BS EN 16476 specifies an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) method for the determination of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, copper and zinc concentrations of diesel fuels, including those containing up to 30 % (V/V) fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), in the range detailed in Table 1. These six elements are considered the most essential ash forming elements.
BS EN 16476 on the determination of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Copper and Zinc contents in diesel fuel by ICP OES method is useful for:
Ash-forming elements in diesel fuel may cause numerous technological and environmental problems, so the determination of these ash-forming elements in diesel vehicles is very essential.
BS EN 16476 specifies a method for determining the concentration of the six most essential ash-forming elements. The number of six are chosen in order to limit the complexity of the test and to be able to determine a decent method precision.
The test specified in BS EN 16476 provides additional information to the more common ash concentration determination methods which do aim towards filter problems. Metals have more impact on the durability of modern DPF exhaust gas after-treatment systems in diesel vehicles than ash in general.
The inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP OES) method described in BS EN 16476 has benefits such as a wide linear dynamic range, high matrix tolerance, and an enhanced speed of analysis that can be achieved.
BS EN 16476 helps ensure the determination of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Phosphorus, Copper and Zinc contents in diesel fuel is accurate and enables the quality performance of diesel vehicles by reducing technological and environmental problems.
EN 16476:2014