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US 8,709,815 B2Granted
System and method for the analysis of biodiesel
AssigneeDexsil Corporation
InventorsTheodore B. Lynn, Lawrence M. Sacramone
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Abstract
Methods and devices are disclosed providing techniques for measuring the amount of biodiesel in a fuel sample. The methods may be used in the field without the use of laboratory equipment. The biodiesel in the sample is converted to the corresponding free acid which can be isolated and quantified to provide information regarding the amount of biodiesel in the original sample.
Claims20
A method of analyzing fuel for biodiesel content, the method comprising:
- converting at least a portion of any methyl esters present in a fuel sample to a corresponding free acid;
- reacting the free acid with a strong acid to protonate the free acid;
- forming an aqueous phase and a separate organic phase, the protonated free acid being solubilized in the organic phase;
- and
- measuring the protonated free acid in the organic phase to determine the concentration of methyl esters in the fuel.
2 more elements
A test kit for analyzing fuel for biodiesel content, comprising:
- a sampling device for taking an accurately sized fuel sample;
- a heating device for converting at least a portion of any methyl esters present in a fuel sample to a corresponding free acid;
- at least one ampule containing a strong base and/or an alcoholic solvent;
- a strong acid in aqueous solution to help protonate the free acid;
- and
- a non-polar fluid to help solubilize the protonated free acid.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.