Improving the low-temperature properties of alternative diesel fuels: Vegetable oil-derived methyl esters

This work explores near-term approaches for improving the low-temperature properties of triglyceride oil-derived fuels for direct-injection compression-ignition (diesel) engines. Methyl esters from transesterified soybean oil were evaluated as a neat fuel and in blends with petroleum middle distillates. Winterization showed that the cloud point (CP) of methyl soyate may be reduced to −16°C. Twelve cold-flow additives marketed for distillates were tested by standard petroleum methodologies, including CP, pour point (PP), kinematic viscosity, cold filter plugging point (CFPP), and low-temperature flow test (LTFT). Results showed that additive treatment significantly improves the PP of distillate/methyl ester blends; however, additives do not greatly affect CP or viscosity. Both CFPP and LTFT were nearly linear functions of CP, a result that compares well with earlier studies with untreated distillate/methyl ester blends. In particular, additives proved capable of reducing LTFT of neart methyl esters by 5–6°C. This work supports earlier research on the low-temperature properties; that is, approaches for improving the cold flow of methyl ester-based diesel fuels should continue to focus on reducing CP.     

Effect of Pour Point Depressants Combined with Dispersants on the Cold Flow Properties of Biodiesel-Diesel Blends

Poor cold flow property is a major issue that hinders the application of biodiesel-diesel blends. In this work, a series of methacrylate-benzyl methacrylate-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone terpolymers (RMC-MB-NVP, R = C₁₂, C₁₄, C₁₆, C₁₈) was synthesized and used as the pour point depressants (PPD) for waste cooking oil biodiesel blends. To further improve their depressive effects, dispersants, including Tween (40, 60, and 80), Span (40, 60, and 80), phthalic acid esters (PAE), and fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (FAPE; FAPE 5, FAPE 7, and FAPE 9), were optimized and combined with the C₁₄MC-MB-NVP terpolymers. The effects of C₁₄MC-MB-NVP terpolymers and combined PPD (PPDC) on the cloud point (CP), cold filter-plugging point (CFPP), and pour point (PP) of biodiesel blends were studied. Here, results showed that the presence of dispersants can efficiently enhance the solubility and dispersibility of polymeric PPD in biodiesel blends; thus, the PPDC presents better depressive effects. Among them, C₁₆MC-MB-NVP (5:1:1) combined with FAPE 7 dispersant at 4:1 mass ratio (PPDC-FAPE 7) showed the best synergistic effect, and the CP, CFPP, and PP of B20 treated with 2000 ppm PPDC-FAPE 7 decreased by 4, 10, and 19 °C, respectively. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscope, and rheological analyses were performed to rationalize the action mechanism of these PPD and dispersants in biodiesel blends.     

Thermal analysis of alternative diesel fuels from vegetable oils

The relatively poor cold-flow properties of monoalkyl esters of vegetable oils and animal fats (biodiesel) present a major obstacle to their development as alternative fuels and extenders for combustion in direct injection compressionignition (diesel) engines. In this work, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) heating and cooling curves of methyl soyate (SME), methyl tallowate (TME), SME/TME admixtures, and winterized SME were analyzed. Completion of melt, crystallization onset (Onset), and other temperatures corresponding to melting and freezing peaks were correlated to predict cloud point (CP), pour point (PP), cold filter plugging point (CFPP), and low-temperature flow test (LTFT) data. Effects of treating methyl esters with cold-flow improvers were examined. Low-temperature flow properties of biodiesel may be accurately inferred from subambient DSC analyses of high-melting or freezing (β-form) peaks. The temperature of maximal heat flow for freezing peaks gave the best accuracy for predicting CP, PP, and CFPP, while freezing point gave the best accuracy for predicting LTFT. Onset also gave good correlations with respect to predicting PP, CFPP, and LTFT. Cooling scan parameters were more reliable than heating scan parameters. Presented at the 88th American Oil Chemists’ Society’s Annual Meeting & Expo, Seattle, Washington, May 11–14, 1997.     

