Renewable Energy Methods & Standards

The world's energy needs are changing rapidly. Laboratories around the world responsible for development and testing face highly regulated environments and complex testing parameters.

EcoAnalytix™ from PerkinElmer provides you with a full suite of solutions that makes it easier to keep pace with an evolving industry - we ensure that your laboratory is ready to do more.

Biodiesel Methods & Standards
FAME Composition (EN 14103 and NBR 15342)
- The determination of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) is a critical component of biodiesel-quality testing. It determines the source of the feedstock, which indicates the quality of the biodiesel and how it will perform. Method EN 14103 requiring gas chromatography (GC) is used to determine FAME content between C14:0 and C24:1.
Methanol (EN 14110 and NBR 15343)
- As the content of methanol is a major value in the risk classification of the product in terms of transportation and security, it’s absolutely necessary to get accurate results. With Headspace (HS) GCMethods, it is possible to determine the content of residual methanol in any FAME to be used either as pure biofuel (B100) or as a blending component for heating and diesel fuels.
Glycerin (EN 14105, ASTM D6584 and NBR 15341, 15342, 15344)
- The content of glycerin, determined by GC, generally indicates the quality of biodiesel. Glycerin takes the form of free glycerin or bound glycerin (mono-, di- and triglycerides). A high content of glycerin can lead to buildup in fuel tanks, clogged fuel systems, injector fouling and valve deposits and is limited strictly by regulations.
EcoAnalytix Biodiesel Glycerin and Methanol Analyzer (EN 14105, 14110 and ASTM D6584)
- Two systems in one. The EcoAnalytix Biodiesel Glycerin and Methanol Analyzer provides a unique solution to test biodiesel using the GC test methods included in both the EN and ASTM standards. The analyzer incorporates a TurboMatrix Headspace Sampler coupled to a Clarus GC with an innovative dual-oven design.
Trace Metals (EN 14538 and ASTM D4951)
- The environmental and technical impacts of certain trace metals in biodiesel (emission of SOx, damage of catalytic converters by certain elements, etc.) make it necessary to control the levels of these metals. The United States and the European Union have posted specifications for these trace metals.
FAME Blend (EN 14078 and ASTM D7371)
- The move to blend biodiesel into everyday fuel has created a number of unresolved issues. One such issue lies in determining the concentration of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) in biodiesel-diesel blend fuels. PerkinElmer’s EcoAnalytix FAME Analyzer uses a Fourier transfer infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer from the SpectrumTM family and optimized sampling and software to solve this matter.
Oxidation Stability (EN 14112)
- Biodiesel is made from various oil-containing feedstocks, such as rapeseed, sunflower and soybean. These feedstocks also contain a certain amount of unsaturated acids, which when exposed to air, react with oxygen to form unwanted by-products. These by-products have an enormous impact on the overall quality of biodiesel, especially regarding transportation and long-term storage issues.
14C Determination
- In many countries, it is key to know the primary origin of the base material for the production of biofuels because of tax incentives and other financial reasons. Bioethanol or biodiesel, derived from living material, contains 14C. Gasoline refined from crude oil, however, does not contain 14C.
LABWORKS greenLIMS System
- (LIMS) enables efficient monitoring and reporting of critical data. Comprehensive LIMS functionality is imperative for effective sample management, tracking and use of this data. Superior product quality and efficient manufacturing depends on your laboratory’s ability to handle any number of samples, monitor plant functions and control the entire laboratory process from start to finish.
Bioethanol Methods & Standards
Alcohol (ASTM D5501)
- The content of ethanol and other alcohols, ranging from C1 to C5, demonstrates the right blending amounts for gasoline. The blending range can be from 5% (E5) to almost 85% (E85), and it is critical to select the right composition; otherwise, engines can be damaged.
Fermentation
- Worldwide, the use of bioethanol as a complete substitute or as 5% to 85% blend in regular gasoline is a growing technology. Due to strict regulations for bioethanol production, the use of top-line analytical equipment is paramount. Carbohydrates, including dextrin, maltose and glucose, play an important role in the production of bioethanol, and are an indicator for the quality of the fermentation process.
Trace Metals (EN 15485, 15487, 15488, ASTM D1688, D2622, D5453, NBR 10893, 9867, 11331, 10422)
- It is important to test the concentration of trace metals in bioethanol, as too high a concentration will impact engine and catalytic converter performance. PerkinElmer has worked with the industry to develop the bioethanol trace metals recommended configuration, a proven system for this analysis.
14C Determination
- In many countries, it is key to know the primary origin of the base material for the production of biofuels because of tax incentives and other financial reasons. Bioethanol or biodiesel, derived from living material, contains 14C. Gasoline refined from crude oil, however, does not contain 14C.
LABWORKS greenLIMS System
- (LIMS) enables efficient monitoring and reporting of critical data. Comprehensive LIMS functionality is imperative for effective sample management, tracking and use of this data. Superior product quality and efficient manufacturing depends on your laboratory’s ability to handle any number of samples, monitor plant functions and control the entire laboratory process from start to finish.