Biofueling Up: Biodiesel, Biodiesel Blends, and Bioethanol

With airlines launching commercial biofuels flights, the interest in and demand for biofuels research and production ramps up. Add to that the continuing quest to rely less on global fuel sources and biofuels research is a topic of fevered conversation.

Biofuels are categorized in three types: biodiesel, biodiesel blends, and bioethanol. ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) developed product quality specifications and testing standards for biofuels.

Biodiesel is derived from vegetable oils or animal fat and must conform to ASTM D6751. Biodiesel blends are biodiesel mixed with diesel fuel and must conform to ASTM D7467. Bioethanol is denatured fuel ethanol, derived from algae, corn sugar cane, and cellulosic plant material that is blended with unleaded gasoline and must conform to ASTM D4806.

For a sample of biofuel to be assigned to one of these three categories, the sample must go through specific tests described in each of the ASTM methods mentioned above. Each method has specific equipment that must be used to complete each test.

Check out Cole-Parmer’s Biofuels page to learn more and find equipment, catalogs, and other necessary information to help you meet your testing requirements. Equipment include microplates, cell culture media, electrophoresis equipment, thermal cyclers and more.

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