893 Biodiesel Rancimat for Determination of Oxidation Stability from Metrohm

Metrohm offers the 893 Professional Biodiesel Rancimat instrument, which is capable of determining the oxidation stability of biodiesel and biodiesel blends. In this instrument, high temperature and a constant air stream via the sample expedite its aging process.

The air flow transfers volatile oxidation products from the sample vessel to a vessel comprising distilled water. The conductivity of this water is constantly determined. As soon as the oxidation products emerge, conductivity increases in this vessel.

A strong and rapid increase in conductivity represents the induction time, also called as oxidation stability index (OSI), which is a measure of oxidation stability. This reliable and established method conforms to both national and international standards and can be easily carried out, thanks to the contemporary and user-friendly StabNet software.

Atmospheric oxygen gradually oxidizes fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and the resulting oxidation products can damage combustion engines. As a result, the oxidation stability is a major quality criterion for FAME.

Using the 893 Professional Biodiesel Rancimat, users can determine the oxidation stabilities of FAME and their related mixtures with diesel fuel. The instrument can even be used for investigating the effectiveness of added antioxidants. StabNet is the control hub for the 893 Professional Biodiesel Rancimat. All functions of the instrument are controlled through computer using the software.

Eight measuring positions are included in the Biodiesel Rancimat, with four in each one of its two independent heating blocks. Since these measuring positions are independent, it is possible to apply different temperatures on the heating blocks simultaneously.

Each measurement can be initiated separately and directly on the instrument after the sample has been placed in position. A single computer controls all stability measurements. For larger sample loads, four Biodiesel Rancimats can be connected to a single computer which allows analysis of up to 32 samples at a time.

The multitasker 893 Professional Biodiesel Rancimat utilizes cost-effective disposable reaction vessels, which prevent tedious and time-consuming cleaning processes following each measurement. Besides reducing costs and time, the reproducibility of results is enhanced since the single-use vessels eliminate carryover-effects.

Key Features

The main features of the 893 Biodiesel Rancimat are as follows:

Quality assurance of biodiesel and biodiesel blends

Each sample position can be started individually and directly on the instrument

Color display on the instrument gives status overview of all measuring positions

Concurrent analysis of up to eight samples

Easy-to-use StabNet software allows instrument control, result evaluation, and data management

Clean and low-cost disposable reaction vessels save time

Determination according to national and international standards

Controls all stability measurements with a single PC

Complies with EN 14112, 15751 and EN 16568 standards