5.1 This test method is used to identify FAMEs and petroleum distillates found in biodiesel products. Derivatization is not necessary to identify FAMEs.

5.1.1 The identification of biodiesel in debris and liquid samples from a fire scene can provide data relevant to judgments regarding investigative leads and the origin and cause of a fire.

5.1.2 The identification of biodiesel in a sample of fuel from a dispensing container or fuel tank can contribute to the field investigator’s findings in a fuel product tampering investigation.

5.2 FAMEs can be identified in fire debris samples using headspace extraction techniques (Practices E1412, E1413, E2154, or E3189) and GC-MS.

5.2.1 Solvent extraction could be required to further identify and characterize the FAME content in biodiesel.

5.2.2 The presence of FAMEs and petroleum diesel is an indication of a biodiesel product, as FAMEs are not naturally occurring.

5.3 Biodiesel products can be identified in liquid samples by GC-MS after appropriate solvent dilution or extraction.

5.4 Biodiesel is available in different blends, where B100 is 100 % biodiesel (typically 100 % transesterified vegetable oils or recycled restaurant greases) and B2 is 2 % biodiesel and 98 % petroleum diesel, with variations in between.

5.5 This test method can be hampered by coincident extraction of interfering compounds present in the fire debris samples.

5.6 Depending on the extraction method used, this could be a destructive technique and whenever possible the entire sample should not be used for the procedure. The solvent extracted portions of the sample are not suitable for resampling.

1.1 This test method covers the analysis and identification of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and petroleum distillate components of biodiesel products.

1.2 This test method is suitable for identifying the components of biodiesel products in extracts of fire debris samples or in liquid samples.

1.3 The identification of a specific source of the FAMEs or the proportion of the blend of biodiesel requires additional analysis and is beyond the scope of this test method.

1.4 This test method is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.