EN 14214 Automotive Fuels - Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) for Diesel Engines - Requirements and Test Methods

The European standard “EN 14214 Automotive fuels - Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) for diesel engines - Requirements and test methods” specifies the requirements and test methods for fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) placed on the market and delivered, for use as automotive fuel for diesel engines at 100% concentration or as automotive fuel additives for diesel engines in accordance with the requirements of the EN 590 standard. This standard applies to fuel intended for use in vehicles with diesel engines designed or subsequently adapted to operate with 100% FAME at 100% concentration.

Samples should be taken as described in EN ISO 3170 or EN ISO 3171 standards, or in accordance with the requirements of national standards or regulations relating to sampling of automotive diesel fuel.

Given the sensitivity of some of the test methods specified in this standard, particular attention should be paid to adherence to guidelines regarding sampling containers.

The information and dimensions of the marking to be applied to dispensing pumps used in FAME diesel fuel dispensing must comply with the requirements of national standards or regulations regarding the marking of automotive diesel fuel pumps.

The EN 14214 standard is the direct European equivalent of the “ASTM D6751 Specification for biodiesel fuel blend raw material (B100) for intermediate distillate fuels” standard, but includes stricter parameters in some key areas. This standard is known as biodiesel used in its pure form (B100) or as a blending component in conventional diesel fuel.

The main differences between the EN 14214 standard and the ASTM D6751 standard are as follows:

• The EN 14214 standard is generally stricter regarding oxidation stability (8 hours vs. 3 hours), iodine content (maximum 120 vs. unlimited), and polyunsaturated esters.
• It has a higher minimum density and a narrower viscosity range.
• While the ASTM D6751 standard uses a qualitative filter test, the EN 14214 standard includes a specific limit for total fouling (24 mg/kg).

These parameters are considered important for the following reasons:

• Oxidation stability and iodine content limitations effectively restrict the use of highly unsaturated fats lacking antioxidants (e.g., flaxseed or new exotic raw materials).
• Very strict glycerol and glyceride limits prevent injector deposits and filter clogging.
• Low phosphorus and metal limits protect modern exhaust aftertreatment systems.

The EN 14214 standard applies to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) produced from the following sources:

• Vegetable oils (rapeseed, soybean, palm, sunflower)
• Used cooking oil
• Animal fats
• Other sources of fatty acids

This standard covers fatty acid methyl esters designed for use in the following applications:

• As pure biodiesel (B100) in adapted vehicles.
• As a mixing component up to 7% (B7) in normal diesel without requiring labeling (according to EN 590 standard)
• Higher blends (B10, B20, B30, B100) requiring vehicle/engine manufacturer approval and proper labeling.

Work is ongoing to further restrict polyunsaturated esters in order to increase the oxidation stability requirement to 12 hours in the EN 14214 standard and allow higher blends (B10/B20) without requiring vehicle modification. Additionally, there is an increasing focus on biodiesel derived from waste sources, which generally have better oxidation stability but a higher cold filter clogging point.

In short, the EN 14214 standard remains the world's most widely adopted and stringent biodiesel quality standard, ensuring that fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) sold in Europe and many other countries are compatible with modern diesel engines and meet stringent environmental and performance requirements.

The EN 14214 standard is important for several critical reasons. Without this rigorous standard, biodiesel (FAME) could cause serious damage to modern diesel engines, void warranties, increase emissions, and undermine public confidence in renewable fuels. The main reasons why this standard is important are:

• It protects modern diesel engines and exhaust aftertreatment systems: Modern diesel vehicles are extremely sensitive to fuel quality.
• The injectors operate at a minimum of 2.500 bar; even small particles or glycerol deposits can cause immediate damage.
• Diesel particulate filters and SCR catalysts are poisoned by phosphorus, sodium, calcium, and magnesium, leading to costly failures.
• High oxidation stability (at least 8 hours) prevents fuel degradation, varnish formation, and filter clogging during storage or in the vehicle tank.

This standard has strict limits on metals, phosphorus, glycerol, and oxidation stability. Biodiesel can damage engines and emission systems within a few thousand kilometers.

• It provides a legal and high-quality blend in standard diesel fuel (B7, B8, B10): The European standard for standard diesel fuel (EN 590) allows up to 7% fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), provided that FAME complies with the EN 14214 standard. Many countries now use B8-B10 in standard pumps.

Without this standard, fuel suppliers cannot increase renewable content without major vehicle modifications or warranty issues.

• It guarantees consumer and producer confidence: Vehicle manufacturers only approve B7 and generally B20/B30 if they comply with the FAME EN 14214 standard. If low-quality biodiesel enters the market, it can lead to engine failures, invalidation of warranties, and a major backlash against biodiesel and biofuel policy. The EN 14214 standard prevents this risk.
• It ensures high quality worldwide: Many countries outside Europe have adopted EN 14214 or similar specifications because they dominate European vehicle technology markets and also want to export biodiesel/FAME to Europe.
• It supports decarbonization goals without compromising reliability: Europe mandates an increase in renewable fuel content. The EN 14214 standard ensures this can be done safely.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "EN 14214 Automotive fuels - Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) for diesel engines - Requirements and test methods" standard.