Abstract
AbstractSteryl glucosides (SG) and other trace contaminants in biodiesel may cause filter plugging and engine performance issues, most notably in temperate regions that experience low temperatures. While sediments have been characterized from palm, soybean, and European rapeseed biodiesel, identification of the causative agents and sediment components derived from North American canola (Brassica napus) feedstocks is lacking. Analytic methods used to quantify sediment constituents are time consuming and sample heterogeneity may lead to decreased lab precision. The objectives of this research were to develop a method to fractionate biodiesel sediment in order to confirm and quantify the presence of SG in canola biodiesel. A reverse phase HPLC method with evaporative light scattering detection was modified to confirm the presence of SG from sediments collected at three North American canola biodiesel processing facilities. SG was confirmed in two of three sediment samples where 25.1 and 9.5 wt% of total sediment was SG. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of SG and provided a rapid method for qualitative confirmation of sediment composition. A third sediment had no detectable SG, but contained a clay filter aide as confirmed by ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
