EN 14331:2025

Liquid petroleum products - Separation and characterisation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from middle distillate fuels - Liquid chromatography (LC)/gas chromatography (GC) method

This document specifies a method for the separation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from middle distillates by liquid chromatography (LC) and for the determination of the pattern of the fatty acid methyl esters by gas chromatography (GC) according to EN 14103.
This document is applicable for the determination of the pattern of the fatty acid methyl esters for the calculation of the average molecular mass of FAME according to EN 14078 [1].
Independently from the origin of the middle distillate, this method is applicable to FAME of vegetable or animal origin that contain fatty acid methyl esters between C6:0 and C24:1. The method is suitable for the separation and determination of FAME from middle distillates with FAME contents of at least 2 % (V/V).
NOTE   For the purpose of this document, the terms % (V/V) and % (m/m) are used to express volume fractions in % or mass fractions in %.

Flüssige Mineralölerzeugnisse - Trennung und Bestimmung von Fettsäure-Methylestern (FAME) aus Mitteldestillaten - Flüssigchromatographie (LC)/Gaschromatographie (GC)

Dieses Dokument legt ein Verfahren zur Trennung von Fettsäure-Methylestern (FAME, en: fatty acid methyl esters) aus Mitteldestillaten durch Flüssigchromatographie (LC) sowie zur Bestimmung des Musters der Fettsäure-Methylester durch Gaschromatographie (GC) nach EN 14103 fest.
Dieses Dokument ist anwendbar für die Bestimmung der Muster der Fettsäure Methylester für die Berechnung der mittleren molaren Masse von Fettsäure Methylestern (FAME) nach EN 14078 [1].
Dieses Verfahren ist unabhängig von der Herkunft des Mitteldestillates anwendbar auf FAME pflanzlichen oder tierischen Ursprungs, die Fettsäure Methylester zwischen C6:0 und C24:1 enthalten. Das Verfahren ist geeignet zur Trennung und Bestimmung von FAME aus Mitteldestillaten mit FAME Gehalten von mindestens 2 % (V/V).
ANMERKUNG   Für die Zwecke dieses Dokuments wird zur Angabe des Massenanteils einer Substanz der Ausdruck „% (m/m)“ und für den Volumenanteil einer Substanz der Ausdruck „% (V/V)“ verwendet.

Produits pétroliers liquides - Séparation et caractérisation des esters méthyliques d’acides gras (EMAG) dans les distillats moyens - Méthode par chromatographie liquide (CL) et chromatographie gazeuse (CG)

Le présent document spécifie une méthode pour la séparation des esters méthyliques d'acides gras (EMAG) dans les distillats moyens par chromatographie liquide (CL) et pour la caractérisation des esters méthyliques d'acides gras par chromatographie gazeuse (CG) selon l’EN 14103.
Le présent document est applicable pour la détermination du profil des esters méthyliques d'acides gras pour calculer la masse moléculaire moyenne des EMAG selon l'EN 14078 [1].
Indépendamment de l’origine des distillats moyens, cette méthode est applicable aux EMAG d'origine végétale ou animale qui contiennent des esters méthyliques d’acides gras entre C6:0 et C24:1. La méthode est adaptée à la séparation et à la caractérisation des EMAG dans les distillats moyens dont la teneur en EMAG est d'au moins 2 % (V/V).
NOTE   Pour les besoins du présent document, les termes « % (V/V) » et « % (m/m) » sont utilisés pour représenter les fractions volumiques en % et les fractions massiques en %.

