MicroCoking Test: An Accelerated Test Method for Predicting the Thermal Stability of Biodiesel

Due to the increasing use of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) in diesel fuel blends and the sensitivity of the latest Diesel engine technology (higher pressures and temperatures), a reliable method for predicting the thermal stability of biodiesel fuels is required. A laboratory bench test, called MicroCoking test, which usually qualifies engine oils, has been modified in order to be used for biodiesel blended fuels. Experimental conditions, and especially temperature range, were optimized in order to lead to a sensitive and discriminating method to qualify pure biodiesel fuels and Diesel blends containing FAME.