Partial Hydrogenation of Fish Oil Methyl Esters for the Production of Biofuels

Fatty acid methyl esters derived from fish oil with more than 14% (m/m) polyunsaturated fatty acids were partially hydrogenated. This was achieved in a batch process over palladium on activated carbon as a catalyst in less than 15 min at room temperature. That way, polyunsaturated fatty acids were selectively hydrogenated, while the amount of saturated fatty acids remained at a nearly constant level compared to the feedstock. The obtained products as well as blends with fossil diesel fuel were tested on important fuel properties and compared to requirements given by EN 14214 and EN 590, respectively. The results suggest an excellent suitability as blending components for fossil diesel fuel even in high blending rates up to 30% (v/v).