ASTM D8274-25 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Determination of Biodiesel (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters) Content in Diesel Fuel Oil by Portable Rapid Mid-Infrared Analyzer — a procedure for rapidly measuring FAME (biodiesel) concentration in diesel fuel and biodiesel blends using a portable mid‑infrared analyzer.

Abstract

This method defines a quick, field-capable mid‑infrared analyzer procedure to determine biodiesel (FAME) content in diesel fuel oils. The test is intended for routine quality control and distribution checks, delivering results in under a minute with no sample dilution or cleaning solvents required for the instrument. The method reports volume fractions of FAME over a low concentration range suitable for blend verification.

General information

• Status: Active (ASTM D8274-25 with an active amendment D8274-25a).
• Publication date: 2025 (published as D8274-25 in 2025; some distributors list release dates in 2025 and an amendment D8274-25a dated 01 Dec 2025).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: 75.160.40 (Biofuels / biodiesel).
• Edition / version: D8274-25 (2025). Amendment/version: D8274-25a (amendment published 2025).
• Number of pages: 7 pages.

Scope

The standard covers determination of biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters, FAME) content in diesel fuel oils by a portable rapid mid‑infrared analyzer for volume fractions typically from 0.1 % up to about 40.0 %. It is intended for quality control in production and distribution and applies to fuels meeting commonly used ASTM and ISO specifications (examples noted in the method). The method documents limitations (for example, over‑reading for short‑chain FAME such as coconut‑derived species and inability to distinguish certain oils or esters from FAME).

Key topics and requirements

• Measurement principle: portable mid‑infrared spectroscopy calibrated for FAME concentration.
• Measurement range: nominally 0.1 % to 40.0 % by volume (note: verification levels and apparatus types described in the procedure).
• Accuracy basis: method accuracy referenced to predominant C16/C18 FAME species (users should be aware of composition‑dependent bias for other FAME types).
• Limitations: cannot reliably distinguish vegetable/animal oils, FAEE, or other carbonyl‑containing compounds from FAME; short‑chain FAME (e.g., C12) may over‑read.
• Practical aspects: designed for rapid, on‑site checks — minimal sample prep, handheld analyzers, and optional verification/certification steps (including calibration and verification materials).

Typical use and users

Commonly used by fuel producers, blending terminals, fuel distributors, bulk fuel purchasers, field inspection teams, and instrument manufacturers/servicing labs for routine blend verification and surveillance. The method supports operational quality control and regulatory/commercial verification where quick, portable measurement is advantageous.

Related standards

Referenced and related documents include fuel specification standards and test methods such as ASTM D975 (diesel fuel oils), ASTM D7467 (biodiesel blends), ASTM D396 (fuel oils), relevant military/marine fuel specifications, and interlaboratory/research reports supporting D8274 precision (e.g., RR:D02-2079). Practice D6300 and other D02 committee methods are also relevant for study design and reporting.

Keywords

biodiesel, FAME, fatty acid methyl esters, biodiesel blend, biodiesel concentration, mid‑infrared, portable analyzer, diesel fuel, blend verification, field analysis, D8274.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D8274-25 is a test method specifying a portable rapid mid‑infrared analyzer procedure to determine biodiesel (FAME) content in diesel fuel oils.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers determination of volume fractions of FAME (nominally 0.1 % to 40.0 %) in diesel fuels and biodiesel blends, with guidance on calibration, verification, limitations, and applicable fuel types.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Fuel producers, terminals, distributors, field inspectors, contract laboratories, and instrument vendors use it for rapid blend verification and routine quality control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: D8274-25 is the 2025 edition of the method and is shown in ASTM listings; an amendment designated D8274-25a was published in 2025 (amendment details and active status are shown on ASTM listings). Users should confirm the active status and any amendments before application.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ASTM D8274 family (previous editions include D8274‑24, D8274‑20A, etc.) and belongs to the D02 committee suite of petroleum and liquid fuels test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: biodiesel, FAME, fatty acid methyl esters, infrared spectroscopy, biodiesel blend, blend verification, diesel fuel.