Improving the cold flow properties of biodiesel from waste cooking oil by ternary blending with bio-based alcohols and diesel from direct coal liquefaction

The utilization and popularization of biodiesel are always limited by its poor cold flow properties. Both bio-based alcohol and diesel from direct coal liquefaction (DDCL) has potential to enhance the cold flow properties of biodiesel. In this study, ternary blends of waste cooking oil biodiesel (BWCO) with DDCL and bio-based ethanol (ET) or 1-butanol (BT) were conducted to improve the cold flow properties of biodiesel. The pour point (PP), cold filter plugging point (CFPP), and cloud point (CP) of BWCO-ET, BWCO-BT, and BWCO-DDCL binary blends, and BWCO-ET-DDCL and BWCO-BT-DDCL ternary blends were comparatively assessed. Ternary phase diagrams were also applied to analyze the blending effect of the three components on the cold flow properties of biodiesel. Results showed that both DDCL, ET, and BT can remarkably enhance the cold flow properties of BWCO. When the ternary blends contain 20 vol.% BWCO and less than 40 vol.% ET or BT, DDCL together with ET or BT exerted positive effects on enhancing the low-temperature flow properties of BWCO, especially on the CP and CFPP. For ternary blends in 20:10:70 blending ratio, BWCO-BT-DDCL exhibited the lowest PP, CFPP, and CP of −23, −19, and −17°C, respectively. The crystallization behavior and crystal morphology of blended fuels are also observed via a polarizing optical microscope, and find that DDCL together with BT in biodiesel can effectively retard the aggregation of large crystals and inhibit crystals growth.     

棉籽油生物柴油及其调合油低温流动性的改进研究

以棉籽油生物柴油（CSME）为原料测定其化学组成,与0号柴油（0PD）调合,研究CSME及其调合油的低温流动性能,并添加FlowFit改善CSME及其调合油的低温流动性.研究表明,CSME主要由脂肪酸甲酯组成,其中饱和脂肪酸甲酯和不饱和脂肪酸甲酯的质量分数分别为27.69％和71.65％,冷滤点（CFPP）为-1℃,40℃时运动黏度为4.63 mm2/s;在CSME调合比例为50％时,调合油的CFPP降至-8 ℃,且在相同温度下调合油的运动黏度均低于CSME.添加Flow Fit能显著改善CSME及调合油的低温流动性能,在添加Flow Fit体积分数不超过3％时,CSME、B50、B20、B10、B7、B5分别从-1,-8,-5,-4,-3,-3 ℃降低到-5,-16,-25,-24,-25,-23 ℃.     

Effect of Soybean Oil Fatty Acid Composition and Selenium Application on Biodiesel Properties

Biodiesel consisting principally of monounsaturated fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) has been reported to have the optimal balance between cold flow properties and oxidative stability, therefore producing a superior fuel. In addition, treating biodiesel with antioxidants such as selenium (Se) also increases oxidative stability. Fuel properties including acid value (AV), cloud point (CP), iodine value (IV), pour point (PP), peroxide value (PV), induction period (IP), onset temperature (OT), and kinematic viscosity (KV) were used to evaluate a newly developed Roundup Ready^® soybean recombinant inbred line (RIL) and a commercial cultivar. The RIL had a fatty acid profile with elevated levels of monounsaturated FAME. TN07-93RR was determined as the more desirable line for production of biodiesel, based on its fatty acid composition and subsequent fuel properties. The commercial cultivar AG3906 contained the highest abundance of polyunsaturated FAME and exhibited comparatively high IV and low oxidative stability. AG3906 was therefore not acceptable under the European biodiesel standard, EN 14214. However, TN07-93RR and AG3906 both were considered satisfactory according to the American biodiesel standard, ASTM D6751. Foliar treatment of soybean plants with varying amounts of Se had no effect on subsequent biodiesel oxidative stabilities.     

Oil stability index correlated with sensory determination of oxidative stability in light-exposed soybean oil

Validity of the oil stability index (OSI) as an accelerated test of oxidative stability has been questioned because of its high holding temperature, 110°C, which may cause reactions that would not occur at lower temperatures. The purpose of this study was to characterize the usefulness of OSI as an accelerated oxidative stability test for oil of varying metal catalyst content by correlating OSI with the sensory induction period of light-exposed soybean oil. Five 400-g aliquots of soybean oil were placed in Erlenmeyer flasks and treated with increasing levels of a metal pro-oxidant, Cu²⁺ 2-ethylhexanoate. Pro-oxidant concentration ranged from 0 to 3.13×10⁻⁵ M. Five-gram aliquots were taken from duplicate flasks and immediately tested using the Oxidative Stability Instrument. Heating block temperature was 110°C. Sample flasks were then exposed to 800 footcandles of light and held at ambient temperature for 3 wk. One-gram aliquots were regularly withdrawn and evaluated for rancidity by 10 trained panelists to determine the sensory induction period of each sample. Aliquots were also taken to determine OSI of light-exposed oil samples. Sensory induction periods were correlated with OSI, resulting in a squared partial correlation coefficient (r ²) of 0.920. The r ² for OSI of light-exposed oil samples ranged from 0.897 to 0.979. OSI appears to be an acceptable accelerated method for measuring the oxidative stability of light-exposed soybean oil that varies in metal catalyst content.     

