BS EN 14107 Fat and oil derivatives - Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) - Determination of phosphorous content by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometry
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometry method for the determination of phosphorus content between 4 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg in Fatty Acid Methyl Esters, hereinafter referred as FAME.

This method aims to evaluate the FAME quality, in terms of transesterification by-products content such as phosphorus, 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.

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 portion (ISO 661:1989).

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard, the following term and definition applies.
3.1 phosphorus content
residual phosphorus remaining in FAME from phospholipids after the vegetable oil transesterification reaction.

4 Principle
A weighed test portion of sample is diluted in xylene. The standards are prepared from a phosphorus organic compound dissolved in a mineral oil and diluted in a mixture of xylene and stock oil. The addition of stock oil makes it possible to reduce the differences in viscosity between samples and standards and improves their storage.

The solutions are introduced in aerosol form into an inductively coupled argon plasma. The phosphorus content is determined by comparing the emission of the element in the solution of the test portion of the sample with the emission of the standards at the same wavelength.

NOTE 1 The wavelengths commonly used are 213.6 nm and 178.3 nm.

The sample shall be diluted at least ten times with xylene in order to allow a proper introduction of the aerosol into the plasma.

NOTE 2 Xylene may be replaced by other suitable solvents in case of instable plasma or specific laboratory safety use.