Determination of Total FAME and Linolenic Acid Methyl Esters in Biodiesel According to EN-14103

Significance of the Topic

The accurate quantification of fatty acid methyl esters and linolenic acid methyl esters in biodiesel is critical to ensure compliance with international fuel standards and to guarantee engine performance, emissions control, and fuel stability

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the application of the EN 14103 standard method for measuring total FAME content and linolenic acid methyl ester levels in biodiesel using an Agilent gas chromatography system

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation

• Weigh approximately 250 mg of biodiesel and transfer to a 10 mL vial
• Add 5 mL of 10 mg/mL methyl heptadecanoate internal standard solution
• Mix thoroughly before analysis

Gas Chromatography Conditions

• Column Agilent Select Biodiesel for FAME 0.32 mm × 30 m, 0.25 µm
• Injector Split/splitless with full constant flow control, 250 °C, split 100 mL/min
• Carrier Gas Helium at 12 psi
• Oven Temperature Isothermal at 210 °C
• Detector FID at 250 °C with full constant flow control
• Data Processing Agilent Chromatography Data Station

Calculations

• Total FAME content calculated by comparing peak areas of C14:0–C24:1 esters against internal standard
• Linolenic acid methyl ester content determined from its specific peak area relative to the same internal standard

Main Results and Discussion

Analysis of a biodiesel sample yielded a FAME content of 96.6% and linolenic acid methyl ester of 7.1%, both within EN 14214 requirements

Repeatability Assessment

• Fifteen replicate injections produced an average FAME of 96.4% with RSD 0.21%
• Linolenic acid methyl ester averaged 7.1% with RSD 0.21%

These results confirm the method’s precision and the GC system’s robustness under routine conditions

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Ensures regulatory compliance for biodiesel producers and distributors
• Supports quality control in fuel production and blending operations
• Provides a rapid, reliable assay for FAME profile monitoring

Future Trends and Applications

Advances may include coupling GC with mass spectrometry for enhanced specificity, automation of sample handling for higher throughput, and adaptation of the method to emerging feedstocks such as algae and waste oils

Conclusion

The EN 14103 method implemented on the Agilent GC system delivers accurate, repeatable determination of total FAME and linolenic acid methyl esters in biodiesel, meeting industry standards and facilitating reliable quality assurance

References

• EN 14103 Fat and oil derivatives – Fatty Acid Methyl Esters – Determination of ester and linolenic acid methyl ester contents
• EN 14214 Automotive fuels – Fatty Acid Methyl Esters for diesel engines – Requirements and test methods