Oil stability index correlated with sensory determination of oxidative stability in canola oil

The usefulness of the Oil Stability Index (OSI) as an accelerated oxidative stability test for canola oil was studied by correlating the OSI with the induction period as determined by sensory analysis. Canola oil was treated by holding it for differing times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 d) at elevated temperature (60°C) in the dark with agitation. The sensory induction period (SIP) was determined by storing the five treatments of oil and the control at 60°C in the dark with agitation and removing aliquots of oil for a nine-member sensory panel to evaluate over a 9-d period. The time it took for a treatment to reach an average sensory score of 5 (10-point scoring scale) was defined as the treatment’s SIP. OSI values were obtained on day 0 using a heating block temperature of 110°C and an air pressure of 6 psi. The relationship between SIP and OSI had a 0.89 coefficient of determination (r ²). This relationship may be sufficiently strong to warrant use of the OSI in industry applications but may not be ideal for more precise experimental studies of canola oil shelf life.     

Synthesis and physical properties of isostearic acids and their esters

Saturated branched‐chain fatty acids (sbc‐FAs) are found as minor constituents in several natural fats and oils. Sbc‐FAs are of interest since they have lower melting points than their linear counterparts and exhibit good oxidative stability; properties that make them ideally suited in a number of applications. We (and others) have previously synthesized sbc‐FAs by clay‐ or zeolite‐catalyzed isomerization of unsaturated linear‐chain fatty acids (ulc‐FAs) to unsaturated branched‐chain fatty acids (ubc‐FAs) that were subsequently hydrogenated to the desired sbc‐FAs. These acid‐catalyzed isomerization reactions, however, proceed in moderate conversion and selectivity. Recently, our group found that H‐Ferrierite zeolite catalyst isomerized ulc‐FAs to their branched‐chain counterparts in high conversion (>95%) and selectivity (85%). This paper reports the use of this type of catalyst for the preparation of a series of sbc‐FAs and their ester derivatives. Selected physical properties of these branched acids and esters such as cloud point (CP) and pour point (PP), cold filter plugging point (CFPP), viscosity index (VI), thermo‐oxidation stability, iodine value, and lubricity are also reported.     

EsMOVS柴油降凝剂的研制

对柴油降凝剂ＥｓＭＯＶＳ的合成、用途、使用条件、影响因素等作了阐述。此降凝剂对抚顺石油二厂－１０＃柴油的纯降凝度是１８℃，冷滤点纯降低度是９℃。对其它柴油也有一定的降凝助滤效果。     

Stability of the Gossypol-Amine Adducts Used for Chromatographic Measurement of Total and Isomeric Gossypol

The stability of the gossypol amine adducts used for chromatographic determination of gossypol was studied. After extraction and complexation with R-(−)-2-amino-1-propanol, the samples were diluted into an acetonitrile/phosphate buffer solution as described in AOCS Recommended Practice Ba 8a-99. The solutions were then stored under different conditions before being analyzed by reverse-phase chromatography. Samples stored in the dark at −80 °C or at −20 °C showed little change in peak size over 30 days. Samples stored in the dark at −4 °C or at room temperature showed a measurable reduction in gossypol peak size over the study period. Samples stored in the light at room temperature showed the greatest reduction with only 25% of the initial gossypol detectable after 30 days. The rate of degradation followed first-order kinetics. The rate of decrease in gossypol peak size did not differ for the different gossypol matrices studied, i.e., cottonseed kernels, cottonseed meal, or pure gossypol-acetic acid; nor did it differ for the individual gossypol enantiomers. The results indicate that these gossypol Schiff's base adducts can be transported on dry ice before chromatography with minimal concern for their stability.     

