Evaluation of Gas Chromatographic Methods for Analysis of Gasoline/Oxygenate Blends.
Abstract
The selection/development of a standard gas chromatographic method for the determination of oxygenates in gasoline-oxygenate blends is in keeping with laboratory characterization and specification testing phase of the U.S. Army's alternate fuels program. This report evaluates six different gas chromatographic methods of analysis. These methods involve water extraction of the oxygenated compounds as well as direct injection techniques. Gasoline line samples containing varying amounts of methanol, ethanol, t-butanol, and methyl t-butyl ether (MTBE) were analyzed using each of the analytical methods, when possible. The six methods were employed and evaluated for accuracy and efficiency. In each case, comments have been made pertaining to the applications of each method. The analytical results of the methods are graphically compared. This study resulted in a recommendation to use water extraction with an internal standard to quantitate the C4 and lighter alcohols, while the other oxygenated fuel extenders, such as MTBE, should be determined using a direct-injection method which selectively separates the oxygenates from the hydrocarbons. This work indicates that more work is warranted to develop hydrocarbons methodology which is universally applicable to all of the commonly used oxygenated fuel extenders.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA133016
Entities
People
- Frank M. Newman
- Kenneth B. Jones
- Susan M. Biela
Organizations
- Southwest Research Institute