Tekoči naftni proizvodi - Ločevanje in opredelitev metil estrov maščobnih kislin (FAME) v srednjih destilatih - Metoda tekočinske (LH)/plinske kromatografije (GC)

Ta dokument določa metodo za ločevanje metil estrov maščobnih kislin (FAME) v srednjih destilatih s tekočinsko kromatografijo (LC) in določanje vzorca metil estrov maščobnih kislin s plinsko kromatografijo (GC) v skladu s standardom EN 14103. Ta dokument se uporablja za določanje vzorca metil estrov maščobnih kislin za izračun njihove povprečne molekulske mase v skladu s standardom EN 14078 [1]. Ta metoda se neodvisno od izvora srednjega destilata uporablja za metil estre maščobnih kislin rastlinskega ali živalskega izvora z vsebnostjo metil estrov maščobnih kislin med C6:0 in C24:1. Metoda je primerna za ločevanje in določanje metil estrov maščobnih kislin v srednjih destilatih z vsebnostjo metil estrov maščobnih kislin najmanj 2 % (V/V). OPOMBA: V tem dokumentu sta uporabljeni oznaki »% (m/m)« in »% (V/V)«, ki označujeta masni oziroma prostorninski delež v odstotkih.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 12-Aug-2025
• ICS: 75.080 - Petroleum products in general
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 19 - Petroleum products, lubricants and related products
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 19/JWG 1 - Vegetable fats and oils and their by-products for use in automotive fuels (Joint working group with CEN/TC 307)
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 13-Aug-2025
• Due Date: 05-Feb-2026
• Completion Date: 13-Aug-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 14331:2025 - Liquid petroleum products - Separation and characterisation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from middle distillates - Liquid chromatography (LC)/gas chromatography (GC) method

Relations

• Replaces: EN 14331:2004 - Liquid petroleum products - Separation and characterisation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from middle distillates - Liquid chromatography (LC)/gas chromatography (GC) method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

EN 14331:2025 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies the method for the separation and characterisation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from middle distillate fuels. This method employs a combination of liquid chromatography (LC) and gas chromatography (GC) to accurately identify and quantify FAME content and composition in liquid petroleum products. The standard replaces EN 14331:2004, incorporating updates such as the inclusion of short-chain methyl esters (C6:0 to C14:0).

This standard is essential for laboratories and industries involved in fuel quality control, biofuel blending, and petroleum product analysis. It allows for precise determination of the FAME pattern in middle distillate fuels, crucial for calculating the average molecular mass of FAME according to EN 14078.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • Applicable to FAME of both vegetable and animal origin within middle distillates.
  • Suitable for FAME contents of at least 2% volume/volume (V/V).
  • Covers fatty acid methyl esters ranging from C6:0 to C24:1.

• Analytical Principle

  • LC is used to separate the FAME fraction from the middle distillate mixture via adsorption on a silica micro-column.
  • GC, following EN 14103, is then utilized to identify individual fatty acid methyl esters within the isolated fraction.

• Procedural Details

  • Sample prep involves hexane rinsing and elution followed by methyl ester separation with methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE).
  • GC settings are adjusted to account for the lower FAME concentration in the LC eluate (split reduced to 1/5).
  • Data analysis follows strict protocols involving flame ionization detector correction factors (TCFs) for accurate quantification.

• Precision and Reporting

  • While no specific precision data is provided due to the nature of the test, interlaboratory studies confirm consistent reproducibility.
  • Results are expressed in % mass fractions (% m/m) to the nearest 0.1%.
  • Test reports must include reference to the standard EN 14331:2025, product identification, results, any deviations, and test date.

Applications

• Biofuel Monitoring and Quality Assurance

  • Enables accurate measurement of FAME content and profile in biodiesel blends and petroleum middle distillates.
  • Supports compliance with fuel standards by verifying FAME origin and concentration.

• Petroleum Industry

  • Assists in fuel formulation and quality control by detecting the presence and composition of fatty acid methyl esters.
  • Useful in environmental and regulatory compliance to ensure fuel labeling and specifications meet legal requirements.

• Research and Development

  • Facilitates analysis of new biofuel sources or blends by providing detailed fatty acid composition data.
  • Enables studies on the impact of various raw materials on FAME patterns and fuel properties.

