Fuel Detection Through Opaque Containers with Agilent Resolve – a Handheld SORS System

Importance of the Topic

The illicit import and blending of fuels pose economic, safety and environmental risks.

• Significant loss of tax revenue and market distortion
• Increased public safety hazards due to non-standard fuel blends
• Environmental impact from contaminants and improper handling

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates how the Agilent Resolve handheld Raman through-barrier identification system exploits spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) to identify fuel types in opaque containers without opening them.

• Build a custom library of four common fuel spectra
• Validate rapid identification through colored plastic bottles
• Assess system performance for law enforcement and industrial QA/QC

Methodology and Instrumentation

The study employed the Agilent Resolve handheld Raman analyzer in SORS through-barrier mode and the Agilent Command Fleet Management Software for library creation.

• Instrumentation:
  
  • Agilent Resolve handheld Raman analyzer with SORS mode
  • Optional Wi-Fi remote viewing for safety
  • Laser power control and scan delay functions
• Sample preparation:
  
  • Four commercially available fuels: Diesel, Gasoline 87, 89 and 92 octane
  • Decanted into opaque colored plastic containers
• Library generation:
  
  • Exported Resolve spectra via USB
  • Created a custom library in Agilent Command software
  • Uploaded library back to one or multiple Resolve units

Main Results and Discussion

The SORS measurement of each fuel through opaque containers required under two minutes. Distinctive Raman spectral features allowed:

• Clear differentiation between diesel and gasoline
• Subtle spectral differences among gasoline octane grades
• 100% correct identification match values for all four fuels using the custom library

Benefits and Practical Applications

This non-invasive approach provides multiple advantages:

• Rapid on-site screening of concealed petrochemicals
• No need to open or handle flammable samples directly
• Automated spectral matching reduces operator expertise requirements
• Supports law enforcement, customs inspections, pipeline leak detection and industrial QA/QC

Future Trends and Applications

Advancements likely to enhance handheld Raman through-barrier analysis include:

• Expanded spectral libraries covering diverse fuel and chemical formulations
• Integration of machine learning for improved spectral classification
• Miniaturization and ruggedization for field and hazardous environment use
• Networked fleets with cloud-based data management and real-time alerts

Conclusion

The Agilent Resolve handheld Raman analyzer with SORS technology successfully identified four fuel types through opaque plastic containers with rapid analysis times and perfect match results. Its ease of library creation and safe operation positions it as a valuable tool for combating illicit fuel activities and supporting diverse petrochemical monitoring tasks.

Reference

1. Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), Mexico 101: Illegal Fuel Imports and Blends, April 2023