eraspec, an industry-proven multi-fuel analyzer by eralytics, has been installed thousands of times worldwide.
For gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and even specialty fuels like ethanol fuels, it provides measurements of fuel component concentrations, density, and complex properties like cetane number, or RON. All outcomes are obtained in a minute with a single button press.
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Image Credit: eralytics GmbH
Standards
ASTM E1655, ASTM D4052, ASTM D5845, ASTM D6277, ASTM D7777, ASTM D7806, ASTM D8321, EN 238, EN 14078, IP 559, ISO 12185, and ISO 15212
Correlations
EN 13016-1 EN 13016-2 ISO 3405 ISO 5163 ISO 5165 ISO 5165 ASTM D86 ASTM D323 ASTM D613 ASTM D976 ASTM D1319 ASTM D1322 ASTM D1840 ASTM D2699 ASTM D2700 ASTM D3948 ASTM D4814 ASTM D4815 ASTM D5191 ASTM D5769 ASTM D6378 ASTM D7371
FTIR Fuel Analysis
A Fourier transform spectrometer is used in FTIR fuel analysis to record a spectrum of the fuel under study in the mid-infrared spectrum. A single measurement can identify more than 40 parameters in a matter of seconds, depending on the technique used.
For gasoline measurements, parameters such as RON, MON, and AKI, along with distillation properties, ester content, and aromatic concentrations, are analyzed. Cetane enhancers, biodiesel, diesel aromatics, and many other substances can be measured.
When analyzing biodiesel, eraspec differentiates between FAME, FAEE, and vegetable oil. It measures FAME in full compliance with ASTM D7806 and EN 14078. For jet fuel, key parameters include FAME content, aromatics, freezing and flash points, smoke point, distillation properties, and viscosity.
Image Credit: eralytics GmbH
Integrated ASTM D4052 Density Measurement
eraspec continues to expand the possibilities of portable fuel testing with eralytics’ advanced, temperature-controlled U-tube density meter modules, DENS7777 and DENS4052.
eraspec can measure density, benzene, and FAME in full compliance with international fuel specifications such as ASTM D4814, EN228, and EN590 when used in conjunction with the ultra-light density meter module DENS4052 (patent pending), which offers density measurements in full compliance with ASTM D4052 & ISO 12185 (r = 0.0001 g/cm3).
The new DENS7777 U-tube density module from eralytics, which is temperature-controlled and fully complies with ASTM D7777 and ISO 15212 (r = 0.0005 g/cm3), is now included in eraspec's standard version.
Image Credit: eralytics GmbH
Concentrations vs. Parameters
The measured infrared spectrum can be used by eraspec to directly determine the concentrations of fuel components. This includes octane boosters like MMT for gasoline measurements, oxygenates like MTBE or ethanol (ASTM D5845), and aromatics like benzene (ASTM D6277).
However, knowing the precise fuel composition also makes it possible to compute more intricate fuel parameters. eraspec computes parameters like RON, MON, or distillation and evaporation fractions from the gasoline spectrum using chemometrical models that are based on fuel libraries. It discusses diesel fuel's cetane number, index, and many other topics.
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Expandable Database
eralytics can rely on a wealth of experience providing custom databases of international fuel calibration samples with known parameters, which are based on thousands of eraspec installations worldwide. Running a measurement and then entering the corresponding reference values is all that is required to add customer samples to the databases.
Since the chemometrical models are computed in real-time, the additional data is instantly available for the subsequent measurement. In addition to the expandable database, eraspec's user-friendly software makes it simple to create different library sets and switch between them. Additionally, there is no need for a PC and it is very simple to exchange libraries between various eraspec instruments.
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Unknown or Contaminated Samples
The eraspec fuel analyzer's “Automatic Fuel Recognition” (AFR) Module makes it simple to measure unknown samples. It automatically initiates the appropriate analysis based on the registered fuel type and determines whether gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel is being measured.
The “Gasoline Contamination Module” can measure the most prevalent gasoline contaminants. Common compounds that can be measured include DMM, N-Methyl-Aniline, Diolefines, Aniline, DMC, and different butyl-acetates, among others.
