Analysis of E85 Ethanol Fuel Blends using Reformulyzer® M4

Significance of E85 Fuel Analysis

The growing use of ethanol based fuel blends such as E85 demands rapid and accurate hydrocarbon and oxygenate profiling to support quality control R and D and regulatory compliance. E85 analysis ensures optimized engine performance reduced emissions and consistent blend quality. The Reformulyzer M4 addresses these needs by offering a high throughput group type analysis for gasoline and ethanol blends.

Aim and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates the quantitative group type determination of hydrocarbon classes and oxygenates in an E85 fuel blend containing 85 percent ethanol using the AC Analytical Controls Reformulyzer M4. The study objective is to achieve a full PIONA O and Type analysis in under 40 minutes without sample dilution.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The method is based on a combination of capillary and micropacked columns traps and selective backflush operations integrated in the Reformulyzer M4. The instrument flow scheme employs a polar column pre column olefin trap ether alcohol trap 5A trap and a boiling point column. Temperature programming and valve switching enable group separation and sequential elution.

• Traps and columns: Capillary columns for PIONA separation micropacked columns for carbon number distribution and selective retention of heavy aromatics and alcohols
• Valves: Multi position valves to direct sample flow through traps columns or backflush paths
• Carrier and makeup gases: Hydrogen for FID detection and nitrogen for trap management
• Compliance: EN ISO 22854 ASTM D6839 derived methods ASTM D5443 IP566 GB T 28768

Results and Discussion

Analysis of an undiluted field sample in the E85 mode yielded a total run time of 39 minutes. The representative chromatogram shows clear resolution of paraffins naphthenes aromatics olefins and the ethanol peak. Minor oxygenates such as propanol and butanol are also detected. Weight and volume percent profiles by carbon number illustrate the distribution of saturates aromatics and oxygenates. Key findings include:

• Ethanol accounts for approximately 86 weight percent and 85 volume percent of the blend
• Hydrocarbon saturates represent about 7 weight percent and 7 and a half volume percent dominated by C5 to C8 species
• Aromatics and olefins are detected at low levels below 7 weight percent

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Reformulyzer M4 enables high throughput PIONA O analysis in gasoline ethanol blends with minimal sample preparation. Rapid group type data supports refinery blending labs biofuel producers and regulatory laboratories. The method reduces analysis time by over 50 percent compared to traditional techniques and eliminates dilution errors ensuring accurate oxygenate quantitation.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in trap and column materials may further improve resolution and speed. Emerging green fuel regulations will increase demand for detailed oxygenate profiling. Integration with automation and data analytics platforms can enhance throughput and predictive quality control. Applications may extend to other biofuel blends such as E20 and E100 and to alternative oxygenates beyond ethanol.

Conclusion

The AC Reformulyzer M4 provides a robust validated platform for rapid group type analysis of E85 fuel blends. Achieving full PIONA O profiling in under 40 minutes without sample dilution this method aligns with key international standards and delivers precise quantitative data essential for quality assurance and process optimization.

References

No literature references were provided in the original application note.