EN 14214 Biodiesel Composition
Introduction:
EN 14214 biodiesel, also known as Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME), is a renewable fuel increasingly adopted for its environmental benefits and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. Understanding its composition is crucial for both producers and users, ensuring fuel quality and compatibility with engine systems. This document provides a detailed breakdown of EN 14214 biodiesel's composition, catering to a professional audience.
Main Component: Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME)
Constituent: At least 96.5% of EN 14214 biodiesel volume comprises FAME, the primary fuel component.
Origin: Derived through transesterification of triglycerides from renewable sources like vegetable oils, animal fats, and microalgal oils.
Composition: Different fatty acids like oleic, palmitic, and linoleic contribute to the FAME mix, impacting fuel properties like viscosity and cold flow.
§ Minor Components:
Methanol: Traces (up to 0.2%) might remain after transesterification, necessitating removal due to flammability and potential engine corrosion.
Glycerol: A byproduct separated and refined for various industrial uses.
Antioxidants: Small amounts of BHT or tocopherols enhance stability and prevent oxidation.
Cold Flow Improvers: Used for biodiesel with high saturated fat content to improve low-temperature flow.
§ Additives:
Cetane Improvers: Enhance ignition characteristics and improve engine performance in some blends.
Variations:
· The exact composition of EN 14214 biodiesel can vary depending on:
§ Feedstock used (e.g., palm oil vs. rapeseed oil)
§ Processing conditions (e.g., temperature, catalyst)
· However, the EN 14214 standard ensures consistent fuel quality and performance for compression-ignition engines
The Standard analysis of Biodiesel at EN14214 Spec.
Parameter Unit Requirement Notes
Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) content % (v/v) ≥ 96.5 Minimum ester content for compliance
Methanol content % (v/v) ≤ 0.2 Traces allowed from transesterification
Water content % (v/v) ≤ 0.05 Minimizes microbial growth and corrosion
Total sediment mg/kg ≤ 20 Impurities and filtration efficiency
Acid number mg KOH/g ≤ 0.5 Measures free fatty acids, impacting lubricity
Kinematic viscosity at 40°C mm²/s 3.2 - 6.0 Affects fuel spray and atomization
Density at 15°C kg/m³ 860 - 900 Influences fuel pump performance
Flash point °C ≥ 51 Minimum safety requirement for ignition
Pour point °C Varies according to winter grade Depends on cold flow properties
Cloud point °C Varies according to winter grade Affects filterability at low temperatures
Sulphur content mg/kg ≤ 10 Minimizes SOx emissions and catalyst poisoning
Cetane number - ≥ 51 Ignition and combustion characteristics
Oxidation stability h ≥ 6 Resistance to degradation and deposit formation
Copper strip corrosion Class 1 Minimal to no corrosion potential
Polymers % (m/m) ≤ 0.25 Limits filter clogging and injector fouling