Ciba Specialty Chemicals Introduces Biodiesel Stabilizer

12 February 2007

Ciba Specialty Chemicals has introduced Ciba IRGASTAB BD 100, a stabilizer designed to give biodiesel fuel long-term protection against oxidative degradation through the fuel’s life cycle.

If left untreated, biodiesel is susceptible to oxidative degradation. Degradation of biodiesel leads to the formation of lower molecular weight acids, peroxides and gums that can result in unwanted changes in both the properties and performance of biodiesel. These deposits and gums can result in damage to the engine and fuel injection systems.

The inherent stability of biodiesel is dependent on the raw materials used. Oils and esters containing higher levels of unsaturation will generally have lower overall stability and require greater protection from oxidation. Additional factors that can influence the stability of biodiesel include processing conditions, length of storage, temperature, exposure to air and light and presence of metals and impurities.

As a result,the industry has developed a number of antioxidant additives to improve the oxidation stability of biodiesel prepared from different feedstocks. Studies have shown that the efficiency of the antioxidants can vary depending on the different types of biodiesel.

IRGASTAB BD 100 is designed to help maintain fuel quality and consistency in biodiesel fuel produced from a variety of feedstocks such as rapeseed, recycled cooking oil, palm, soy and jatropha, according to the company.

In addition, IRGASTAB BD 100 provides added protection against metals which can be introduced into biodiesel during production, storage and use.

Resources:

• Characterization of Biodiesel Oxidation and Oxidation Products

• “The impact of antioxidants on biodiesel oxidation stability”; Sigurd Schober, Martin Mittelbach; European Journal of Lipid Science and Technology Volume 106, Issue 6 , Pages 382 - 389