IP 583: Determination of the fatty acid methyl esters content of aviation turbine fuel using flow analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy – Rapid screening method

Overview:

This standard specifies a rapid screening method using flow analysis by Fourier transform infrared (FA-FTIR) spectroscopy with partial least squares (PLS-1) processing for the determination of the fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content of aviation turbine fuel (AVTUR), in the range of 10 to 150 mg/kg.

NOTE 1 - This method detects all FAME components, with peak IR absorbance at approximately 1 749 cm-1 and C8 to C22 molecules, as specified in standards such as EN 14214 and EN 14213. The accuracy of the method is based on the molecular weight of C16 to C18 FAME species; the presence of other FAME species with different molecular weights could affect the accuracy of the result.

NOTE 2 - Additives such as antistatic agents, antioxidants and corrosion inhibitors are measured with the FAME by the FTIR spectrometer. However, the effects of these additives are removed by the flow analysis processing.

NOTE 3 - FAME concentrations from 150 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg, and below 10 mg/kg can be measured but the precision could be affected.