Total glycerin, free glycerin and cloud point capabilities proceed to next step of balloting to Main committee D2.

Cincinnati, OH – ASTM Subcommittee D02.E0 passed three ballots this week for the inclusion of the AOCS standard procedure Ck 2-09, the QTA System method, as an approved method within the biodiesel B100 specification D6751, for the properties of total glycerin, free glycerin and cloud point. These ballots will now proceed to Main Committee D02 ballot.

The AOCS standard procedure provides a rapid alternative to existing wet chemical and chromatographic methods, and has improved precision when compared to these existing methods. The Ck 2-09 standard procedure, as implemented in the QTA System marketed by Cognis, underwent multiple round robin studies and statistical analysis to compare to the existing methods, and these data, combined with the results of several years’ participation in the ASTM Crosscheck Program, formed the basis of the ballot justification.

Kyle Anderson, the Technical Project Manager of the National Biodiesel Board, stated that “the implementation of faster, easier and cheaper test methods for biodiesel will improve biodiesel quality while reducing overall production costs. With the passage of the Cognis QTA system (AOCS standard procedure Ck 2-09) for free & total glycerin and cloud point at the subcommittee level, we are one step closer to realizing this goal.”

As a next step, the method will be balloted in early 2011 to the ASTM D02 committee. If the ballot passes the D02 committee, the Ck 2-09 procedure would be added to D6751 as an approved alternate test method for free & total glycerin and cloud point; and analyses conducted by the QTA System would qualify under the D6751 specification and could be used by BQ-9000 facilities.

Cognis’ patented QTA System provides biodiesel analysis using infrared spectroscopy. All analyses can be conducted using a single drop of biodiesel, with no sample preparation or use of chemical reagents. The results are available within 2 minutes. Since its 2006 launch, the QTA System has conducted about 2 million biodiesel tests for its customers.

About Cognis

Cognis is a worldwide supplier of innovative specialty chemicals and nutritional ingredients, with a particular focus on the areas of wellness and sustainability. The company employs about 5,600 people, and it operates production sites and service centers in 30 countries. Cognis has dedicated its activities to a high level of sustainability and delivers natural source raw materials and ingredients for food, nutrition and healthcare markets, and the cosmetics, detergents and cleaners industries. Another main focus is on products for a number of other industries, such as coatings and inks, lubricants, as well as agriculture and mining.

Cognis’ QTA® business provides on-site, ready-to-use analytical capabilities without additional investment in equipment or personnel. Patented, centralized calibration technology enhances accuracy. For more information on the QTA® system, visit https://www.qta.com.