The eraspec fuel analyzer is a trustworthy instrument for combating fuel adulteration fraud at gas stations.
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Patented Design
A patented corner-cube retro-reflector FTIR spectrometer is at the center of the eraspec fuel analyzer. Its spectral resolution is suited to the fuel analysis task, and it is laser and temperature-controlled for maximum precision. This lowers the potential limits of detection and increases repeatability by minimizing any noise.
Since eraspec's distinctive triple-cell design is now the norm for all analyzers, upgrading instruments in the future will be a breeze. Depending on the fuel being examined, eraspec automatically chooses between a 20 µm and a 100 µm path length measurement cell.
This makes it possible for eraspec to consistently provide the best measurement outcome. If necessary, background measurements are performed in a third cell. A special fourfold-cell design with a wider path length is available for specific applications (such as advanced cetane improver determination).
Image Credit: eralytics GmbH
Image Credit: eralytics GmbH
Option: 10-Position Autosampler for High Sample Throughput
The 10-position autosampler from eralytics is an add-on for the eraspec spectral fuel analyzer. The instrument can easily connect up to 10 samples at once because the 10-position autosampler is directly attached to it. It is the ideal way to increase efficiency and sample throughput. Even with the 10-position autosampler attached, all instruments remain portable.
Image Credit: eralytics GmbH
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Module Parameters
Gasoline. Source: eralytics GmbH
| Properties1 |
Range |
| Research Octane Number (RON) |
70 – 110 |
| Motor Octane Number (MON) |
60 – 100 |
| Anti Knock Index (AKI) |
65 – 105 |
| RVP & DVPE |
35 – 105 kPa |
| Distillation fractions |
IBP, T10, T50, T90, FBP |
| Evaporation fractions |
E70, E100, E150, E180, E200, E300, E350, E370 |
| Density (built-in U-tube cell) |
0 – 3 gcm-3 |
| Driveability Index, VOC Emissions Calculator, Vapor Lock Index (VLI), User Definable Parameters |
| Sum Parameters |
Range |
| Aromatics1 |
0 – 80 Vol% |
| Olefins1 |
0 – 80 Vol% |
| Di-Olefins2 |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| Oxygenates2 |
0 – 80 Vol% |
| Oxygen2 |
0 – 12 wt% |
| Anilines2 |
0 – 25 Vol% |
| Esters2 |
0 – 30 Vol% |
| Saturates |
0 – 100 Vol% |
| Oxygenate Parameters2 |
Range |
| MTBE |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| ETBE |
0 – 25 Vol% |
| TAME |
0 – 25 Vol% |
| TAEE |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| DIPE |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| Dimethoxymethane (DMM) |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| Methanol |
0 – 15 Vol% |
| Ethanol |
0 – 100 Vol% |
| Iso-Propanol |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| 1-Butanol |
0 – 100 Vol% |
| 2-Butanol |
0 – 25 Vol% |
| Isobutanol |
0 – 50 Vol% |
| tert-Butanol |
0 – 25 Vol% |
| Dimethylcarbonate (DMC) |
0 – 15 Vol% |
| Methylacetate |
0 – 15 Vol% |
| Ethylacetate |
0 – 15 Vol% |
| Isobutylacetate |
0 – 15 Vol% |
| Sec-Butylacetate |
0 – 15 Vol% |
| Nitromethane |
0 – 9 m% |
| Aromatics2 |
Range |
| Benzene |
0 -10 Vol% |
| Toluene |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| o-Xylene |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| m-Xylene |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| p-Xylene |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| Ethylbenzene |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| Propylbenzene |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| 2-Ethyltoluene |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| 3-Ethyltoluene |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| 4-Ethyltoluene |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| Pseudocumene |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| Hemillitol |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| Mesitylene |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| Iso-Durene |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| Durene |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| Naphthalene |
0 – 10 Vol% |
| Octane Boosters2 |
Range |
| MMT |
0 – 10000 mg/L |
| CMT |
0 – 10000 mg/L |
| Manganese (by MMT) |
0 – 2500 mg/L |
| DCPD (Dicyclopentadiene) |
0 – 15 Vol% |
| Anilines2 |
Range |
| Aniline |
0 – 15 Vol% |
| N-Methylaniline |
0 – 15 Vol% |
| o-Methoxyaniline |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| o-Toluidine |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| m-Toluidine |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| p-Toluidine |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| N,N, Dimethylaniline |
0 – 20 Vol% |
Easy addition of unlimited user-defined properties.
