IP 583; ASTM D7797; ASTM D7963 Determination of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) content with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy – Rapid screening method". The patented FIJI has been developed to offer a rapid and easy check on Parts Per Million (ppm or mg/kg) levels of FAME in Aviation fuel, Distillates, Residuals and Gasoline. FIJI uniquely utilises state of the art FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy) technology and a patented sample preparation system which allows FAME detection accuracy down to the 10mg/kg level. FIJI can be used as a field or lab based screening tool to give a quick indication of possible FAME contamination that may then necessitate further investigations. The instrument can be used to prevent expensive testing and avoid costly delays of fuel release.

The FIJI instrument is robust, extremely simple to use and is fully automatic so no specialist operator training is involved. Tests require less than 50ml of sample and typically take under 20 minutes. Results are presented in mg/kg units together with an optional traffic light system for flagging FAME contamination levels of the fuel. By comparison current analytical tests can take many hours, require complex equipment and demand high skill levels.

Using a unique sample preparation module the sample is pumped at a controlled flow rate though a proprietary disposable cartridge. The sample components are spectrally analysed by the FTIR and a result is displayed in mg/kg and a graphical spectrum is also shown.

The system is self-cleaning so no solvents are required. After each test the cartridge is simply and easily replaced and the instrument is immediately ready for the next sample.