Jan-2024

OptiFuel optimising gasoline, diesel and renewable analysis while ensuring regulatory compliance

The global demand for oil is on the rise, driven strongly by the petrochemical and aviation sectors.

Petroleum Analyzer Company (PAC)

Article Summary

However, the availability of conventional energy sources, particularly crude oil, is becoming increasingly limited. The scarcity of crude oil and the negative consequences associated with fossil fuel usage have compelled nations and industries to explore alternative and sustainable energy options, resulting in the rapid growth of the renewables market. This article briefly highlights some of the key drivers of the renewable energy market before exploring how OptiFuel, an advanced Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy system, can be used to optimise gasoline, diesel, and renewable analysis while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Why is the renewable energy market growing?
The renewable energy market is being driven by a combination of factors that are shaping the global energy landscape and accelerating the transition toward sustainable and clean energy sources. Some of the key factors driving the renewable energy market include:
Policy shifts to meet demand: As the depletion of crude oil reserves becomes evident, governments worldwide are embracing renewable energy sources to sustainably meet their energy demands. Countries such as China and the United States have implemented policies and incentives to promote renewable energy, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, to reduce their dependence on crude oil and other fossil fuels.²

Affordable technology: Renewable energy options are becoming economically viable and preferable to fossil fuel alternatives. For instance, between 2010 and 2019, the cost of solar photovoltaic modules decreased by 82%, and new solar and wind projects are currently undercutting the cheapest existing coal-fired plants.³

Advanced biofuels offering solutions: The blending of conventional biofuels is estimated to be considerably below the cap set by the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II. This directive, which outlines the national limits for EU member states, proposes a 14% target for the blending of renewable fuels with fuels for rail and road by 2030. Furthermore, it restricts food- and feed-based biofuels to either 7% of the energy used in road and rail transportation or a maximum increase of 1% above the 2020 consumption level in a Member State.
The blending of advanced biofuels is currently estimated to be around 1%. Given the potential for blended biofuels to increase and the predicted course of electricity and hydrogen technology in the coming decade, advanced biofuels stand out as the most readily available solution to help the transport sector achieve its 2030 objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.^4,5

Climate change concerns: The environmental impact of fossil fuel combustion, including crude oil, has spurred concerns about climate change, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce emission levels in the transport sector, the Brazilian government has proposed increasing its already mandated blending of ethanol (derived from sugarcane and corn) in gasoline to 30%.6 On a wider scale, the Paris Agreement, signed by 194 parties, aims to limit the global temperature increase to 2°C this century. To help achieve these targets, nations are transitioning to renewable energy sources, reducing their reliance on crude oil and mitigating the environmental impact.⁷

OptiFuel: Providing Solutions for Fuel Analysis
OptiFuel is an advanced solution designed by PAC to help users analyse the chemical composition and physical properties of diesel and gasoline fuels and fuel blends to a regulatory-compliant standard.

Thanks to its sophisticated features, OptiFuel is the ideal solution when it comes to accurately characterising fuel and fuel blends. Moreover, the compact size of the system makes it suitable for use in refineries, pipelines, terminals, and mobile labs.

Comprehensive Analytical Capabilities
OptiFuel incorporates state-of-the-art analytical instruments and techniques that enable a thorough assessment of physical properties and chemical composition at the touch of a button. An ASTM D7777-compliant oscillating tube density module, capable of measuring from 0.6 g/cm3 to 1.2g/cm3, is integrated into each device to provide direct density reading. As per the ASTM D1250-04 algorithm, densities of hydrocarbon samples can be reported at 15°C from 0.6 to 1.2 g/cm3,8 eliminating the need for an external density meter.

Accurate and Reliable Results
OptiFuel comes in a rugged yet elegant design and has been constructed using specially selected materials to ensure unmatched performance in any application. Humidity and vibration-resistant mirrors, beam splitters, and a non-moving sample cell allow for precise and repeatable measurements.

By maintaining strict quality control measures and adhering to standard operating procedures, OptiFuel ensures user confidence in the accuracy of obtained data.

Efficiency and Ease of Use
Ready for use immediately upon installation, OptiFuel requires no complex setup or external software installation. Its user-friendly interface requires minimal training, and its automatic detection features, simultaneous property measurements, and fast sample processing enable swift and efficient analysis.

Calibrating OptiFuel is a hassle-free process. Each unit comes equipped with a comprehensive set of precalibrated factory models based on hundreds of real-life samples of gasoline and diesel, following ASTM E1655, ASTMD8321, and ASTM D8340 standards. These factory models can be expanded in the field as needed, providing flexibility for future applications and more robust analysis for every region. In addition, the calibrations can be easily cloned and transferred to additional units, ensuring consistent and reliable results.

OptiFuel incorporates internal instrument health monitoring to ensure seamless performance and alerts users of any problems. PAC provides dedicated remote service support, promptly addressing technical issues and minimising downtime, thus optimising productivity. Furthermore, the system offers an outstanding warranty for essential components, ensuring long-term reliability and user peace of mind.