EN 14078:2025
(Main)Liquid petroleum products - Determination of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content in middle distillates - Infrared spectrometry method
Liquid petroleum products - Determination of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content in middle distillates - Infrared spectrometry method
This document specifies a test method for the determination of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content in diesel fuel or domestic heating fuel by mid-infrared (IR) spectrometry and a transmission sample cell, which applies to FAME contents of the three measurement ranges as follows:
- range A: for FAME contents ranging from approx. 0,05 % (V/V) to approx. 3 % (V/V);
- range B: for FAME contents ranging from approx. 3 % (V/V) to approx. 20 % (V/V);
- range C: for FAME contents ranging from approx. 20 % (V/V) to approx. 50 % (V/V).
Principally, higher FAME contents can also be analysed if diluted; however, no precision data for results outside the specified range is available at present.
This test method was verified to be applicable to samples which contain FAME conforming to EN 14214. Reliable quantitative results are obtained only if the samples do not contain any significant amounts of other interfering components, especially esters and other carbonyl compounds which possess absorption bands in the spectral region used for quantification of FAME. If such interfering components are present, this test method is expected to produce higher values.
NOTE 1 For the purposes of this document, the term “% (V/V)” is used to represent the volume fraction (φ) of a material.
NOTE 2 For conversion of grams FAME per litre (g FAME/l) to volume fraction, a fixed density for FAME of 883,0 kg/m3 is adopted.
WARNING — The use of this document can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This document does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this document to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Flüssige Mineralölerzeugnisse - Bestimmung des Gehaltes an Fettsäuremethylester (FAME) in Mitteldestillaten - Infrarotspektrometrisches Verfahren
Dieses Dokument legt ein Prüfverfahren zur Bestimmung des Gehaltes an Fettsäuremethylestern (FAME, en: fatty acid methyl ester) in Dieselkraftstoff oder Haushaltsheizöl mit Hilfe der Infrarotspektrometrie im mittleren Infrarotbereich (IR, en: mid-infrared) und einer Transmissions-Probenzelle fest, das für FAME-Gehalte in den drei folgenden Messbereichen gilt:
- Messbereich A: für FAME-Anteile von etwa 0,05 % (V/V) bis etwa 3 % (V/V);
- Messbereich B: für FAME-Anteile von etwa 3 % (V/V) bis etwa 20 % (V/V);
- Messbereich C: für FAME-Anteile von etwa 20 % (V/V) bis etwa 50 % (V/V).
Höhere FAME-Gehalte können vom Grundsatz her ebenfalls nach entsprechender Verdünnung analysiert werden, jedoch liegen gegenwärtig keine Präzisionsdaten für nicht in den festgelegten Messbereichen liegende Ergebnisse vor.
Das Prüfverfahren ist nachweislich anwendbar auf Proben, deren FAME-Anteil EN 14214 entspricht. Zuverlässige Ergebnisse werden nur dann erhalten, wenn die Proben keine signifikanten Anteile an anderen störenden Komponenten enthalten, insbesondere Ester und andere Carbonylverbindungen, die Absorptionsbanden im für die FAME-Bestimmung benutzten Spektralbereich aufweisen. Wenn solche störenden Komponenten vorhanden sind, wird dieses Prüfverfahren erwartungsgemäß zu hohe Werte ergeben.
ANMERKUNG 1 Für die Zwecke dieses Dokuments wird zur Angabe des Volumenanteils (φ) einer Substanz der Ausdruck „% (V/V)“ verwendet.
ANMERKUNG 2 Für die Umrechnung des FAME-Anteils von Gramm FAME je Liter (g FAME/l) in Volumenanteil wird eine feste Dichte für FAME von 883,0 kg/m3 verwendet.
WARNUNG — Die Anwendung dieses Dokuments kann die Anwendung gefährlicher Stoffe, Arbeitsgänge und Geräte mit sich bringen. Dieses Dokument beansprucht nicht, alle damit verbundenen Sicherheitsprobleme zu behandeln. Es liegt in der Verantwortung des Anwenders dieses Dokuments, vor der Anwendung die angemessenen Maßnahmen in Bezug auf den Gesundheits- und Arbeitsschutz einzuleiten und die Anwendbarkeit einschränkender Vorschriften zu ermitteln.
