Analysis of Glycerin and Glycerides in Biodiesel (B100) Using ASTM D6584 and EN14105

Abstract
The analysis of free glycerin (glycerol) and total glycerides (mono-, di-, and triglycerides) in B100 biodiesel was performed according to ASTM method D6584 and CEN method EN14105. Method improvements were demonstrated through the use of a 530-μm id high-temperature fused-silica retention gap coupled to the analytical column. This was made possible with an Agilent Capillary Flow Technology Ultimate Union designed for inert, high-temperature GC oven operation. This configuration on the Agilent 7890A GC System showed calibration and precision performance that exceeded both D6584 and EN14105 specifications. This application provides complete system configuration as well as guidelines for successful analysis of free glycerin and total glycerides in biodiesel.