BS EN 14106-2003 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS EN 14106-2003 — Fat and oil derivatives. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Determination of free glycerol content. The document specifies a gas‑chromatographic method for quantifying free glycerol in FAME (biodiesel) to assess transesterification by‑products that can affect fuel behaviour.

Abstract

This European standard defines a GC (gas chromatography) procedure — typically using capillary or packed columns with flame ionisation detection (FID) and an internal standard — for the determination of free glycerol in FAME in the approximate range 0.005 % (m/m) to 0.070 % (m/m). It includes principles, reagents, apparatus, sampling and preparation, procedure, precision data and test reporting.

General information

• Status: Current / National adoption of EN 14106:2003 (BS adoption as BS EN 14106:2003).
• Publication date: 2003 (national adoption dates vary; examples: All‑Standards lists 14 May 2003, EVS records adoption 1 July 2003).
• Publisher: British Standards Institution (published as a national adoption of EN 14106:2003 — BS EN 14106:2003).
• ICS / categories: Liquid fuels and esters — ICS examples recorded include 75.160.20 (liquid fuels) and 71.080.70 (esters).
• Edition / version: Edition corresponding to EN 14106:2003 (first published 2003 as the EN text; adopted nationally as BS EN 14106:2003).
• Number of pages: Typically published in the 10–14 page range by national bodies; many national listings show 12 pages for the EN text.

Scope

Specifies a gas chromatographic test method for the determination of free glycerol content in fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) used as biodiesel. The method is intended to evaluate FAME quality by measuring residual glycerol (a by‑product of transesterification) present at low concentrations (around 0.005 % to 0.070 % mass/mass). It covers sample preparation, chromatographic conditions, calculation of results, precision and reporting requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Analytical technique: gas chromatography (capillary or packed columns) with flame ionisation detection (FID).
• Measurement range: targeted free glycerol range approximately 0.005 % (m/m) to 0.070 % (m/m).
• Internal standard: guidance on using an internal standard (commonly 1,4‑butanediol) for quantitative determination and response factor calculation.
• Sample preparation: solvent extraction/partitioning to isolate free glycerol (e.g., mixtures of ethanol, water, hexane), phase separation/centrifugation and analysis of the prepared fraction.
• Chromatographic parameters: typical oven, injector and detector temperatures and split/carrier conditions are specified as guidance to achieve separation and detection sensitivity appropriate for the stated range.
• Precision & reporting: the standard includes precision (repeatability/reproducibility) results from interlaboratory trials and requires standardized reporting of results and test conditions.

Typical use and users

Used by fuel testing laboratories, biodiesel producers, oilseed processors, quality control teams, regulatory bodies and standards bodies to verify FAME quality and compliance with fuel specifications or purchaser requirements. Typical applications include incoming fuel QC, production control and conformity testing for supply contracts or regulatory compliance.

Related standards

Related and consequential standards include EN 14214 (biodiesel fuel specification), EN 14105 / EN 14104 series (other FAME/glyceride/glycerol test methods and updates), and relevant ISO methods and national test methods for fatty acid methyl esters and chromatographic analysis. Recent revisions and newer CEN/ISO methods (for example updated methods for total glycerol and glycerides) should be checked for the latest test options.

Keywords

FAME, biodiesel, free glycerol, glycerol determination, gas chromatography, FID, fatty acid methyl esters, quality control, BS EN 14106:2003.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: BS EN 14106:2003 is the British adoption of the European Standard EN 14106:2003 that specifies a gas‑chromatographic method to determine free glycerol content in fatty acid methyl esters (FAME).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the analytical principle, reagents, apparatus, sampling, preparation of test portions, chromatographic procedure, calculation of free glycerol content, precision data and reporting requirements for free glycerol in the approximate range 0.005 % to 0.070 % (m/m).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Accredited test laboratories, biodiesel producers, QC/QA teams, fuel specification writers and regulators use this method to check residual glycerol levels in FAME and to support product quality and compliance activities.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The EN 14106:2003 text is the original 2003 method; users should verify national status and check for newer or alternative methods (CEN/ISO updates) for free and total glycerol determinations — later related documents (including newer EN/ISO methods for glycerides and total glycerol determination) have been published and may offer improved sensitivity or broader scope. Always confirm the current national adoption/supersession status with your national standards body.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — EN 14106 sits among the suite of FAME/Fuel test standards (for example EN 14214 for biodiesel fuel requirements and other EN/ISO methods for glycerides, total glycerol and FAME composition). It is commonly referenced alongside related EN and ISO test methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Free glycerol, FAME, biodiesel, gas chromatography, FID, internal standard, glyceride analysis, fuel quality.