AN255: Determination of Free and Total Glycerol in Biodiesel Samples by HPAE-PAD Chromatography

Instrument Type: IC

Biodiesel fuels are diesel fuel blended with 2–20% (B2–B20) of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) obtained from vegetable or animal oils. The processing of these oils generates 3-1 molecules of free FAMEs and glycerol byproduct. Free and total glycerol is regulated (ASTM D6751) because of associated fuel separation, viscosity, and engine lockup problems. Samples were prepared by base hydrolysis. Glycerol, as free or total, was separated by a CarboPac MA1 column, designed for separation of sugar alcohols and detected by PAD and a Au working electrode. An ICS-6000 can be used for this application.