Detection of Methanol in Gasolines Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and an Optical Fiber

Because of methanol's relatively low cost and its utility as an octane booster, a need to monitor the concentration of methanol in gasolines has evolved. Near-infrared analysis can be used to monitor methanol in gasolines with the use of optical fiber. If stepwise multiple linear regression is used, methanol can be predicted to within 0.25 weight percent. The use of an optical fiber lowers personnel and instrument exposure to hazardous environments and minimizes the risk of explosion. It is pointed out, however, that care must be taken in the prediction of future specimens. The differences between enumerative and analytical calibrations are also discussed.