Pigments for Aquaculture of Salmonids. A Comparative Model Study of Carophyll Pink and Panaferd AX in Cod Liver Oil

As one of the key ingredients in feed for rearing salmon the stability of the synthetic feed pigment Carophyll Pink^® (CP) and the natural pigment Panaferd‐AX^® (PAN) in pure cod liver oil were investigated. As reference, pure cod liver oil without added carotenoids was used (PURE). Carotenoid content, isomerization of astaxanthin in CP and distribution of carotenoids in PAN and the antioxidant ability of CP and PAN were followed by HPLC in two model experiments (Experiment 1: 17 days, temperature 18.5–28.2 °C, and Experiment 2: 15 days, temperature 29.7 °C). Moreover, peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric value (TBARS) and fatty acid (FA) compositions were analyzed in CP, PAN and PURE. Relative to cod liver oil with added PAN, addition of CP resulted in significantly higher stability of ∑PUFA, slower formation of peroxides, reduced oxidation and increased carotenoid stability during storage. For the isomerization of astaxanthin in CP a significantly decrease in all‐E‐astaxanthin and an increase in 13Z‐astaxanthin was observed during storage in both experiments. Highest stability of different carotenoids in PAN were found for the carotenoid β‐carotene in both experiments, followed by echinenone and astaxanthin in Experiment 1 and astaxanthin, adonirubin and adonixanthin in Experiment 2. It is concluded that the synthetic pigment feed additive CP significantly improves the stability of cod liver oil as compared to the natural pigment feed additive PAN (order of stability; CP > PAN > PURE).     

Impact of the North Dakota Growing Location on Canola Biodiesel Quality

Canola biodiesel (fatty acid methyl esters, FAME) may have superior cold flow properties when compared to other biodiesel feedstocks, which is attributed to canola’s high unsaturated and low saturated fat content. The objective of this study was to evaluate canola biodiesel fatty acid composition, cloud point (CP) and oil stability index (OSI) among several ND locations and production years. In Experiment 1, bulked canola varieties from seven growing seasons (2003–2009) were analyzed and in Experiment 2 a single canola variety (Interstate Hyola 357RR) harvested at two locations (2003–2005, and 2007) were analyzed. FAME was produced directly from seed via in situ alkaline transesterification methods. CP ranged from −0.1 to −2.4 °C and was significantly impacted by year and location. FAME generally met the ASTM B100 specification for OSI (3 h), but increased seed storage decreased stability. No significant differences were detected in FAME composition, and iodine value ranged from 108 to 123 g I₂/100 g. A significant relationship between fat saturation and location with CP and stability was not detected among the samples in this study. Variation in fatty acid composition was small; thus, the significant variability in CP and OSI suggests either differences in minor constituents (antioxidants, waxes) or environmental seed stress impacted biodiesel quality. Our study supports the value of examining biodiesel quality in a canola breeding program.     

The Effect of Operational Parameters of the Rancimat Method on the Determination of the Oxidative Stability Measures and Shelf-Life Prediction of Soybean Oil

Operational parameters of the Rancimat method, including oil sample size, airflow rate, and temperature, were evaluated to determine their effects on the oxidative stability index (OSI), temperature coefficient, Q ₁₀ number, and shelf-life prediction for soybean oil. Operational parameters of the Rancimat method had statistically significant effects (P < 0.05) on the OSI. Whenever the oil sample size and airflow rate at a given temperature were such that the air-saturated condition could be established, the OSIs showed no statistically significant differences. As temperature increased, OSIs decreased, while their average coefficient of variation (CV) increased. In general, the conditions where the sample was saturated with air and had a relatively lower CV were an oil sample size of 6 g at all temperatures and airflow rates, then 3-g oil sample size at low temperatures (100 and 110 °C) and low airflow rates (10 and 15 L h⁻¹). The temperature coefficient and Q ₁₀ number were found to be independent of the oil sample size and airflow rate, and their mean values for soybean oil were calculated to be −3.12 × 10⁻² °C⁻¹ and 2.05, respectively. Oil sample size and airflow rate showed a significant effect on shelf-life prediction for soybean oil. Therefore, choosing the right levels of these operational parameters in the Rancimat method may produce the least possible difference between predictions from long-term storage studies and the OSI test.     

