Biodiesel (FAME): Characteristics
Why rapeseed suits cold Europe and palm needs warmth
What this tab covers The physical and chemical properties that set its grade, price and uses, with the commercial grades and the standards that define them.FAME quality is set by EN 14214 and ASTM D6751. The fatty acid profile of the feedstock decides cold flow and oxidation stability, which is why rapeseed suits Europe and palm needs warm climates or additives.
Properties that matter commercially
| Property | Value / specification | Why it matters | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ester content | at least 96.5% m/m (EN 14214, indicative) | unconverted oil and glycerides foul injectors | EN 14214 (indicative) |
| Cold filter plugging point | about -10 to -15°C for RME; about +10 to +15°C for palm methyl ester (indicative) | sets the blend that works in winter | rapeseed tile; indicative |
| Energy content | about 37 MJ/kg, about 8% below fossil diesel per litre (indicative) | blends slightly reduce fuel economy | indicative |
| Free glycerine and water | free glycerol at most 0.02% m/m; water at most 500 mg/kg (EN 14214, indicative) | glycerine and water cause deposits and microbial growth | EN 14214 (indicative) |
Commercial grades
- RME (rapeseed methyl ester)
- SME (soy methyl ester)
- PME (palm methyl ester)
- FAME 0 and FAME -10 (cold-flow grades in ARA)
- UCOME and TME (waste-based, double-counted in some EU states)