Produits pétroliers liquides - Détermination de la teneur en esters méthyliques d'acides gras (EMAG) des distillats moyens - Méthode par spectrométrie infrarouge
Le présent document spécifie une méthode d'essai pour la détermination de la teneur en esters méthyliques d'acides gras (EMAG) dans le carburant pour moteurs diesel ou le fioul domestique, par spectrométrie dans l'infrarouge moyen avec cellule de transmission. Cette méthode est applicable pour déterminer des teneurs en EMAG comprises dans l’une des trois plages de mesure suivantes :
- plage A : pour des teneurs en EMAG comprises entre environ 0,05 % (V/V) et environ 3 % (V/V) ;
- plage B : pour des teneurs en EMAG comprises entre environ 3 % (V/V) et environ 20 % (V/V) ;
- plage C : pour des teneurs en EMAG comprises entre environ 20 % (V/V) et environ 50 % (V/V).
En principe, des teneurs en EMAG supérieures peuvent aussi être déterminées par une dilution préalable ; par contre, les données de fidélité ne sont pas disponibles actuellement en dehors des plages de concentrations mentionnées.
Il a été vérifié que la méthode était applicable à des échantillons contenant des EMAG conformes à l’EN 14214. Des résultats quantitatifs fiables sont obtenus seulement lorsque les échantillons ne contiennent pas d’autres constituants interférant en quantités significatives, en particulier les esters et autres composés carbonylés, qui présentent des bandes d’absorption dans la région spectrale utilisée pour la quantification des EMAG. Lorsque de tels constituants sont présents, cette méthode d’essai donne des valeurs surestimées.
NOTE 1 Pour les besoins du présent document, l'expression « % (V/V) » est utilisée pour représenter la fraction volumique () d'un produit.
NOTE 2 Pour la conversion de grammes d’EMAG par litre (g d’EMAG/l) en fraction volumique, une masse volumique donnée d’EMAG de 883,0 kg/m3 est adoptée.
AVERTISSEMENT — L'utilisation du présent document peut impliquer l'intervention de produits, d'opérations et d'équipements à caractère dangereux. Le présent document n'est pas censé aborder tous les problèmes de sécurité concernés par son usage. Il est de la responsabilité de l'utilisateur de ce document de consulter et d'établir des règles de sécurité et d'hygiène appropriées et de déterminer l'applicabilité des restrictions réglementaires avant utilisation.
Tekoči naftni proizvodi - Določanje metilnih estrov maščobnih kislin (FAME) v srednjih destilatih - Metoda infrardeče spektroskopije
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2026
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 14078:2014
Tekoči naftni proizvodi - Določanje metilnih estrov maščobnih kislin (FAME) v
srednjih destilatih - Metoda infrardeče spektroskopije
Liquid petroleum products - Determination of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content in
middle distillates - Infrared spectrometry method
Flüssige Mineralölerzeugnisse - Bestimmung des Gehaltes an Fettsäuremethylester
(FAME) in Mitteldestillaten - Infrarotspektrometrisches Verfahren
Produits pétroliers liquides - Détermination de la teneur en esters méthyliques d'acides
gras (EMAG) des distillats moyens - Méthode par spectrométrie infrarouge
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 14078:2025
ICS:
75.160.20 Tekoča goriva Liquid fuels
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 14078
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
December 2025
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 75.160.20 Supersedes EN 14078:2014
English Version
Liquid petroleum products - Determination of fatty acid
methyl ester (FAME) content in middle distillates -
Infrared spectrometry method
Produits pétroliers liquides - Détermination de la Flüssige Mineralölerzeugnisse - Bestimmung des
teneur en esters méthyliques d'acides gras (EMAG) des Gehaltes an Fettsäuremethylester (FAME) in
distillats moyens - Méthode par spectrométrie Mitteldestillaten - Infrarotspektrometrisches
infrarouge Verfahren
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 26 October 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 14078:2025 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 . 5
5 Reagents and materials . 5
6 Apparatus . 5
7 Sampling and sample handling . 6
8 Procedure . 6
8.1 Selection and treatment of the cell . 6
8.2 Cleaning of the cells . 6
8.3 Selection of the path length . 7
8.3.1 Range A . 7
8.3.2 Range B . 7
8.3.3 Range C . 7
8.4 Calibration . 7
8.4.1 General instructions . 7
8.4.2 Preparation of calibration solutions . 7
8.4.3 Calculation of the calibration function. 8
8.5 Sample preparation . 8
8.6 Recording of IR spectra . 9
8.6.1 General instructions . 9
8.6.2 Background and reference spectrum . 9
8.6.3 Recording of spectra . 9
8.6.4 Determination of the absorption and the corrected absorption . 9
9 Calculation . 10
9.1 Calculation of FAME content in grams per litre (g/l) . 10
9.2 Conversion of FAME content from g/l to % (V/V) . 10
9.3 Correction if feedstock FAME material in the sample is different from the FAME material
used for calibration . 10
10 Indication of results . 11
11 Precision . 12
11.1 General. 12
11.2 Repeatability, r . 12
11.3 Reproducibility, R . 12
12 Test report . 13
Annex A (normative) Specific adjustments for calibration and dilution . 14
Annex B (informative) Example for the calculation of the corrected FAME content Ycorr . 17
Bibliography . 18
European foreword
This document (EN 14078:2025) 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 June 2026, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by June 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 will supersede EN 14078:2014.
