Acid Number - Measures the amount of unreacted acids remaining in the unfinished fuel and is also an indicator of oxidized fuel.
Alcohol Content - is a measurement of the amount of methanol remaining in the finished product. Methanol in the finished product indicates that the reaction did not go to completion. This methanol can cause serious handling risks.
Calcium and Magnesium - May be present in biodiesel as abrasive solids or soluble soaps. Abrasive solids may contribute to engine wear & deposits. Soluble soaps may contribute to engine deposits.
Carbon Residue - Measures the carbon depositing tendencies of the fuel.
Cetane Number - Is a measure of the ignition quality of the fuel & influences white smoke and combustion roughness.
Could Point - is an indicator of the fuels ability to flow at cold temperatures.
Cold Soak Filterability - Is a measurement of the fuel suitability for use in cold temperatures. Feedstock, degree of saturation of the fatty acid chains and the esterification alcohol all play a role in the cold flow properties of the fuel.
Copper Strip Corrosion - Is a measure of possible corrosion problems with copper & brass or bronze parts of the fuel system.
Distillation - Is an indicator of the purity of the finished fuel. Adulteration of the fuel with higher boiling components affects engine performance.
Flash Point - The flash point for biodiesel is used to determine the level of unreacted alcohol remaining in the finished fuel. Flash point measurement is critical to safe handling and storage of this fuel.
Oxidation Stability - Is a measure of the fuels ability to maintain its properties and resist forming various acids and polymers, under a variety of operating and storage conditions. Poor oxidation stability in fuels will cause fuel system deposits and fuel filter plugging.
Phosphorus - High levels of phosphorus in the fuel can affect the functionality of the catalytic converters.
Total Glycerin/Free Glycerin - Is used to determine the level of glycerin in the fuel and includes the free glycerin and the portion of any unreacted or partially reacted oil or fat. High levels of free glycerin can cause injector deposits, as well as clogged fuelling systems and result in a buildup of free glycerin in the bottom of storage and fueling systems.
Viscosity - The viscosity affects the engine's fuel systems ability to move the fuel through the fuel pump and injectors.
Sodium & Potassium - May be present in biodiesel as abrasive solids or soluble soaps. Abrasive solids may contribute to engine wear and deposits. Soluble soaps may contribute to engine deposits.
Sulfated Ash - Ash forming materials (abrasive solids and unremoved catalysts) can contribute to injector, fuel pump, piston and ring wear and also engine deposits. Soluble metallic soaps have little effect on wear but may contribute to filter plugging and engine deposits.
Sulphur - The sulphur content of the fuel affects the amount of engine wear & deposits. Fuel sulphur can also affect emissions control system performance.
Water and Sediment - Is a measure of the workmanship of the fuel manufacturer. The biodiesel fuel shall be visually free of undissolved water, sediment and suspended matter.