Viscometry in bio-diesel

A new addition to the series of biodiesel analytical products from Metrohm UK is the range of rotational viscometers from Fungilab

A new addition to the series of biodiesel analytical products from Metrohm UK is the range of rotational viscometers from Fungilab.

Fuel-grade biodiesel must be produced to strict industry specifications (ASTM D6751) in order to ensure proper performance of the fuel.

As listed in Euopean Standard EN14214, Biodiesel manufacturers are required to determine viscosity at 40C as per the test method EN ISO 3104.

What is Biodiesel? Biodiesel is the name of a clean burning alternative fuel, produced from domestic, renewable resources.

Biodiesel contains no petroleum, but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel to create a biodiesel blend.

It can be used in compression-ignition (diesel) engines with little or no modifications.

Biodiesel is simple to use, bio-degradable, non-toxic, and essentially free of sulphur and aromatics.

Biodiesel is made through a chemical process called trans-esterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the fat or vegetable oil.

The process leaves behind two products -- methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (a valuable by-product usually sold to be used in soaps and other products).

Why Biodiesel? The use of alternative fuels from renewable vegetable sources has become increasingly widespread in recent years, as the life cycle of biogenic fuels is neutral with respect to CO2 release.

The carbon dioxide released has already been assimilated from the atmosphere during plant growth.

In contrast to fossil fuels, biogenic fuels neither contribute to the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere nor to global warming.

In addition, alternative fuels are biodegradable and thus less environmentally harmful.

Viscosity Measurement.

Automated viscosity measurement in Biodiesel requires a robust, resistant, reliable instrument which is simple to use and does not require highly skilled staff in order to produce accurate results.

The versatility of Fungilab viscometers makes them ideal tools for all types of users in the lab as well as the demanding conditions in the production area.

There are three viscometers in the Fungilab range, all available in variants for low, regular and high viscosity applications, in each case the "R" variants (regular) cover over 80% of applications.

Visco Basic Plus is the entry level instrument, at a low cost - but with an excellent price / performance ratio.

Key features include.

* Extremely simple to operate and produce fast, accurate results.

* Relative and absolute viscosity determinations.

* Direct result readout on an illuminated liquid crystal display.

* Built-in auto test feature with acoustic and visual alarms in case any malfunction.

* Simple, user initiated calibration of viscometer.

Visco Star Plus is the most popular instrument in the range, still superb value for money, but with additional features and user benefits.

Key features are as for the Visco Basic Plus, with the following additional benefits.

* 10 working memories - store product specific methods within the instrument.

* Temperature measurement via Pt 100.

* Datalogger software : download results to PC in Exel format.

Visco Elite is a PC controlled viscometer with unique functions to simplify the determination of a wide range of rheological features.

Key features as for the Visco Star Plus, with the following additional benefits.

* Full PC control via (optional) Supervisc software.

* A wide range of spindles and accessories are available with each of the units for: small samples, low viscosity samples, Helicoidal movement, variable temperature etc.

Metrohm Biodiesel Range.

To complement viscosity measurement, Metrohm can offer a solution to many of the analytical requirements listed in Euopean Standard EN14214, namely.

* Oxidative Stability Rancimat method.

* Acid Value Potentiometric Titration.

* Iodine Value Potentiometric Titration.

* Water Content Karl Fischer.

Please contact Metrohm UK for further information on their complete Biodiesel Package.

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