Related Standards

• EN 14103:2020 – Provides gas chromatographic methods for determination of esters and linolenic acid methyl ester content; reference for the GC analysis step in EN 14331:2025.
• EN 14078 – Details the calculation of the average molecular mass of FAME from middle distillates.
• EN 14214 – Specifies requirements and test methods for FAME fuels used in diesel engines and heating applications.
• EN ISO 3170 / 3171 – Outline manual and automatic sampling methods for petroleum liquids, important for obtaining representative samples for EN 14331 testing.
• EN ISO 4259-1 – Defines precision data determination for petroleum testing methods.

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EN 14331:2025 delivers a robust, standardized approach for analyzing fatty acid methyl ester content within middle distillate fuels. Its combined LC/GC methodology ensures high specificity and accuracy, serving as a foundation for fuel quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and biofuel research in the petroleum and energy sectors.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2025
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 14331:2004
Tekoči naftni proizvodi - Ločevanje in opredelitev metil estrov maščobnih kislin
(FAME) v srednjih destilatih - Metoda tekočinske (LH)/plinske kromatografije (GC)
Liquid petroleum products - Separation and characterisation of fatty acid methyl esters
(FAME) from middle distillates - Liquid chromatography (LC)/gas chromatography (GC)
method
Flüssige Mineralölerzeugnisse - Trennung und Bestimmung von Fettsäure-Methylestern
(FAME) aus Mitteldestillaten - Flüssigchromatographie (LC)/Gaschromatographie (GC)
Produits pétroliers liquides - Séparation et caractérisation des esters méthyliques
d'acides gras (EMAG) dans les distillats moyens - Méthode par chromatographie liquide
(CL) et chromatographie en phase gazeuse (CPG)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 14331:2025
ICS:
75.080 Naftni proizvodi na splošno Petroleum products in
general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 14331
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
August 2025
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 75.080 Supersedes EN 14331:2004
English Version
Liquid petroleum products - Separation and
characterisation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from
middle distillate fuels - Liquid chromatography (LC)/gas
chromatography (GC) method
Produits pétroliers liquides - Séparation et Flüssige Mineralölerzeugnisse - Trennung und
caractérisation des esters méthyliques d'acides gras Bestimmung von Fettsäure-Methylestern (FAME) aus
(EMAG) dans les distillats moyens - Méthode par Mitteldestillaten - Flüssigchromatographie
chromatographie liquide (CL) et chromatographie (LC)/Gaschromatographie (GC)
gazeuse (CG)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 6 July 2025.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 14331:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Principle . 4
5 Reagents and materials . 4
6 Apparatus . 5
7 Sampling . 5
8 Procedure . 5
8.1 Separation on silica column . 5
8.2 Gas chromatographic analysis . 5
9 Analysis - Calculation of the pattern of the fatty acid methyl esters . 5
10 Expression of results . 6
11 Precision . 6
12 Interpretation of results . 6
13 Test report . 7
Annex A (informative) Typical compositional data for fatty acids in vegetable oils . 8
Bibliography . 9

European foreword
This document (EN 14331:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 19 “Gaseous and
liquid fuels, lubricants and related products of petroleum, synthetic and biological origin”, the secretariat
of which is held by NEN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2026, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by February 2026.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 14331:2004.
— modification to include short chain methyl esters (C6:0 to C14:0);
— deletion of Annex A and Annex B because they have become unnecessary, as reference is made to
EN 14103 for the determination of the pattern of the fatty acid methyl esters by gas chromatography
(GC).
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the separation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from middle
distillates by liquid chromatography (LC) and for the determination of the pattern of the fatty acid methyl
esters by gas chromatography (GC) according to EN 14103.
This document is applicable for the determination of the pattern of the fatty acid methyl esters for the
calculation of the average molecular mass of FAME according to EN 14078 [1].
Independently from the origin of the middle distillate, this method is applicable to FAME of vegetable or
animal origin that cont
...