Elemental Analysis for N/S/Cl Determination in Biofuels and Their Precursors Application Note · multi EA 5100

Introduction

New methods for the production of alternative fuels are a growing field of interest. Technologies based on fermentation of starch and sugar, and the transesterification or hydrocracking of plant and animal oil, delivering so-called first generation biofuels, are already well established but linked to limited resources for ethical and ecological reasons. Another promising approach consists of processes based on the conversion of cellulose-rich biomass and waste (second generation biofuels). With the use of biogenic materials for fuel production, the inherently high amount of harmful nitrogen, sulfur and chlorine-containing hydrocarbons that results has to be monitored. This is not only due to the adherence of given regulations and legal limits (Tier 1 to 4), but also to avoid negative effects on the production process and environment. Therefore, a strict monitoring of the feed stocks, intermediates, and final products is crucial. The origins of such matrices are just as different as their digestion behavior. A quantitative combustion of all sample components is the precondition for correct elemental analysis. In the past this was a time-consuming challenge, requiring experience in developing specific boat programs for each sample matrix. In addition, there was frequent need for maintenance intervention and repeated measurements due to soot formation and contamination of the analyzer. The slightest changes in the process, different matrix composition or other sample quantity affected the results‘ correctness.

To overcome this, the flame sensor technology was developed to automatically optimize the combustion process to the specific needs of any matrix type, quantity and composition. With the effective soot prevention, the maintenance effort is reduced to a minimum.