Comments on a Method for Estimating Cloud Point and Cold Filter Plugging Point of Microalgal Oil Fatty Acid Methyl Esters

Abstract

AbstractCloud points (CPs) of five vegetable oil fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) and three biodiesel mixtures estimated by a thermodynamic equation were compared to measured CPs. The results indicate that estimated CP of peanut oil FAME are similar to measured CP and for three biodiesel mixtures a minimum total saturated FAME (SFAME) concentration is required for measured CPs to be closer to estimated CPs. These comparisons provide the basis for comments on using this method for estimating CPs of 22 test data of microalgae FAME. Cold filter plugging points (CFPPs) calculated by equation CFPP = 1.0191 × CP − 2.9 with CPs verified from the thermodynamic equation was found to be identical to CFPPs reported in literature for 22 test data of microalgae FAME. Therefore these CPs were inserted in equation CFPP = CP −4.5 for another set of CFPPs. Plots of CFPPs versus percent SFAME of the 22 test data of microalgae FAME (>12 %) for these two equations indicates that CFPP is controlled by 85 % of SFAME. Calculated CFPPs of vegetable oil FAME and biodiesel mixtures using both equations for estimated and measured CPs is discussed. Low concentrations of long chain saturated FAME impacting the estimation of CPs of vegetable oil FAME is used as a rationale to discuss the role of unidentified other species (OS) in estimation of CPs of microalgae FAME.