Title:
Investigation of Flash Point Depression in Diesel B Using Complementary GC-MS and Headspace GC/FID Approaches
Author(s):
de Assis, M.V., Prates-Valério, P., Pasa, V.M.D.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The investigation of flash point non-conformities in diesel fuels benefits from robust, complementary analytical approaches that can identify trace-level volatile contaminants. In this context, this study investigated flash point reduction in diesel B using complementary GC-MS and Headspace GC/FID analyses. Six non-conforming diesel B samples were selected for investigation, while a compliant diesel B14 sample was subjected to controlled ethanol additions (0.1%, 0.25%, and 0.5% v/v) to evaluate flash point sensitivity under controlled conditions. Flash point determinations were performed according to ASTM D93 and ASTM D56 methodologies. Controlled ethanol additions progressively reduced the flash point, from 48.1 °C in the original sample to 43.6 °C (0.1%), 39.6 °C (0.25%), and 32.1 °C (0.5%). Headspace GC/FID analyses showed volatile profiles consistent with ethanol-doped samples, while GC-MS provided complementary compositional characterisation of diesel and biodiesel-related compounds. In at least one real non-spiked sample, ethanol was detected at an approximate trace level of 0.03%, reinforcing the plausibility of volatile contamination associated with flash point depression. The integrated analytical approach demonstrated strong applicability for investigating diesel fuel non-conformities and supports improved diagnostic strategies within fuel quality monitoring programs.
Keywords:
flash point, ethanol contamination, fuel quality monitoring
Topic:
Biomass Conversion to Intermediate Bioenergy Carriers and Sustainable Biofuels
Subtopic:
Biofuels and renewable hydrocarbon biofuels
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
5AV.4.21
Pages:
843 - 845
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-5AV.4.21
Price:
FREE
