Biodiesel fuel quality of canola feedstock grown on saline land
Date
2009-02-26
Authors
Steppuhn, H.
McDonald, T.
Dunn, R.
Stumborg, M.A.
Falk, K.C.
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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.
Description
Keywords
canola oil, salinity, diesel fuel, vegetable oil, biodiesel fuel, diesel fuel testing
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Soils and Crops Workshop