Total inorganic sulphate in bioethanol

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

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%) as gasoline substitute and anhydrous (or dehydrated, 99%) ethanol blended with conventional fuels in proportions of between 5 and 85% (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 is easily determined by titration with the Metrohm 809 Titrando with a Pb2+ crystal membrane ion selective electrode as the indicator electrode, the system being controlled by the Tiamo PC software.

This titration is based on the precipitation of lead sulphate, whereby the equivalence point is detected by means of the Metrosensor Pb2+ crystal membrane ion selective electrode.

This method performed with Metrohm equipment fulfils the requirements of international standardized test procedures as mentioned in the new ASTM D4806-06c at the highest level of quality.

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