Development of a Biodiesel Fuel Detector Tube

Abstract

In recent years, biodiesel fuel (BDF) is widely noticed as the alternative diesel fuel. In this study, a detector tube was successfully developed for the screening of biodiesel fuel. The detector reagent is the mixture of phloroglucinol, sulfuric acid and silica gel. And it is enclosed in a glass tube. The detector reagent turns to red by reacting with fatty acid methyl ester (FAME). The detection limit of this tube is 0.05 % for liquid. This detector tube takes on positive reaction with BDF and vegetable oil, but negative reaction with diesel fuel. This detector tube is useful for the screening of biodiesel fuel.