Biodiesel fuel quality of canola feedstock grown on saline land

Abstract

Vegetable oil from canola-grade feedstock ranks among the best in the production of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME or biodiesel). FAME produced from canola-quality oilseed grown on salt-affected lands offer new opportunities for increased production and counter fuel-versus-food concerns provided the biodiesel product meets quality standards. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has set the North American fuel quality standards (D6751) for 100% biodiesel (B100) to be blended with petrodiesel fuel. Canola-quality feedstock yield oil low in free fatty acids, acids which are not bonded to parent oil molecules. These free acids may negatively affect diesel engine components, especially at biodiesel oil blends greater than 20%. Also, solid and dissolved impurities, alkali/alkaline earth metals, and oxidation stability are of concern to fuel injection equipment manufacturers. Ultimately, purity, composition, and biodiesel utility depend on the quality of the feedstock supplied. Processing can improve purity, but not composition. Contaminants in biodiesel fuel may include water, sediment, S, P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, carbon residue, and various other constituents in its sulphated ash. Canterra 1818 canola feedstock grown on negligibly, slightly, moderately, and severely salinized soil were crushed and tested for biodiesel fuel quality. All samples yielded biofuel within the ASTM International specifications except for free glycerol in the negligibly-saline sample.