809 Titrando determines sulphate content

Metrohm has revealed how its 809 Titrando can enable the determination of sulphate content in bioethanol.

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 from deposits in the engine and may contribute to sulphuric acid emissions.

This quality parameter is easily determined by titration with Metrohm's 809 Titrando with a Pb2 crystal membrane ion selective electrode as the indicator electrode, by Tiamo software.

This titration is based on the precipitation of lead sulphate.

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

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