| Abstract Title: | Tackling the challenges of modern fuel with the application of chromatography and mass spectrometry |
| Presenter Name: | Ms Molly Wilson |
| Co-authors: | Dr Jim Barker Ms Jacqueline Reid Dr Edward Wilmot Prof G. John Langley Dr Julie Herniman |
| Company/Organisation: | University of Southampton |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
Abstract Information :
A new method for the analysis of diesel engine fuel filters has been developed. A fuel filter removes particulate matter in the fuel delivery system. The analysis of fuel filters has become essential in identifying the cause of fuel delivery system blockages. Recently, changes have been made to fuel specifications and engine design to meet new legislative mandates; these changes have coincided with an increase in the number of reports detailing fuel delivery system failures due to blockages. These blockages can result in increased emissions, reduced efficiency, and engine failure. This new method combines gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with a thermal desorption (TD) style sample introduction approach. This enables analysis of fuel filters without prior sample preparation, therefore reducing solvent consumption. A quick and straightforward sample clean-up procedure was developed for heavily soiled filter samples, solvent use was minimised to ensure sustainability. This was used in conjunction with the new analysis approach to simplify and improve confidence in the data identification and assignment. The new method allows fast, simple and more sustainable analysis of fuel filters; when compared to other methods used in literature the new approach is up to thousand times faster. The analysis method proved successful in identifying problematic material in the samples, analysis of the putative compound and ultra-high performance supercritical fluid chromatography – mass spectrometry (UHPSFC-MS) were used to add confidence in the assignment. It is not yet fully understood why blockages occur; analysis of fuel and fuel filters is imperative in identifying problematic material that may contribute to blockage formation. This information can subsequently be used in the development of mitigation strategies to combat fuel delivery system blockages.
