Sterol Glucosides Analysis in Biodiesel

Sterol glucosides cause precipitation problems in biodiesel, leading to fuel filter blockage.

Testing for sterol glucosides in biodiesel and biodiesel filter residues is an essential tool for the investigation of biodiesel problems. Intertek has significant expertise the testing and analysis of biodiesel and biodiesel fuel filter related problems.

LC-MS analysis: 

The volatility of steryl glucosides is too low for them to be successfully eluted by GC without derivatisation. They also have very limited sensitivity with conventional HPLC detectors. LC-MS is, therefore the chromatographic technique of choice for sterol glucoside analysis. The analysis is carried out using a LC-MS TOF analyser which gives the detection of low levels of both steryl glucosides and esterified steryl glucosides.

NMR analysis: 

The advantage of NMR is that it provides a reliable, quantitative and comparatively rapid method of detection of sterols without the need for any sample modification. The initial NMR analysis involves using sterol standards from which diagnostic 1H NMR peaks are determined. It is now possible to identify sterol glucosides in various biodiesel problem samples without chemical modification using these diagnostic NMR peaks.

Contact us to see how Intertek can help your organization with Sterol Glucosides Analysis in Biodiesel.