IP 585: Determination of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), derived from bio-diesel fuel, in aviation turbine fuel - GC-MS with selective ion monitoring/scan detection method

Overview:

This document specifies a method for the identification and quantification in the range 4,5 mg/kg to 150 mg/kg of selected fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) species, see Table 1, in aviation turbine fuel (AVTUR).

NOTE 1 - AVTUR (and AVTUR contaminated with diesel/biodiesel) can contain some high molecular weight naphtha components which may mask the FAME at very low levels. Low carbon number methyl esters, such as those derived from coconut oil, may be subject to interference from AVTUR components and may not be quantified at low levels.

NOTE 2 - The FAME species listed in Table 1 have been specifically chosen as they typically make up greater than 95 % of the composition of the major biofuel feedstocks currently used in biodiesel blends with conventional mineral diesel. In addition methyl heptadecanoate is included as it may be present in animal fats.

NOTE 3 - In the round-robin study, two samples were blended containing no FAME. No positive biases were found in either the Merox treated or hydrotreated fuels used in the round robin.

WARNING – The use of this standard may involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.