News
10-Jul-2008 - LGC solves Solvent Yellow 124 calibration issue
with new reference material
LGC has prepared and certified a new solvent-free reference
material for SY124 - ERM-AC316a.
Solvent Yellow 124, a fuel dye, was introduced
as a common marker in the European Union in 2002. The marker, known
as SY124, is added to low-duty fuels (e.g. heating fuels which also
contain traditional dyes) by the petroleum industry to distinguish
them from higher taxed road fuels and thus prevent misuse.
Large fines can be imposed on petroleum
companies if SY124 levels are found to be below 6 mg/L or above 9
mg/L. SY124 is produced industrially in solution (typically in
aromatic hydrocarbons) and as the amount present can vary from
batch to batch, refineries can have difficulty determining the
correct amount of marker to add.
LGC has prepared and certified a new
solvent-free reference material for SY124 – ERM-AC316a. Using this
new certified reference material will help the petroleum industry
to accurately determine the amount of SY124 in their solutions,
thus enabling the appropriate quantity of marker to be added.
Production of this reference material was
supported under contract with the UK’s Department for Innovation,
Universities and Skills’ National Measurement System Chemical and
Biological Programme.
LGC’s Research and Technology Division, based
in Teddington in the UK, acts as the designated UK National
Measurement Institute (NMI) for Chemical and Biochemical
measurement, and has a long history in the development and
validation of analytical methods and the production of reference
materials. LGC's Research and Technology Division is accredited to
ISO Guide 34 (General Requirements for the competence of reference
materials producers) for the production of reference materials.
ERM-AC316a is now available from LGC Standards
by emailing askus@lgcstandards.com or
calling +44 (0)20 8943 8480.
Notes to Editors