— necessity of a correction added in the case that the average molecular mass of the FAME material in
the sample differs from that of the FAME material used for the calibration;
— possibility to use a cell with windows consisting of ZnSe added;
— gravimetric dilution described in 8.5 corrected to volumetric dilution.
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 test method for the determination of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content in
diesel fuel or domestic heating fuel by mid-infrared (IR) spectrometry and a transmission sample cell,
which applies to FAME contents of the three measurement ranges as follows:
— range A: for FAME contents ranging from approx. 0,05 % (V/V) to approx. 3 % (V/V);
— range B: for FAME contents ranging from approx. 3 % (V/V) to approx. 20 % (V/V);
— range C: for FAME contents ranging from approx. 20 % (V/V) to approx. 50 % (V/V).
Principally, higher FAME contents can also be analysed if diluted; however, no precision data for results
outside the specified range is available at present.
This test method was verified to be applicable to samples which contain FAME conforming to EN 14214.
Reliable quantitative results are obtained only if the samples do not contain any significant amounts of
other interfering components, especially esters and other carbonyl compounds which possess absorption
bands in the spectral region used for quantification of FAME. If such interfering components are present,
this test method is expected to produce higher values.
NOTE 1 For the purposes of this document, the term “% (V/V)” is used to represent the volume fraction (φ) of a
material.
NOTE 2 For conversion of grams FAME per litre (g FAME/l) to volume fraction, a fixed density for FAME of
883,0 kg/m is adopted.
WARNING — The use of this document can involve hazardous materials, operations and equipment. This
document does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this document to establish appropriate safety and health practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 14103:2020, Fat and oil derivatives - Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) - Determination of ester and
linolenic acid methyl ester contents
EN 14331, Liquid petroleum products — Separation and characterisation of fatty acid methyl esters
(FAME) from middle distillate fuels — Liquid chromatography (LC)/gas chromatography (GC) method
EN ISO 3170, Hydrocarbon liquids — Manual sampling (ISO 3170)
EN ISO 3171, Petroleum liquids — Automatic pipeline sampling (ISO 3171)
3 Terms and definitions
No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
4 Principle
The mid infrared absorption spectrum of a test portion of a sample which is diluted as appropriate if
necessary with FAME-free solvent is recorded. The absorbance at the peak maximum of the typical
−1
absorption band for esters at about (1 745 ± 5) cm is measured using a transmission cell with linear
calibration. Initially, calibration as well as evaluation of the data will be carried out as grams FAME per
litre. For conversion of grams FAME per litre (g/l) to the reporting unit “% (V/V)”, a fixed density of FAME
of 883,0 kg/m (at 15 °C) is adopted.
Three measurement ranges (A, B or C) have been chosen for which specific adjustments for the
calibration and dilution need to be followed. Measurement should be conducted preferably without
dilution for range A and a shorter path length of the measurement cell as well as an appropriate dilution
for range B and C. In particular, the lower determination range A is a challenging one; all ensuing details
shall be kept as a package without any omissions or additions of individual details. That is the only way
to adhere to the improved precision data of range A determined by round robin tests.
Based on the absorbance measured at the maximum of the peak of the absorption band the FAME content
is calculated by means of a calibration function which was determined by measuring calibration solutions
for which the FAME content is known.
