Determination of specific gravity and kinematic viscosity of diesel using distillation curves and multivariate calibration

In order to predict specific gravity and kinematic viscosity, distillation curves (used in the quality control of diesel) were associated with the partial least squares method (PLS). The regression coefficients of the algorithms were compared after selecting the appropriate number of latent variables for each prediction. The low values (0.82 kg m− 3 and 0.095 mm2 s− 1) obtained for RMSEP (Root Mean Squared Error Prediction) and the high correlation coefficients (0.9973 and 0.9943) between real and predicted values showed that PLS associated with distillation curves was efficient to determine specific gravity and kinematic viscosity. Models created with diesel samples of different composition were used for these predictions, thus reflecting the variety of fuel in the Brazilian market. In addition, the proposed method is low cost and easy to carry out, since it resorts to the results of a routine assay performed to assess the quality of highway diesel fuel.

► Diesel properties were predicted by distillation curves and multivariate calibration.
► RMSEP values were lower than other models based on spectrometric techniques.
► Similar results to those obtained when performing the referenced methods.
► This method also presented satisfactory repeatability and reproducibility values.
► The use of distillation curves and PLS was useful to speed up the analytical process.