Photothermal detection of adulterants in automotive fueld

In this paper, we describe a new, simple, and fast photothermal method for detecting the presence of adulterants in commercial gasolines. The method consists essentially of measuring the time evolution of the gasoline vapor in an originarily air-filled closed cell using a pyroelectric sensor. The tr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Analytical chemistry (Washington) 2004-01, Vol.76 (1), p.114
Main Authors: Lima, J A P, Massunaga, M S O, Vargas, H, Miranda, L C M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Automobiles
Fuels
Heat detection
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:In this paper, we describe a new, simple, and fast photothermal method for detecting the presence of adulterants in commercial gasolines. The method consists essentially of measuring the time evolution of the gasoline vapor in an originarily air-filled closed cell using a pyroelectric sensor. The transient photothermal signal amplitude data fitting yields two parameters, namely, a saturation signal amplitude and the characteristic time for approaching saturation. From the values, two figures of merit are defined. The method was tested with a universe of 210 commercial samples collected in different gas stations. It is shown that the proposed method has an uncertainty of 5.7%. This good accuracy, together with its simplicity and fast response, may render it useful for developing a portable device for fast checking in field analysis. [PERIODICAL ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0003-2700
1520-6882