The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) has announced new certified reference material (CRM) for cold filter plugging (CFPP) and cloud point (CP) temperatures of biodiesel. This material helps laboratories accurately establish the lowest temperature at which biodiesel can be used.

The JRC’s new certified reference material will help establish the lowest temperature use of biodiesel. © Fotolia, nexusseven

According to JRC, the CP and CFPP of a fuel are temperatures where upon cooling the first precipitates become visible (CP) or block a filter (CFPP). Accurate measurement are needed to ensure fuel filters do not become blocked in cold temperatures. As such, they are vital for the practical use of any fuel during winter and are also important quality parameters for biodiesel.

To determine the cold-temp parameters, JRC processed a batch of biodiesel and studied the homogeneity and stability of the material. Subsequently, an intercomparison study among 11 expert laboratories from nine different EU countries was organized to establish the CP and CFPP values. After a technical evaluation of the results, the certified values were assigned in line with all requirements of ISO Guide 34. The newly released ERM®-EF002 will be used by laboratories to demonstrate the accuracy of their measurement results for CP and CFPP.

In 2014, JRC released ERM®-EF001, its first biofuel CRM. While this CRM carries certified values for many parameters relevant for biodiesel, the CFPP and CP were not certified. The new CRM closes this gap.