Fat and oil derivatives - Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) - Determination of free glycerol content

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.

Erzeugnisse aus pflanzlichen und tierischen Fetten und Ölen - Fettsäure-Methylester (FAME) - Bestimmung des Gehaltes an freiem Glycerin

Diese Europäische Norm legt ein gaschromatographisches Verfahren zur Bestimmung des Gehaltes an freiem Glycerin in Fettsäure-Methylestern (FAME) im Bereich von 0,005 % (m/m) bis 0,070 % (m/m) fest.
Ziel dieses Verfahrens ist die Bewertung der FAME-Qualität, und zwar im Hinblick auf Nebenprodukte der Umesterung wie Glycerin, dessen Konzentration das Leistungsvermögen des Kraftstoffes beeinflussen kann.
WARNUNG - Die Anwendung dieser Europäischen Norm kann den Einsatz gefährlicher Stoffe, Arbeitsgänge und Geräte mit sich bringen. Diese Norm gibt nicht vor, alle mit ihrer Anwendung verbundenen Sicherheitsprobleme anzusprechen. Der Anwender dieser Norm ist dafür verantwortlich, vorher angemessene Maßnahmen zu ergreifen und die Anwendbarkeit einschränkender Vorschriften zu ermitteln.
ANMERKUNG   Im Zusammenhang mit diesem Verfahren darf % (m/m) für den Massenanteil in Prozent und % (V/V) für den Volumenanteil in Prozent verwendet werden.

Produits dérivés des corps gras - Esters méthyliques d'acides gras (EMAG) - Détermination de la teneur en glycérol libre

La présente Norme européenne spécifie une méthode de détermination par chromatographie en phase gazeuse de la teneur en glycérol libre des esters méthyliques d'acides gras, ci-après appelés EMAG, dans une plage de concentrations comprise entre 0,005 % et 0,070 %.
L'objet de la présente méthode est d'évaluer la qualité des EMAG en termes de trans-estérification des co-produits () qu'ils renferment, tels que le glycérol et, qui peuvent affecter le comportement du carburant.
AVERTISSEMENT   La présente méthode peut mettre en jeu des substances, des opérations et des équipements dangereux. Elle n'a pas la prétention de prendre en compte tous les problèmes de sécurité associés à son utilisation. Il est de la responsabilité de l'utilisateur de la présente méthode de consulter et de mettre en place les mesures appropriées de sécurité et de protection de la santé, et de déterminer l'applicabilité des dispositions faisant l'objet de la méthode avant utilisation.
NOTE   Dans le cadre de la présente méthode, il est possible d'exprimer les teneurs en masse (m/m) ou en volume (v/v).

Derivati maščob in olj - Metil estri maščobnih kislin (FAME) - Določevanje prostih glicerolov

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
29-Apr-2003
Withdrawal Date
30-Oct-2003
ICS
67.200.10 - Animal and vegetable fats and oils
Technical Committee
CEN/TC 307 - Oilseeds, vegetables and animal fats and oils and their by-products - Methods of sampling and analys
Drafting Committee
CEN/TC 307/WG 1 - Test methods on fatty acid methylester
Current Stage
9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
Start Date
04-Dec-2023
Completion Date
14-Apr-2025
Mandate
M/245 - Mandate to CEN for the elaboration and adoption of standards concerning minimum requirement specifications including test methods for Fatty Acid MethylEster (FAME) as fuel for diesel engines and for space heating
Ref Project
SIST EN 14106:2003 - Fat and oil derivatives - Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) - Determination of free glycerol content

Overview

EN 14106:2003 is a CEN European Standard that specifies a gas chromatographic (GC) method for the determination of free glycerol in Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) (commonly referred to as biodiesel). The method covers free glycerol concentrations in FAME in the range 0.005% to 0.070% (m/m) and is intended to assess FAME quality by quantifying transesterification by‑products that can affect fuel behaviour.