1 … The range and repeatability for all correlated properties depend on the used database.
2 … Lowest concentrations correspond to the limit of detection (LOD), all concentrations in Vol% and wt%
Diesel. Source: eralytics GmbH
| Properties1 |
Range |
| Cetane Number |
20 – 80 |
| Cetane Index |
20 – 80 |
| Distillation fractions |
IBP, T10, T50, T65, T85, T90, T95, FBP |
| Evaporation fractions |
E250, E350 |
| CFPP |
-50 – +20 °C |
| Viscosity @ 40 °C |
0 – 10 mm2/s |
| Density (built-in U-tube cell) |
0 – 3 gcm-3 |
| Parameters |
Range |
| Total Aromatics1 |
0 – 80 Vol% |
| Polynuclear Aromatics (PNA)1 |
0 – 80 Vol% |
| Benzene2 |
0 – 5 Vol% |
| Cetane Improver (2-EHN, IPN)2 |
0 – 20 000 mg/L |
| Dimethoxymethane (Methylal)2 |
0 – 20 Vol% |
| FAME2 |
0 – 100 Vol% |
| FAEE2 |
0 – 100 Vol% |
| Vegetable Oil2 |
0 – 65 Vol% |
| Distinction between FAME (Biodiesel) and vegetable oil |
| Separate calibrations for different FAME / FAEE sources |
Easy addition of unlimited user-defined properties.
1 … The range and repeatability for all correlated properties depend on the used database.
2 … Lowest concentrations correspond to the limit of detection (LOD), all concentrations in Vol% and wt%.
Jet Fuel. Source: eralytics GmbH
| Properties1 |
Range |
| Freezing Point |
-80 – -20 °C |
| Flash Point |
-20 – +100 °C |
| Smoke Point |
0 – 1000 mm |
| Viscosity at 20 °C |
1.2 – 2.1 mPas |
| Viscosity at -20 °C |
0 – 10 mPas |
| Distillation fractions |
IBP, T10, T50, T65, T85, T90, T95, FBP |
| MSEP |
50 – 100 % |
| Density (built-in U-tube cell) |
0 – 3 gcm-3 |
| Parameters |
Range |
| Total Aromatics1 |
0 – 80 Vol% |
| FAME concentration2 |
0 – 6 Vol% |
| Polynuclear Aromatics (PNA)1 |
0 – 10 Vol% |
Easy addition of unlimited user-defined properties.
1 … The range and repeatability for all correlated properties depend on the used database.
2 … Lowest concentrations correspond to the limit of detection (LOD), all concentrations in Vol% and wt%
Fuel Ethanol/Methanol. Source: eralytics GmbH
Fuel Ethanol
| Parameter2 |
Range |
| Ethanol |
0 – 100 Vol% |
| Water |
0 – 100 Vol% |
| Methanol |
0 – 15 Vol% |
| Denaturant |
0 – 100 Vol% |
| Density (built-in U-tube cell) |
0 – 3 gcm-3 |
Fuel Methanol
| Parameter2 |
Range |
| Methanol |
0 – 100 Vol% |
| Density (built-in U-tube cell) |
0 – 3 gcm-3 |
Easy addition of unlimited user-defined properties.
2 … Lowest concentrations correspond to the limit of detection (LOD), all concentrations in Vol% and wt%
eraspec Feature Video
- 60-second characterization of more than 40 fuel parameters
- Rigid FTIR and laser/temperature design patents for maximum accuracy
- A matrix of several hundred international fuels was used to calibrate the factory
- Simple, expandable libraries to customize the reference matrix for unique uses
- Customized path lengths for a range of uses
- Integrated U-tube oscillation density meter (ISO 15212)
- Instantaneous, thorough fuel analysis of jet, diesel, and gasoline
- Diesel fuel detection of vegetable oil and biodiesel (ASTM D7806)
ERASPEC – Spectral Fuel Analysis in Seconds
Video Credit: eralytics GmbH
eraspec Operation Video
An overview of eraspec's typical operation, including installation, measurement, and some extended measuring options, can be found in this video.
