Full Automation of ASTM Method D6584-07 “Standard Test Method for the Determination of Free and Total Glycerin in B-100 Biodiesel Methyl Esters by Gas Chromatography” using a GERSTEL Dual Rail PrepStation

Abstract

App Note 1/2010

Biodiesel is defined as mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats which conform to ASTM D6751 specifications for use in diesel engines. Biodiesel is produced from the fat or oil by transesterification. Glycerin is an unwanted byproduct of the reaction and must be removed from the final product. ASTM Method D6584-07 measures the amount of residual free and bonded (mono-, di-, and triglycerides) glycerin in the biodiesel fuel. Standard and sample preparation, which requires a derivatization step, can be laborious and time consuming. Using the GERSTEL MPS Dual Rail PrepStation and MAESTRO control software, the entire method, including standards and sample preparation, derivatization, dilution, and analysis can be fully automated. This paper shows the details of the automation.