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Effects of Monoacylglycerols on the Cold Flow Properties of Biodiesel

  • Original Paper
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Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society

Abstract

Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel made from plant oils and animal fats that may be burned in a compression–ignition (diesel) engine. It is composed of mono-alkyl fatty acid esters made from plant oils or animal fats mainly by transesterification with methanol or ethanol. This process leaves behind small concentrations of minor constituents including monoacylglycerols (MAG). Saturated MAG have low solubility in biodiesel and may form solid residues during storage in cold weather. Soybean oil-fatty acid methyl esters (SME) were mixed with up to 1.0 mass% MAG to evaluate the effects on cloud point (CP), freezing point (FP), cold filter plugging point (CFPP), and wax appearance point (WAP). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that MAG with only 27.6 mass% total long chain (C16–C18) saturated fatty acid content had melting transitions between 54 and 59.0 °C. Furthermore, DSC analysis indicated that pure monoolein may be problematic with respect to melting transitions between 25.4 and 33.4 °C. Solubility data for SME–MAG mixtures indicated a broad transition temperature range from solid at low temperature to liquid at temperatures exceeding 60 °C. Increasing the added MAG content from 0.10 to 1.0 mass% increased both CP and FP. Cold filter plugging point demonstrated higher sensitivity than CP or FP at added MAG content below 0.10 mass%, though it was not affected by increasing MAG concentration above 0.50 mass%. Wax appearance point showed no effects until added MAG content exceeded 0.25 mass%. Kinematic viscosity measured at 5 °C similarly showed no effects until added MAG concentration exceeded 0.20 mass%. Specific gravity at 15.6 °C and refractive index at 25 °C were not greatly affected by added MAG except at concentrations greater than 0.10 mass%.

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Acknowledgments

Dr. Ron Holser provided early consultation and advice for studying the formation of solid monoacylglycerol residues in biodiesel. Dr. Jill Moser provided guidance for analyzing peroxide values. Kim Ascherl, Benetria Banks, Becky Sanders, Kevin Steidley, and Erin Walter prepared and performed experiments for DSC, cold flow and other fuel properties of samples in support of the present study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Bio-Oils Research, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, (NCAUR), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Peoria, IL, USA

    Robert O. Dunn

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  1. Robert O. Dunn
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Correspondence to Robert O. Dunn.

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Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the US Department of Agriculture. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Dunn, R.O. Effects of Monoacylglycerols on the Cold Flow Properties of Biodiesel. J Am Oil Chem Soc 89, 1509–1520 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-012-2045-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-012-2045-7

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