Quality control in renewable fuels is critical. Tech Futures has developed expertise and a reputation as a provider of quality analysis of renewable fuels (biodiesel and ethanol).
Tech Futures performs the following product certifications:
- Biodiesel (B100)
- Biodiesel blends (B1-B5)
- Denatured ethanol
- CAN/CBSB-3.511
- ASTM D4806
Tech Futures also does a wide range of specification tests on renewable fuels, including:
- Cleanliness
- Total and free glycerin
- Flash point
- Acidity
- Cold soak
- Oxidation stability, cloud, sulphur
If any test fails, the full spectrum analysis is stopped.
Supporting biodiesel research
Tech Futures works with groups such as the Agricultural Bioproducts Innovation Program with Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, and Tech Futures’ oilseed research team.
Some of the tests performed to support this research include:
- Precipitation above the cloud point - canola may contain more sterols than soy or other feedstocks
- Feedstock oil characterization and correlation to final product quality
- Feedstock oil evaluation - processes to make it suitable for esterification
- Blending of methyl ester biodiesels with conventional and bitumen derived diesels, and their characterization