Carbon-14 analysis for biofuel production

Biomass feedstock is a key source of renewable energy, essential for generating sustainable electricity, heat and transport fuels.
This alternative energy source plays a major role in the transition away from greenhouse gas-intensive fuels toward a more sustainable, low carbon future. Within the fuel sector, the manufacturing of biofuel blends using biomass resources lessens the impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) on the environment, while also allowing fuel manufacturers to receive tax credits and demonstrate compliance with regulatory initiatives.1
To quantify the biogenic content of transport fuels, carbon-14 analysis is a critical step.
About carbon-14 testing
Carbon-14 analysis is used to measure the biogenic carbon content of biofuel blends. The analysis is based on analytical standards such as ASTM D6866, a test method developed to determine the biogenic carbon content of solid, liquid, and gaseous samples using radiocarbon analysis.
The application of ASTM D6866 to biofuel samples yields a result than may range from 0% biogenic content to 100% biogenic content.2
A result of 0% biogenic content indicates a sample...