Chemical and sensory properties of gas-purged,minimum-refined,extruded-expelled soybean oil

Developing low-cost oil refining methods is critical to business that use low-cost extrusion-expelling (E-E) to crush soybeans so they can capture the full value-added potential by marketing finished oils. Normal commodity (CO) and high-oleic (HO) E-E soybean oils were minimum-refined, gas-purged, and evaluated in frying applications. Degummed commodity oil (DCO) and minimum-refined (degummed and deacidified by Magnesol® adsorption) CO and HO oils were gas-purged with N₂ for 1 h at 150°C. For DCO, gas purging did not affect PV, oxidative stability index (OSI), FFA, color, and total tocopherol content, but p-anisidine value (AV) increased. For CO, the minimum-refined, gas-purged oil did not differ from degummed, gas-purged oil in terms of p-AV, OSI, tocopherol content, and color. PV and FFA were lower in minimum-refined, gas-purged oil. Minimum-refined, gas-purged HO had much higher OSI, tocopherol, and FFA levels than did minimum-refined, gas-purged CO. The oils were used to fry bread cubes at 185°C. Fried bread cubes were stored under various conditions and evaluated for flavor attributes. These oils were different in toasty/nutty, beany/grassy, and oxidized flavors, as well as overall flavor intensity and desirability. Minimum-refined, gas-purged oils produced fried bread cubes having initial flavor profiles similar to those fried in commercial oil; however, when fresh oils were used they were less stable to oxidation. Longer heating times of the minimum-refined, gas-purged oils produced bread cubes with better oxidative stabilities than those produced with commercial oil.     

Physicochemical Characteristics and Technological Properties of Lupinus mutabilis Oil

The aim of the presented study is to examine the physicochemical parameters of the lipids present in Lupinus mutabilis seed and to compare the results with the available data for other commonly used vegetable oils. The oil quality indexes, oxidative stability index (OSI), and melting characteristics are examined. Andean lupin oil has remarkably high oxidative stability (OSI = 65 h) comparable to high-oleic oils counterparts. Quality parameters meet commonly accepted standards, including peroxide value (3.95 meq O₂ kg⁻¹) and p-anisidine value (1.25). The acid number value is 1.85 mg KOH g⁻¹. The iodine value is 110.27 g/100 g, while the enthalpy required to increase the temperature of the sample from −60 to 80 °C is equal to 57.41 kJ kg⁻¹. The beginning of the melting event (T_onset) and the phase transition temperature (T_peak) values for L. mutabilis seed oil are −29.46 and −22.63 °C, respectively. The presented results indicate the unusually high oxidative stability of the oil obtained from L. mutabilis seeds, which opens up a whole spectrum of application possibilities, e.g., designing blends with other commonly used vegetable oils to enhance their low stability. Practical Applications: The presented results provide insight into physicochemical parameters of the lipid fraction isolated from Lupinus mutabilis seeds. Andean lupin oil has very high oxidative stability, comparable to high-oleic rapeseed and sunflower oils. Therefore, the identified potential use of the studied oils is, e.g. an additive that can increase the stability of commercial vegetable oils characterized by much lower oxidative stability.     

Effect of the Shutdown of a Coal-Fired Power Plant on Urban Ultrafine Particles and Other Pollutants

Ultrafine particle (UFP) monitoring over the size range of 10–500 nm has been ongoing in Rochester, New York, since November 2001. A nearby large coal-fired power plant (CFPP) was shut down in the spring of 2008 for conversion to natural gas combustion. This shutdown resulted in a reduction in observed concentrations of UFP number and other pollutants. In this study, positive matrix factorization (PMF) model and conditional probability function (CPF) were used to elicit the CFPP source information based on 2005–2010 hourly concentration data of particles and gaseous species and meteorological variables. Five factors were identified, i.e., nucleation, regional transport, traffic, CFPP, and O₃-rich secondary aerosol that influenced the measured pollution levels. The average 10–50 nm, 50–100 nm, and 100–500 nm particle number concentrations decreased 49.8%, 51.9%, and 52.9% from 2007 to 2008, respectively. The annual average SO₂, CO, and PM_2.5 concentrations also decreased by 64.1%, 39.6%, and 45.6% from 2007 to 2008, respectively. The largest reductions of 10–50 nm particles, CO, and SO₂ concentrations between 2007 and 2009 were observed with northerly winds. These changes were clearly attributed to the shutdown of the large CFPP in the study area.     

