ASTM standardises on electrode for determination of pHe of ethanol
July 2007Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
With the growing interest in biofuels as a part substitute for conventional fuels, US legislation and state-mandated programmes such as Epact, the Reformulated Gas Program, VEETC, and Renewable Fuel Standards are driving new demands for biofuels and alternate MTBE oxygenates. The specifications for fuel ethanol and denatured fuel ethanol for blending with gasolines are given in ASTM standards D5798 and D4806 respectively. This includes one specified measure of ethanol quality, which is the pHe value. This measure has become extremely important in this particular application as incorrect levels of pH can seriously damage the engine of the car involved.
ASTM has also standardised on the Thermo Scientific Orion Ross Sure-Flow Combination pH electrode for determining the pHe value, as the necessary component for producing test results which are comparable from laboratory to laboratory. This electrode is available locally from Labotec.
According to the standard: "Because the measurement is (of necessity) not made at equilibrium, it is essential that this exact electrode be used to ensure the reproducibility of results. Other electrodes (even those of similar design) will likely give different results under some or all conditions due to the use of a different size or type of glass membrane for the pH electrode, a different type of salt bridge junction, or other small differences, which may affect their non-equilibrium response."
Measurements in non-aqueous or low-water samples, such as high ethanol content fuels, typically lead to difficulties with unstable readings, long response times, and measurement errors. These symptoms are indicative of high sample resistance, bulb dehydration, contamination, and large, unstable junction potentials.
The Thermo Scientific Orion Ross 8172BN electrode has many features which make it ideal for the pHe measurement of acid strength in high ethanol content fuels. The pH electrode membrane is constructed from low resistance glass. This construction reduces unstable readings and drift, caused by the higher resistance (lower conductivity) of the sample solution and the glass body is resistant to attack from solvents.
Thermo Scientific Orion Ross 8172BN electrode for pHe measurement
The standard test method calls for regular immersion in aqueous buffer to control dehydration of the glass sensing membrane. The refillable Sure-Flow reference prevents memory effects and is easily cleaned by briefly depressing the cap to flush the junction. The double junction prevents intrusion of the solvent into the reference electrode chamber, preventing bias in the results due to contamination and uniform flow rate of the junction provides a more stable junction potential. These advantages have ensured that this is the electrode of choice for this method.
Ensuring occupational health and safety in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Probe Integrated Mining Technologies (Probe IMT) has partnered with M3SH Technology to offer state-of-the-art environmental monitoring solutions that address these dual requirements.
Read more...Sustainability of surface water Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The sustainability of surface water is critical for South Africa’s economic development, social well-being and environmental health. Endress+Hauser has a full range of liquid analysis sensors and transmitters to measure important parameters and has an excellent global track record in water and wastewater process plants and various surface and industrial water monitoring sites.
Read more...Keeping an eye on invisible radiation Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
At its peak in 1994, the energy generation capacity of the UK’s nuclear power stations was 12,7 GW across 16 plants. In 2024, the capacity has fallen to around 5 GW, and the number of stations is down to nine. However, this is far from the end of the story as spent nuclear fuel remains radioactive for centuries, and requires rigorous safety processes to safeguard against leaks.
Read more...Effective dust control in sugar processing
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
BLT WORLD specialists work in conjunction with the global ScrapeTec team to offer dependable solutions for specific problems at the transfer points of conveyor systems in many industries where dust and material spillage are concerns, including the sugar sector.
Read more...A benchmark for lubricant reliability in mining
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
According to Craig FitzGerald from ISO-Reliability Partners, mines can save R500 000 or more on their yearly mill cleaning costs, while electricity consumption can be reduced by up to 12%, and lubricant consumption lowered up by up to 60% when using Bel-Ray Clear Gear lubricant.
Read more...Safeguarding precision in industrial radiometric measurements Mecosa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In the complex landscape of industrial plant operations, precision is paramount, especially when it comes to weld inspections to test for structural integrity of pipes. Berthold has the ideal answer to this challenge – X-Ray Interference Protection.
Read more...New indoor air quality monitor RS South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
RS South Africa has available a new indoor air quality (IAQ) monitor that provides continuous, easy-to-read, and accurate real-time monitoring of air quality in indoor environments.
Read more...A quick guide to disinfection Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The distribution system in a drinking water network provides a reliable supply of high-quality water to consumers. Endress+Hauser’s range of robust, low-maintenance sensors are ideal for monitoring disinfectant levels in the water.
Read more...Optimising energy consumption in the chemical industry Anton Paar
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
To optimise energy consumption and save valuable resources on chemical process plants, operators have to continuously measure parameters such as concentration, raw density, sound velocity and refractive index. With Anton Paar’s wide product range, the process application team has many options for cutting-edge laboratory measurement technologies, and can develop tailor-made mathematical models for every application.
printer friendly version