This application note introduces the use of high-resolution gas chromatography to determine the amount of ethanol and methanol in denatured fuel ethanol. The method is used on an Agilent 7890A GC system, which is coupled to Agilent MultiTechnique ChemStation software. This system offers a complete, automated solution for denatured fuel ethanol analysis.
This document details the setup and operation of an Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatography (GC) system configured to run ASTM Method D5501-09 for the analysis of denatured fuel ethanol. The system utilizes the Agilent 7693 Automatic Liquid Sampler and MultiTechnique ChemStation software to ensure precise measurement of ethanol and methanol content.
The note covers the experimental configuration, including specific hardware options, column specifications, and operating conditions such as temperature programs and flow rates. It demonstrates the system's ability to achieve excellent precision and quantitative transfer of compounds, validating the method's suitability for commercial fuel quality assurance.
| GC System | Agilent 7890A Series GC System |
|---|---|
| Inlet Option | 150 psi Split/Splitless Inlet with EPC control |
| Detector Option | Capillary FID with EPC control |
| Sampler | Agilent 7693 Automatic Liquid Sampler |
| Column Type | PDMS, 150 m x 0.25 mm id x 1.0 um film |
| Data System | Agilent MultiTechnique ChemStation rev B.04.01 |
| Inlet Temperature | 300 °C |
| Carrier Gas | Helium at 66 psi |
| Split Ratio | 200:1 |
| Sample Size | 0.5 uL injection |
The document uses ASTM Method D5501-09 for the analysis of denatured fuel ethanol.
The Agilent MultiTechnique ChemStation software performs automated calibration and reporting.
The operating conditions specify a split ratio of 200:1.