---

US-based standards development organization ASTM International has proposed a new standard that is designed to provide a means to test and evaluate alternate fuel sources, such as biofuels, for metals.

The proposed standard (WK54683) is a test method that covers the determination of metals and metalloids in biodiesel or ethanol by microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES).

It is the first microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) method being prepared for ASTM's 'Committee DO2 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants'.

Explaining the rationale behing the standard, ASTM said: "Biodiesel and ethanol are widely used renewable energy resources that are typically blended with petroleum in the fuel supply. Elements associated with these products may have a detrimental effect on catalysts used in production, catalytic converters used to reduce air pollution, or engine performance. These elements may be subject to legislative control and are critical in determining the quality of the biofuel. This method provides an easy and reliable measurement to ensure that these biofuels meet the appropriate quality standards prior to blending."

ASTM member Patrick Simmons, of Agilent Technologies Inc., remarked: "Methods to perform analysis of metal elements in fuels has many benefits to society. Purely from a performance perspective, control of contaminant metals in the final fuel product can mean a more efficient engine performance is achieved."

Founded in 1898, ASTM is a leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards. Currently, over 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally.

ASTM's Committee DO2 was formed in 1904; it meets twice a year, in June and December. Around 1,000 members attend the five days of technical meetings. The committee, with a current membership of approximately 2,500 industry professionals and experts, currently has jurisdiction over 814 standards, published in six volumes of the Annual Book of ASTM Standards.