Storage stability of rapeseed methyl ester stored in a sealed barrel for seven year

Abstract

Storage stability is one of the main quality parameters related to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) biofuels. The deterioration of biofuels´ properties during storage is a more serious issue than with conventional fuels. In particular, lengthy storage threatens the oxidative stability of FAME fuels because factors such as the presence of air, elevated temperatures or presence of metals promote the oxidation process. Consequently, the acceptable storage time for FAME fuels is generally regarded to be regrettably short, at no more than six to12 months. However, storage conditions play an important role in determining actual storage stability. This study aimed to investigate and evaluate any deterioration in the quality of rapeseed methyl ester (RME) fuel that has been stored for as long as seven years in adequate storage conditions. The fuel was stored in the dark, contained in a sealed steel barrel in an insulated shipping container outdoors. The temperature of the container varied with seasonal fluctuation, but the fuel never froze during storage. The study analysed six key fuel properties of the RME: ester content; water content; density; kinematic viscosity; oxidation stability index; and acid number. The analyses were conducted immediately after opening the barrel, and again after two months of storage in a laboratory. The results were compared to those measured for the fresh fuel, seven years earlier. The comparison of the results indicate that the fuel quality had suffered no serious deterioration during the seven-year period.