Metrohm's 809 Titrando can be used to perform total inorganic sulphate in bioethanol analysis for quality assurance of biomass fuels.
With the search for alternative renewable energy sources, biofuels are fast becoming a viable alternative.
Bioethanol is already used for combustion engines mainly in two ways: hydrous ethanol (95 per cent) as gasoline substitute and anhydrous (or dehydrated, 99 per cent) ethanol blended with conventional fuels in proportions of between five and 85 per cent (E85).
An important quality criterion is the sulphate content of this ethanol, because sulphates form deposits in the engine and may contribute to sulphuric acid emissions.
This quality parameter can be determined by titration with Metrohm's 809 Titrando with a Pb2+ crystal membrane ion selective electrode as the indicator electrode - the system being controlled by the Tiamo software.
This titration is based on the precipitation of lead sulphate, whereby the equivalence point Pb2+ crystal membrane ion selective electrode.
This method, performed with Metrohm equipment, fulfils the requirements of international standardised test procedures as mentioned in the new ASTM D4806-06c at the highest level of quality.
