Standards For Biodiesel Fuel

A number of technical standards for biodiesel fuel have been set in order to maintain its quality. This includes the European standard EN 14214, ASTM International D6751, and others. Here in this article we will take a look at the biodiesel fuel technical standards.

The European standard for biodiesel fuel is EN 14214. This has been translated into the respective national biodiesel fuel standards for each country that forms the CEN. For instance, in United Kingdom, it is BS EN 14214 and for Germany DIN EN 14214. The major difference existing between EN 14214 standards of biodiesel fuel in different countries is the national annex which details climate related necessities of biodiesel in different CEN member countries.

Other international standards for biodiesel fuel published by ASTM International include:

• D6751-08 Specification for Biodeisel Fuel Blend Stock (B100) for Middle Distillate Fuels
• D975-08a Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils for on and off-road applications
• D396-08b Specification for Fuel Oils for home heating and boiler applications
• D7467-08 Specification for Diesel Fuel Oil, Biodiesel Blend (B6 to B20)

There are also DIN biodiesel fuel standards for three specific varieties of biodiesel, which are made of different oils:

• RME (rapeseed methyl ester, according to DIN E 51606)
• PME (vegetable methyl ester, purely vegetable products, according to DIN E 51606)
• FME (fat methyl ester, vegetable and animal products, according to DIN V 51606)

The biodiesel fuel technical standards make sure that the following significant factors in the production process of the fuel are met with:

• Acid value.
• Complete reaction.
• Elimination of glycerin.
• Removal of catalyst.
• Removal of alcohol.
• Absence of free fatty acids.
• Low sulfur content.
• Cold Filter Plugging point.
• Cloud Point.

Basic industrial tests can help find out if products conform to the international standards for biodiesel fuel. These usually include gas chromatography, a test which confirms to the more important of the variables above. More advanced tests tend to be more expensive. The biodiesel fuel meeting the quality standards is very non-toxic.

ASTM International has approved new technical standards for biodiesel fuels.

According to the National Biodiesel Board (NBB), ASTM standards for the 20% biodiesel blends, or B20, are a vital obstacle for the complete acceptance of using such blends in diesel vehicles. Automakers and engine producers can test B20 in their diesel engines and know that consumers will be using Biodiesel fuel of the same quality.. While setting the new B20 standards of biodiesel fuel, ASTM International also made changes to its conditions for B5 and for 100% biodiesel, or B100.