Cognis QTA Test Method to be Included in ASTM D6751 Biodiesel Specification
Rapid analysis of methanol content in biodiesel passes ASTM main committee ballot for inclusion in biodiesel specification
Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) December 15, 2010
ASTM Main Committee D02 passed the ballot this week for the inclusion of the AOCS standard procedure Ck 2-09, the QTA System method, as an approved method within the biodiesel B100 specification D6751, for the properties of methanol content. The revised D6751, with Ck 2-09 included, will be published in early 2011 and methanol analyses conducted by the QTA System will qualify under the D6751 specification and can be used by BQ-9000 facilities.
The AOCS standard procedure provides a rapid alternative to existing wet chemical and chromatographic methods, and has improved precision when compared to these existing methods. The Ck 2-09 standard procedure, as implemented in the QTA System marketed by Cognis, underwent multiple round robin studies and statistical analysis to compare to the existing methods, and these data, combined with the results of several years’ participation in the ASTM Crosscheck Program, formed the basis of the ballot justification. The properties of total and free glycerin and cloud point passed subcommittee ballot earlier this week, and will be balloted to the Main Committee D02 in early 2011.
Barbara Stefl, Global Business Director for the QTA Business at Cognis, stated “the balloting process at ASTM ensured that the QTA System method was fully vetted through rigid ASTM statistical protocols. It is gratifying to see that the QTA method exceeds the precision of current approved methods and that the subcommittee, through its passage of the ballot, recognizes the usefulness of a rapid method for the biodiesel industry.”
Cognis’ patented QTA System provides biodiesel analysis using infrared spectroscopy. All analyses can be conducted using a single drop of biodiesel, with no sample preparation or use of chemical reagents. The results are available within 2 minutes. Since its 2006 launch, the QTA System has conducted about 2 million biodiesel tests for its customers.
About Cognis
Cognis, now a part of BASF, is a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals and nutritional ingredients, with a particular focus on the areas of wellness and sustainability. The company employs about 5,600 people, and it operates production sites and service centers in 30 countries. Cognis has dedicated its activities to a high level of sustainability and delivers natural source raw materials and ingredients for food, nutrition and healthcare markets, and the cosmetics, detergents and cleaners industries. Another main focus is on products for a number of other industries, such as coatings and inks, lubricants, as well as agriculture and mining.
Cognis’ QTA® business provides on-site, ready-to-use analytical capabilities without additional investment in equipment or personnel. Patented, centralized calibration technology enhances accuracy. For more information on the QTA® system, visit http://www. qta. com.
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