We have FAME or Fatty Acid Methyl Esters available. FAME is biodiesel that is made from various animal fats and tallow. We have an on-site laboratory that is responsible for making sure we meet these specifications and exceeding the ASTM Limits. We are able to ship this product by tank trucks as well as railcar.

Specifications of our FAME

Trait Name Value Limits
Sediments and Water < 0.010 0.05
Cloud Point (deg C) 5 Report
Free Glycerin 0.01 0.02
Total Glycerin 0.18 0.24
Total Acid Number 0.4 0.50
Viscosity @ 40ºC 3.25 1.9-6.0
Flashpoint ºC 181 130 Min
Sulfated Ash 0.008 0.02
Carbon Residue 0.009 0.05
Copper Corrosion 1B 3
CFPP ºC 7 Report
Cetane 54 47 Min
Sulfur, ppm 10 15
Phosphorus, ppm < 1 5
Calcium and Magnesium < 1 5
Sodium and Potassium < 1 5
Distillation Temp 90% 306 360ºC
Oxidation Stability 6’3″ 3 Min
Water, Suspended by KF 200 500 Max
Density @ 15°C 0.8778 Report
Methanol Content 0.04 0.2

 

Information about FAME

What is FAME | Maintenance | Fallout | Converting to B20 | Converting to B99 | Filtration Guidelines

What is FAME?

FAME stands for Fatty Acid Methyl Ester. FAME commonly called ‘biodiesel’, manufactured by the process of transesterification. FAME is typically made from greases.


Maintenance Guidelines

Here are several guidelines that are helpful in the handling of FAME biodiesel.

  • Testing for all contaminations that will cause detriment to the biodiesel
  • Testing for contaminates that will cause glycerin fall out
  • Identifying proper filter systems to monitor the atmospheric water presence in the tank
  • Test the product that you are receiving to make sure that you are getting what you paid for

Does FAME biodiesel have fallout?

The truth is that all products have fallout. Here are the details:

  • Soy biodiesel has fallout of sterol glycosides
  • Petroleum diesel has fallout of waxes
  • FAME biodiesel has fallout of tallow esters

** The items that “fallout” actually increase the BTU value and boost the cetane values of product and are not necessarily bad attributes but need to be handled properly until blended properly. This fallout is not glycerin.

Converting to B20

Biodiesel has solvent properties that can dissolve the accumulated sediments in vehicle fuel tanks or bulk storage tanks when the fuel is first introduced. B20, being a 20% blend, has a milder effect than pure biodiesel.

Therefore, it is not necessary to clean tanks before switching to B20, although it is good practice to test tanks for water, algae, and other contaminants prior to using the new fuel. B20 is sufficiently diluted so that most problems encountered are minor, but occasionally a fuel filter or dispensing filter may become plugged as the biodiesel loosens old deposits.

Keep some extra filters on hand and consider a new fuel filter with any standard fuel maintenance in the first 60 days after switching to B20. Provide fuel filter changes as needed to ensure optimal fuel flow and engine performance. Other than cold weather gelling, any filter clogging that may occur with B20 typically goes away after the first few tanks of fuel.

B20 is also sufficiently diluted that it is not necessary to change out the older style rubber engine gaskets, seals, or hoses (present before 1995) that would not be compatible with higher biodiesel blends.

Converting to B99

Fuel Filters: B99 is likely to dissolve the accumulated sediments in diesel storage and engine fuel tanks, which can lead to plugged fuel and dispensing filters. Before using or storing B99, clean the fuel system, including fuel tanks, where sediments or deposits may be present. Then, be sure to monitor fuel filters and change them as needed until the sediment build-up is eliminated. Previous successful use of B20 does not mean that tanks are without sediment. B20 is too dilute to “clean” tanks and therefore caution is still warranted when switching to B99. Plan and budget for the time and expense of cleaning fuel systems in advance, or for increased fuel filter changes afterwards.

Oil Changes: Some B99 may make its way past the piston rings and into the oil pan. This is due to the slightly higher viscosity and density of biodiesel compared to petroleum diesel. High levels of biodiesel present in the engine oil may polymerize over time and cause some engine oil sludge. This can be remedied with more frequent engine oil changes. Blends of B50 and above might reduce extended drain intervals. Monitor and test engine oil as necessary.

Engine Components: Certain materials are incompatible with B99 and should be replaced. These include natural rubber compounds, polypropylene, polyvinyl, and Tygon materials. Material incompatibility is usually only an issue with engines made before 1995 because, at that time, most original equipment manufacturers made component changes to accommodate the switch to low-sulfur diesel fuel. The new materials used are also compatible with B99.

Components that may need to be replaced include hoses, gaskets, seals, and other parts that would have prolonged exposure to B99. Materials that are compatible with B99 include Teflon, Viton, fluorinated plastics, and Nylon. B99 suppliers and equipment vendors should be consulted to determine which components need to be changed out. However, this process is not overly difficult or expensive.

Filtration Guidelines

We have had a great amount of success with the implementation of several filtration devices. We highly recommend the use of multiple filtration devices in the handling of FAME. We have had a great deal of accomplishment with the Cim-Tek Viking 3f filter device.