determination of particulate matter by gravimetric means is not a fool proof method 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 automated particle counting instrumentation which allow not only numbers of particles to be determined, but also their size and distribution.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography Technologies (HPLC)
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. These include the measurement of Aromatics as an alternative to the traditional Fluorescent Indicator Adsorption (FIA) method and also Static Dissipator Additive (SDA) in Jet Fuel.
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.
Electromagnetic sensors for the determination of Bio components in Bio diesel and 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.
Radio Frequency (RF) technology
RF can be used to detect and discriminate a broad range of materials, also to measure speed, flow, level, contamination and viscosity, with many advantages over existing non contact sensors.
The sensors operate by exciting the antenna at the specified operating frequency. Changes in the real part of the electromagnetic parameter being measured change the operating frequency (FM). Changes in the imaginary parameter produce amplitude variations in the carrier (AM). The frequency and amplitude modulations are then processed to produce the information needed, such as speed or position or composition.
Using patented technology recent advances have enabled a low cost and robust “in the field” solution to measure Bio ester content. The portable handheld instrument features an RF ultra robust dip probe with detection from 1 to 100%. Cross correlation work shows good agreement with industry standard FTIR techniques.
Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) Spectroscopy to measure traces of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters in Aviation Turbine Fuels.
The present and growing international governmental requirements to add Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) to diesel fuel has had the unintended side-effect of leading to potential FAME contamination of jet turbine fuel in multi-fuel transport facilities, and industry-wide concerns. The aircraft and engine manufacturers have conceded that unmeasurable levels of FAME (< 5 mg/kg) are acceptable. However, the aviation industry, in conjunction with the Energy Institute, is moving towards acceptance of 30 to 100 mg/kg limits. For the purpose of quality assurance, this has created the need for robust and fast instrumentation to detect these levels of contamination.
Latest FTIR measurement technologies
Over the last few years the development of robust miniaturised FTIR technology has come to the fore. This technology has lead to the development of compact/portable 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 instruments are typically automated with integrated software packages, providing fast and simple measurements without the need for complex interpretation of results.
Utilising ground breaking optical bench technology combined with a flow cell and solid phase extraction has lead to a unique (patent applied for) rapid screening instrument. The FIJI (Fame in Jet Instrument) is able to achieve the required trace measurement of FAME in Aviation Turbine Fuel with a detection limit of 10ppm. In conjunction with the major oil companies and the Energy Institute a new test method is well advanced on a fast track approval process to urgently meet industry requirements.
