GB18350-2013
Denatured fuel ethanol
变性燃料乙醇
GB 18350-2013 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Denatured fuel ethanol. It appears in the Environment compliance cluster with a energy efficiency focus and has an implementation date of May 1, 2014.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard applies to denatured fuel ethanol produced from starch, sugar, or cellulose raw materials through fermentation, distillation, and dehydration, followed by the addition of denaturants. It is specifically designed for ethanol used in blending ethanol gasoline for motor vehicles. This standard is mandatory for all manufacturers producing denatured fuel ethanol for the Chinese market.
Technical requirements
Chapter 4 of the standard outlines the mandatory technical requirements. It specifies that the base fuel ethanol must have a specific density range at 20°C, and the denaturant must comply with GB/T 22030 or GB 18351 without unauthorized oxygenates. The volumetric blending ratio of fuel ethanol to denaturant is strictly regulated (recently updated by Modification Sheet No. 2 to a range of 100:0.5 to 100:2). Furthermore, an effective metal corrosion inhibitor must be added to meet copper strip corrosion requirements. The core of the standard defines the physicochemical limits for the final product. It mandates that the product must be visually clear and transparent without suspended matter. Key regulated parameters include minimum ethanol content, maximum methanol content, and strict limits on solvent-washed gum and moisture content. Additionally, the standard enforces strict limits on contaminants and specific chemical characteristics, including inorganic chloride, acidity (as acetic acid), copper content, and pHe (acid strength). A critical environmental and operational parameter, sulfur content, is also strictly limited, with specific thresholds varying based on the target gasoline emission standard stage (e.g., China IV or China V). Compliance with all these physicochemical limits is mandatory for market access.
Testing methods
The standard specifies a comprehensive suite of testing methodologies to verify compliance. Ethanol and methanol contents are determined using gas chromatography (as detailed in Appendix A). Water content is measured using the Karl Fischer titration method (Appendix B). Inorganic chloride is assessed via potentiometric titration or mercury nitrate titration (Appendix C), with the former acting as the arbitration method. Acidity is determined by acid-base titration (Appendix D), while copper content is measured using atomic absorption graphite furnace spectrometry (Appendix E). The pHe is measured using a specialized acidimeter with a composite electrode (Appendix F), and sulfur content is tested via ultraviolet fluorescence or microcoulometry.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 18350-2013?
It applies to fuel ethanol produced from starch, sugar, or cellulose materials that has been denatured specifically for blending into ethanol gasoline for motor vehicles. It is not applicable to undenatured fuel ethanol or edible alcohol.
Are there any significant updates from the previous GB 18350-2001 version?
The 2013 version introduced a sulfur content limit (≤30 mg/kg, later updated via modification sheets for different emission stages), modified the denaturant blending ratio, and significantly tightened the inorganic chloride limit from ≤32 mg/L to ≤8 mg/L.
How does GB 18350-2013 differ from international standards?
While it does not directly adopt ISO standards, it references established Chinese national standards (GB/T series) for methodologies, such as gas chromatography and Karl Fischer titration, which are widely recognized international testing principles. It is mandatory for all manufacturers producing or supplying this fuel in China.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 18350-2013. To ensure complete compliance for your products entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 18350-2013 today to access all detailed parameters, tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Product
- CCS
- E31
- ICS
- 75.160.20
- Competent department
- National Energy Administration
- Technical committee
- National Energy Administration
Relationships
Replaces:GB 18350-2001