Wilks Enterprise will introduce two easy-to-use mid-infrared analysers for biofuels analysis for production facilities and for fuel blending at distribution centres
These instruments have been specifically designed for on-site analysis and can be operated by personnel having little or no knowledge of infrared analytical techniques.
The first is the InfraCal Filtometer.
This is a low-cost, single wavelength analyser that is ideal for measuring the blend ratio of biodiesel in diesel fuel or ethanol in gasoline.
Since tax incentives and government regulations are often based on % biofuel, it is important to have an accurate measurement method.
The InfraCal Filtometer is compact and portable, yet easy for non-technical personnel to operate.
It gives a direct readout in % biodiesel or % ethanol allowing the user the capability to measure the blend ratio on-site at a manufacturing or distribution facility.
The second instrument is the InfraSpec VFA-IR spectrometer is a spectral range analyzer capable of monitoring more than one component.
It will measure the % biodiesel in diesel fuel as well as total glycerides during the biodiesel reaction process.
Using the InfraSpec Spectrometer for making pass/fail determinations for total glycerides can significantly reduce analysis time and increase reactor throughput by as much as 20%.
The InfraSpec can also be used for testing free fatty acids and water in the biodiesel feedstock.
The InfraSpec VFA-IR spectrometer is compact, portable and has a simplified PC interface for non-technically trained personnel.
This provides the user with the capability to easily make on-site measurements in the processing plant, as well as in the QC laboratory.
The InfraSpec Spectrometer represents a new concept in mid-infrared instrumentation and is based on patented design.
It enables the operator to obtain infrared spectra on a variety of components in the biofuels manufacturing process at a fraction of the cost of an FT-IR spectrometer.