ERASPEC Operation Video
Video Credit: eralytics GmbH
Technical Specifications
Source: eralytics GmbH
| . |
. |
| Available Test Methods |
ASTM D5845, ASTM D6277, D4052/D7777, ASTM D7806, E1655, EN 238, EN 14078, ISO 12185, ISO 15212, IP559, US D.O.T / RCRA / NAVY and NATO reference methods |
| Correlation to… |
ASTM D56, D86, D323, D445, D613, D976, D1319, D1322, D1840, D2386, D2699, D2700, D3828, D4814, D4815, D5191, D5769, D6371, D6379, D6378, D7153, D7371; EN 116, EN 13016; ISO 3104, ISO 3405, ISO 5163, ISO 5164, ISO 5165 |
| Spectrometer Type |
Patented mid-FTIR spectrometer
Laser and temperature controlled design |
| Measurement Cell |
20 µm and / or 100 µm path length cell, reference cell
Optimized dual or triple position cell design for gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel measurements
Optional fourfold-cell for special applications (e.g. 400 µm) |
| Calibration |
Factory calibrated with a matrix of several hundred international fuels |
| Spectral Libraries |
Easy addition, expansion and exchange of individual fuel libraries
On the fly recalculation of libraries without delaying any measurements |
| Density Meter |
Temp. controlled oscillating U-tube density meter (0-3 g/cm3):
Standard density module (r = 0.0005 g/cm3; ASTM D7777)
High precision density module (r = 0.0001 g/cm3; ASTM D4052) |
| Available Analyzer Modules |
- Gasoline module (ASTM D5845, ASTM D6277, and several correlation methods)
- MMT / CMT module (determination of MMT, CMT and Manganese)
- Contamination gasoline module
- Benzene (determination according to EN 238)
- Synthetic fuel module (for gasoline)
- Diesel module (with several preprogrammed correlation methods)
- 2EHN Cetan improver module
- Low FAME module (for determination of FAME in diesel or jet fuel)
- EU FAME module (for determination of FAME according to EN 14078)
- Ethanol fuel module (ASTM D4806)
- Methanol fuel module
- Automatic fuel recognition module
- Jet fuel module (with several preprogrammed correlation methods)
|
| Measurement Time |
60 seconds, includes fully automated rinsing, filling and measurement (DENS7777)
Warm-up time 30 second |
| Sample Introduction |
Directly from the sample container by an integrated pump |
| Sample Volume |
10 mL |
| Cleaning |
Automatic rinsing with next sample or solvent
Flow cell protected by an integrated filter |
| Display of Fuel Spectra |
Direct comparison of spectra on the color touchscreen
Overlay of fuel spectra with spectra of pure substances |
| Display |
Industry proven 8.4″ multilingual color touchscreen |
| Languages |
English, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese
Additional languages available upon request |
| Interfaces |
Built-in PC with Ethernet, 5 x USB-A, 1xUSB-B and RS232 interfaces
Direct LIMS connectivity via LAN and output to printer or PC
Optional input by keyboard, mouse and barcode scanner
Wifi via external USB dongle |
| Remote Control |
Remote service capability via Ethernet interface |
| PC Software |
erasoft RCS – remote control Windows® software for multi-instrument remote control, convenient data transfer, viewing spectra and result analysis |
| Result Satabase |
50 000+ detailed test reports and spectra storable in internal memory |
| Alarm Tracking |
All alarm messages are stored the the database together with the results |
| Autosampler |
Optional 10-position auto-sampler – directly attached |
| Operating Conditions |
Temperature range 5 °C to 45 °C
Humidity up to 90% RH, non-condensing |
| Power Requirements |
Auto-switching 85-264 V AC, 47-63 Hz, max. 150 W (multi-voltage power supply)
Field application: 12 V DC (vehicle battery) adapter available |
| Dimensions & Weight |
(W x D x H) = 29.1 x 32.9 x 34.8 cm (11.5 x 12.9 x 13.7 in) / 10.5 kg (23.1 lb) |