Effects of Monoacylglycerols on the Cold Flow Properties of Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel made from plant oils and animal fats that may be burned in a compression–ignition (diesel) engine. It is composed of mono-alkyl fatty acid esters made from plant oils or animal fats mainly by transesterification with methanol or ethanol. This process leaves behind small concentrations of minor constituents including monoacylglycerols (MAG). Saturated MAG have low solubility in biodiesel and may form solid residues during storage in cold weather. Soybean oil-fatty acid methyl esters (SME) were mixed with up to 1.0 mass% MAG to evaluate the effects on cloud point (CP), freezing point (FP), cold filter plugging point (CFPP), and wax appearance point (WAP). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that MAG with only 27.6 mass% total long chain (C16–C18) saturated fatty acid content had melting transitions between 54 and 59.0 °C. Furthermore, DSC analysis indicated that pure monoolein may be problematic with respect to melting transitions between 25.4 and 33.4 °C. Solubility data for SME–MAG mixtures indicated a broad transition temperature range from solid at low temperature to liquid at temperatures exceeding 60 °C. Increasing the added MAG content from 0.10 to 1.0 mass% increased both CP and FP. Cold filter plugging point demonstrated higher sensitivity than CP or FP at added MAG content below 0.10 mass%, though it was not affected by increasing MAG concentration above 0.50 mass%. Wax appearance point showed no effects until added MAG content exceeded 0.25 mass%. Kinematic viscosity measured at 5 °C similarly showed no effects until added MAG concentration exceeded 0.20 mass%. Specific gravity at 15.6 °C and refractive index at 25 °C were not greatly affected by added MAG except at concentrations greater than 0.10 mass%.     

Oxidative Stability of Conventional and High-Oleic Vegetable Oils with Added Antioxidants

The oxidative stability of conventional and high-oleic varieties of commercial vegetable oils, with and without added antioxidants, was evaluated using the oil stability index (OSI). Oil varieties studied were soybean (SOY), partially-hydrogenated soybean (PHSOY), corn (CORN), sunflower (SUN), canola (CAN), high-oleic canola (HOCAN), very high-oleic canola (VHOCAN), oleic safflower (SAF) and high-oleic sunflower (HOSUN). One or more commercial antioxidants were added to the four most stable oils at supplier-recommended levels: rosemary extract (RM; 1,000 ppm), ascorbyl palmitate (AP; 1,000 ppm), tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ; 200 ppm), and mixed tocopherols (TOC; 200 ppm). OSI in hours (h) at 110 °C of the conventional oils were 5.2, 7.6, 8.4, 9.8, 10.9 and 14.3 h for SUN, SOY, CAN, CORN, PHSOY and SAF, respectively. OSI of high-oleic variants were 12.9, 16.5 and 18.5 h for HOCAN, HOSUN and VHOCAN, respectively. Maximum OSI values for the four most stable oils when treated with antioxidants, were 40.9, 48.5, 48.8 and 55.7 h for HOCAN, VHOCAN, SAF and HOSUN, respectively. Addition of TBHQ, alone and in combination with other antioxidants, resulted in the greatest increase in oxidative stability of SAF and other high-oleic oils evaluated. AP had a positive synergistic effect when used with TBHQ, while RM decreased TBHQ effectiveness.     

Oxidative stability of soybean oil fatty acid methyl esters by oil stability index (OSI)

Biodiesel, an alternative diesel fuel derived from transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats, is composed of saturated and unsaturated long-chain FA alkyl esters. During long-term storage, oxidation caused by contact with air (autoxidation) presents a legitimate concern with respect to monitoring and maintaining fuel quality. Extensive oxidative degradation may compromise quality by adversely affecting kinematic viscosity, acid value, or PV. This work examines the oil stability index (OSI) as a parameter for monitoring the oxidative stability of soybean oil FAME (SME). SME samples from five separate sources and with varying storage and handling histories were analyzed for OSI at 60°C using an oxidative stability instrument. Results showed that OSI may be used to measure relative oxidative stability of SME samples as well as to differentiate between samples from different producers. Although addition of α-tocopherol or TBHQ increased OSI, responses to these antioxidants varied with respect to SME sample. Variations in response to added antioxidant were attributed to aging and other effects that may have caused oxidative degradation in samples prior to acquisition for this study. Results showed that OSI was more sensitive than iodine value in detecting the effects of oxidative degradation in its early stages when monitoring SME during storage.