Fuel Technology Now Requires Uniform GLC Analytical Procedures

Abstract

Experimental work within the broad spectrum of fuels technology calls for both accurate and uniform analytical methods for fuels and combustion products. Recent experience, however, has shown wide variation in analytical results obtained by different laboratories each possessing generally high competence for petroleum analysis. Analytical capability across laboratories would be improved through use of more nearly uniform methods so that laboratories doing air pollution research would be able to separate, identify, and quantify the many fuel components and products in comparable manner. Moreover, to fully utilize the advantages of such uniform analyses, results must then be expressed in a systematic, standardized format. Improved accuracy in the analytical data is needed, but accuracy alone will not suffice and should be sought in conjunction with uniform procedures and identification format. The paper suggests a hydrocarbon identification and classification scheme to be used in reporting analyses that are obtained following uniform, standardized analytical procedures. The resulting information would be readily translatable from laboratory to laboratory.