Key topics and requirements

  • Analytical technique: Gas chromatography (capillary or packed column) with flame ionisation detection (FID).
  • Measurement range: 0.005% to 0.070% free glycerol (m/m).
  • Internal standard: 1,4‑butanediol solution is used for quantitative determination and response factor calculation.
  • Sample preparation: Solvent extraction (ethanol, water, hexane) to partition free glycerol into a lower aqueous phase; centrifugation and analysis of the lower phase.
  • GC conditions (typical):
    • Oven ≈ 210 °C; injector ≈ 230 °C; detector ≈ 250 °C; split ≈ 50:1; carrier flow 1–2 ml/min (capillary).
    • Packed column alternative conditions also provided.
  • Response factor (Fr): Calculated from standard mixture of glycerol and internal standard; Fr shall be ≤ 2.5.
  • Precision: Repeatability and reproducibility guidance provided. Limits are expressed as functions of the measured concentration X:
    • r = 0.4664·X – 0.0012
    • R = 0.7812·X + 0.0032
  • Safety note: The method involves hazardous equipment, solvents and gases; users must follow appropriate health and safety practices.
  • Sampling note: Free glycerol has a strong affinity for glass; avoid glass containers for sampling and storage.

Applications and users

EN 14106:2003 is practical for:

  • Biodiesel and FAME quality control laboratories verifying free glycerol levels prior to distribution.
  • Fuel producers and transesterification process engineers monitoring residual glycerol to optimize reaction and purification.
  • Accreditation bodies, fuel regulators and certification labs assessing compliance with biodiesel quality specifications.
  • Research laboratories studying biodiesel fuel properties and by‑product effects.

Benefits:

  • Provides a validated GC procedure for low‑level glycerol quantification.
  • Helps ensure fuel reliability by detecting transesterification by‑products that can influence injector fouling, combustion and storage stability.

Related standards

  • EN ISO 661 - Preparation of test sample (animal and vegetable fats and oils).
  • EN ISO 5555 - Sampling for animal and vegetable fats and oils.
  • EN ISO 4259 - Precision data and statistical treatment for test methods.

Keywords: EN 14106:2003, FAME, free glycerol, gas chromatography, biodiesel quality control, fatty acid methyl esters, glycerol content, transesterification.

Frequently Asked Questions

EN 14106:2003 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Fat and oil derivatives - Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) - Determination of free glycerol content". This standard covers: 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.

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.

EN 14106:2003 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 67.200.10 - Animal and vegetable fats and oils. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

EN 14106:2003 is associated with the following European legislation: Standardization Mandates: M/245. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.

EN 14106:2003 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.JOLFHURORYErzeugnisse aus pflanzlichen und tierischen Fetten und Ölen - Fettsäure-Methylester (FAME) - Bestimmung des Gehaltes an freiem GlycerinProduits dérivés des corps gras - Esters méthyliques d'acides gras (EMAG) - Détermination de la teneur en glycérol libreFat and oil derivatives - Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) - Determination of free glycerol content67.200.10Animal and vegetable fats and oilsICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 14106:2003SIST EN 14106:2003en01-november-2003SIST EN 14106:2003SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 14106April 2003ICS 67.200.10English versionFat and oil derivatives - Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) -Determination of free glycerol contentProduits dérivés des corps gras - Esters méthyliquesd'acides gras (EMAG) - Détermination de la teneur englycérol libreErzeugnisse aus pflanzlichen und tierischen Fetten undÖlen - Fettsäure-Methylester (FAME) - Bestimmung desGehaltes an freiem GlycerinThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 2 January 2003.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UnitedKingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2003 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 14106:2003 ESIST EN 14106:2003

shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical textor by endorsement, at the latest by October 2003 and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latestby October 2003.This document has been prepared under Mandate M/245 on Fatty Acid Methylester (FAME) given to CEN by theEuropean Commission and the European Free Trade Association.Annex A is informative.According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the followingcountries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.SIST EN 14106:2003
...

Questions, Comments and Discussion

Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.

Loading comments...