A new era in the determination of the oxidation stability of biodiesel (FAME)
The 873 Biodiesel Rancimat as a modern, PC-controlled instrument allows the convenient determination of the oxidation stability. Disposable reaction vials reduce the amount of cleaning to the absolute minimum. This saves both time and money. In addition, the accuracy and reproducibility are significantly improved. With the help of the certified temperature sensor in the GLP Set it is now possible to set the temperature very precisely and reproducibly; this improves the comparability of the results even more. The software of the third Rancimat generation with automatic data recording and evaluation as well as a measurement database allows the convenient management of large amounts of data.
Oxidation stability of biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters, FAME)
In addition to other alternative fuels such as ethanol, methanol or biogas (methane), fatty acid methyl esters are becoming commercially available; these are also known as biodiesel, RME (rapeseed oil methyl esters) or FAME (fatty acid methyl esters). As an alternative, fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) are used in some countries. Biodiesel has a relatively short storage life as, like natural fats and oils, it is slowly oxidized by atmospheric oxygen. The substances produced by this decomposition can cause engine damage. For this reason the oxidation stability is an important quality criterion for biodiesel and is determined regularly during its manufacture. By using the 873 Biodiesel Rancimat this determination can be carried out simply and reliably. The oxidation process can be slowed down by the addition of antioxidants. The 873 Biodiesel Rancimat can also be used for determining the effectiveness of antioxidants.
Standard
The oxidation stability of fatty acid methyl esters has already been included in various test methods as a standard parameter used to define the minimum quality requirements of biodiesel.
Specification
- ASTM D 6751 (ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials) «Standard specification for biodiesel fuel blend stock (B100) for middle distillate fuels»
- ASTM D 7467a (2009) «Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oil, Biodiesel Blend (B6 to B20)»
- EN 14214 (2008) «Automotive fuels - Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) for diesel engines - Requirements and test methods»
- EN 590 (2009) « Automotive fuels - Diesel - Requirements and test methods»
Testing method
- EN 14112 «Fat and oil derivatives - Fatty acid methylesters (FAME) - Determination of oxidation stability (accelerated oxidation test)»
- DIN EN 15751 (2009) «Automotive fuels - Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) fuel and blends with diesel fuel - Determination of oxidation stability by accelerated oxidation method»
- EN 14213 «Heating fuels - Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) - Requirements and test methods»