The accuracy of the measured results depends on the best match of molecular masses between the FAME
material used for calibration and the FAME material in the analysed sample. For a correct result it is
recommended to use FAMEs for calibration (5.1) that have a similar average molecular mass to the
product being tested. If this is not possible, a correction has to be carried out.
5 Reagents and materials
5.1 FAME for calibration, FAME as specified in EN 14214.
5.2 FAME-free middle distillate as solvent for dilution and as reference material for the measurement
of the background spectrum shall show no peaks/signal in the area of the spectrum used for FAME
determination. In particular, a middle distillate suitable for the type of sample (diesel fuel or domestic
heating oil) shall be used for range A in order to avoid spectral decompensation as far as possible. In this
context, the property “FAME-free” means middle distillates without any absorption bands in the IR signal
range typical for FAME.
5.3 Solvents for cleaning, such as ethanol, n-pentane or cyclohexane.
6 Apparatus
6.1 Infrared spectrometer, dispersive or interferometer type, capable of operating in the wave
−1 −1
number range from approx. 400 cm to approx. 4 000 cm , with a linear absorption in the absorbance
−1
range from (0,1 to 1,1) absorbance units, and having a resolution of minimum 4 cm .
6.2 Cell (classical version which consists of holder and window material) or any other liquid
transmission accessory (as alternative for the classical liquid cell) with windows consisting of
KBr, or NaCl, or ZnSe, or KRS-5, or CaF or BaF , with accurately known path length, where the
2 2
additional instructions for the selection and treatment of cells dependent on the applied measurement
range as given in 8.1 are followed.
EXAMPLE A standard solution with a FAME concentration of 3 g/l (0,34 % (V/V)) theoretically gives an
−1
absorbance of about 0,4 at the maximum peak at about 1 745 cm if a cell with a path length of 0,5 mm is used.
7 Sampling and sample handling
Samples shall be taken according to EN ISO 3170 or EN ISO 3171. If samples are not tested immediately,
they shall be stored tightly sealed and in a cool and dark place.
NOTE Regarding sampling of the product under test, national regulations and requirements can apply.
8 Procedure
8.1 Selection and treatment of the cell
The path length of the cell (6.2) shall be selected so that adequate net signal intensities can be obtained
(in at least two decimal places, see marked cells in Table A.1). Signal intensities shall still be within the
linear detector range.
Specific adjustments shall be followed (see recommendations given in Table A.1) depending on
measurement range A, B or C:
— range A: path length as long as possible and measurement preferably without dilution;
— range B: shorter path length and dilution adapted to the anticipated FAME content;
— range C: shorter path length and a dilution higher than for range B, adapted to the anticipated FAME
content.
The path length shall be known. A specific and individual calibration shall be made for every cell in use,
retaining all other measurement parameters for every applied measurement range. The use of several or
different cells during the same calibration is not permissible.
The very same cell shall be used for calibration and for sample measurement.
If cells sensitive to water are used the path length shall be checked more frequently. In case the path
length has changed, calibration shall be carried out anew.
8.2 Cleaning of the cells
After every measurement the cell shall be carefully cleaned with a solvent (5.3). This is particularly
important after measuring samples with high FAME content and extremely important when the
measurement of samples with low FAME contents is prepared. The cell may also be cleaned by rinsing
repeatedly with FAME-free middle distillate (5.2).
In persistent cases cyclohexane may also be used for cleaning (yet not for calibration or dilution
purposes) as well as the following alternative cleaning procedure:
a) rinse twice with 5 ml n-pentane each time; then
b) rinse once with 5 ml ethanol (absolute); then
c) rinse once again with 5 ml n-pentane and finally dry with suitable equipment.
In case the cleanliness of the cell is in doubt, a reference spectrum of a FAME-free sample shall be
recorded and checked for control reasons. The spectrum shall not show signals in the neighbourhood of
−1
1 745 cm .
8.3 Selection of the path length
8.3.1 Range A
For from approx. 0,05 % (V/V) to approx. 3 % (V/V) cells with a long path length (e.g. KBr) of approx.
0,5 mm, known to the nearest 0,01 mm, have proven to be well suited. Other materials and path lengths
are also permissible, though on no account should the path length be chosen less than about 0,2 mm to
enable a signal and signal-to-noise ratio as favourable as poss
...
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