ASTM D6751 (B100) Biodiesel

Fuel Quality Standard

Authored by Matt Quinn, Microbac Laboratories, Inc., Hauser Division

Biodiesel is being produced at increasing rates across the U.S. from primarily soy-bean
oil, but also canola, peanut, sunflower, mustard and even algae. Biodiesel can be made
from any source of mono, di or triglycerides, as well as pure fatty acids by first extraction
of the oil followed by conversion.

The rate of biodiesel consumption in the U.S. has increased more than 10 times since the
year 2001.

Table 1.
U.S. Diesel and Biodiesel Consumption, 2000-2005
Millions of Gallons per year

Diesel Biodiesel
2000 37,238 -
2001 38,155 9
2002 38,881 11
2003 40,856 18
2004 42,773 28
2005 43,180 91

Courtesy of the Department Of Energy:

http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/analysispaper/pdf/tbl13.pdf

In 2008, a record amount 700 million gallons of biodiesel were reportedly produced in
the U.S., (courtesy of biodiesel.org:
http://www.biodiesel.org/pdf_files/fuelfactsheets/Energy_Use_Survey.pdf)

Biodiesel is made by trans-esterifying the feedstock oil of choice by stirring or shaking

with a precise amount of sodium methoxide. The resulting mixture is then comprised of
two layers, a water soluble glycerin layer and an organic phase that consists of fatty acid
methyl esters or FAMEs, also known as biodiesel.

In order to produce the highest grade of biodiesel, it is necessary to run the FAMEs that
are separated from the glycerin through an extensive washing and cleanup phase. This
cleanup phase consists of multiple water washes, chelation extractions and even
dehydration procedures. If impurities like glycerin, methanol, residual salts, water, or
even unconverted glycerides are left within the biodiesel, it can lead to serious
mechanical damage within a vehicle. The damage can range from a simple clogged fuel
filter to a burned-out fuel pump and even damaged fuel injectors. This is why it is

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 ASTM D6751 (B100) Biodiesel
Fuel Quality Standard

necessary to test every batch of biodiesel produced against ASTM D6751 to ensure the
highest grade of biodiesel. FAMEs can be used directly by diesel vehicles, however, they
are typically blended with petroleum diesel which results in a B20 or 20% biodiesel
mixture.

The biodiesel conversion process produces minor by-products, primarily glycerol or

glycerin. It can be used as an additive after refinement for animal feed or can be sold for
use in various food/industrial productions. This by-product also needs careful
characterization to ensure it contains a low level of residual elements such as sulfur,
sodium, potassium and even minimal methanol content.

The Hauser Division of Microbac Laboratories, Inc. is equipped to handle biodiesel

testing in accordance with biodiesel quality standard ASTM D6751. The test protocol
involves many individual ASTM tests such as:

* Water and Sediment D2709

* Water by Coulimetric Karl Fisher D6304
* Flash Point D93
* Methanol Content EN 14110
* Kinematic Viscosity D445
* Sulfated Ash D874
* Copper Strip Corrosion D130
* Cloud/Pour Point D2500
* Total Acid Number (TAN) D664
* Free/Total Glycerin D6584
* Oxidative Stability EN14112
* Cold Soak Filterability D6751 Annex 1

For more information, please contact: microbac_info@microbac.com

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