In the eyes of many, we are in the middle of a revolution as we see the emergence of a new industry built around the production of biofuels as an alternative energy source. Biofuel production is seen as a way to reduce the reliance on the diminishing supply of oil resources while also helping economic development and job creation in rural areas.

Opinions differ on the environmental impact of biofuels. Some see it as a cleaner and less environmentally degrading than fossil fuels, helping slow and possibly reverse global warming. Others warn that there may be climate-change and food supply consequences as farmers rotate and expand their crop growth to supply the growing industry.

Regardless, world governments are forging ahead with mandates that biofuel be a component of the fuel mix.

In the United States, the total amount of biofuels added to gasoline is required to increase to 36 billion gallons by 2022, from 4.7 billion gallons in 2007. The EU has mandated that countries use 5.75 percent biofuel for transportation by the end of 2008.

In Canada, legislation is imminent to require that gasoline contain 5% renewable content by 2010 and that diesel have 2% by 2012. Similar mandates are in place worldwide.

ASTM Methods & Phase Technology

To reach the government mandated, biofuels production is heavily subsidized in many countries, especially the U.S. Qualifying for tax credits requires that biofuels meet ASTM International's published method, ASTM D-6751 (or European specification EN 14214).

Included in ASTM D-6751 is the specification for determining cloud point, ASTM D-5773, as developed by Phase Technology and used in the 70X analyzer . ASTM International also recently completed extensive round-robin cloud point tests that included biodiesel, then issued D-7397, as used in Phase Technology’s CPA-T30 portable cloud point analyzer.

ASTM D-6751 also specifies that biofuels meet D-445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity. Phase Technology’s VA-300 viscosity analyzer conforms to this standard.

Testing Biofuels

Biofuels can have very different characteristics when compared to petroleum products. The cloud point for biodiesel blends is higher than it is for conventional diesel fuel, so it has higher risk of congealing and forming wax crystals at cold temperatures. This makes cloud point a critical test for biodiesel producers. Tight quality control in accordance with ASTM standards is crucial.

Biodiesel blends generally have higher viscosity levels than petroleum products. This can result in operational problems, engine deposits, and poor combustion. Biodiesel producers adjust their blends to lower the viscosity. Finding the perfect “sweet spot” requires an accurate, precise kinematic viscosity test result.

Phase Technology cloud point and viscosity analyzers deliver test results that meet or exceed all biofuels standards. In an industry in which quality and credibility go hand-in-hand to create market acceptance and profit, you can rely on us as your partner in precision.