Metrohm has introduced the Aquatrode Plus, which uses a combined pH glass electrode with ground-joint diaphragm to measure the pH in organic solvents.
Aquatrode Plus contains a separable ground-joint diaphragm and is suitable for measuring the pH of bioethanol, which has similar properties to petrol.
As of 15 April 2008, all petrol sold at UK pumps had to include at least 2.5 per cent bioethanol.
The obligation extends to 3.75 per cent biofuel-content in 2009 and by 2010 the target will rise to five per cent.
According to general opinion, standard petrol engines run well with up to 10 per cent ethanol to petrol (E10).
Higher ratios of ethanol require modifications to the engine.
The low pH values of bioethanol and bioethanol blends have a detrimental effect on storage containers and engines.
Metrohm has discovered that the Aquatrode Plus could be used to measure the pH value of ethanol samples according to the ASTM 6423 norm.
