BS EN 14106 Fat and oil derivatives - Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) - Determination of free glycerol content
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies a gas chromatographic method for the determination of free glycerol content in Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) in the range of 0.005 % to 0.070 %, hereinafter referred as FAME.
This method aims to evaluate the FAME quality, in terms of transesterification by-products content such as glycerol, whose concentration may affect the fuel behaviour.
WARNING - The use of this method may involve hazardous equipment, materials and operations. This method does not purport to address to all of the safety problems associated with its use, but it is the responsibility of the user to search and establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE In the context of this method (m/m) and (v/v) can be used.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies (including amendments).
EN ISO 661, Animal and vegetable fats and oils - Preparation of test sample (ISO 661:1989).
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard, the following term and definition apply.
3.1 free glycerol content
is the residual glycerol remaining in FAME after the vegetable oil transesterification reaction and the separation of so obtained glycerol
4 Principle of method
Ethyl alcohol, water and hexane and a known amount of internal standard are added to a known quantity of sample. The addition of these solvents causes the formation of two phases and free glycerol is quantitatively transferred into the lower one.
The gas chromatographic analysis of lower phase allows to quantify the concentration of free glycerol.
