WO2006002683A1

WO2006002683A1 - A new biofuel composition

Info

Publication number: WO2006002683A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/011340
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jean-Pierre Despeghel
Original assignee: Monsanto SAS
Current assignee: Monsanto SAS
Priority date: 2004-07-02
Filing date: 2004-10-11
Publication date: 2006-01-12
Anticipated expiration: 2007-01-02
Also published as: US20080168705A1; EA200700167A1; CA2571724A1; AU2004321204A1; EA012177B1

Abstract

An object of the present invention is a novel rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition. Another object of the present invention is a process for the preparation of said novel rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition. Another object of the present invention relates to the use of said composition in diesel engines in its pure form or blended with another composition, e.g. with fuel.

Description

A NEW BIOFUEL COMPOSITION

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a new rapeseed alkyl esters composition. The present invention further relates to a process to obtain said new composition and its use as biodiesel .

Background

[0002] For years, biodiesel has been considered as an alternative to petroleum based diesel . Biodiesel is a general term referring to a fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal fats. It can be used per se as fuel or as an additive, generally in a blend with petroleum-based diesel fuel.

[0003] The numerous advantages of using Biodiesel are well known. Indeed, it offers similar fuel economy, horsepower and torque to petroleum diesel while providing superior lubricity. Its use results in a substantial reduction of emissions of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. Moreover, it is essentially free of sulfur and aromatics. [0004] Biodiesel is therefore regarded as a renewable, non-toxic and biodegradable fuel alternative or additive.

[0005] Nowadays biodiesel has to satisfy very strict specifications to insure proper performance. Indeed, the pure biodiesel (BlOO) must meet a standard, through many specified parameters, before being used as a pure fuel or being blended with petrodiesel .

[0006] Some of these specifications refer to the temperature properties of biodiesel, such as the flash point, the cetane number, the cloud point, etc., some others refer to its composition, such as glycerine content, water and sediment content, sulphated ash content, phosphorus content, etc., and some others measure the acid number, the kinematic viscosity, etc. [0007] Because of the current environmental and security concerns, there have been many attempts to improve biodiesel and/or the methods for its preparation.

[0008] But the main drawbacks with biodiesel products remain their temperature properties and also their reactivity toward oxidation and polymerization.

[0009] There is a high demand of a biofuel composition which overcomes or mitigates the problems of prior art biofuels.

[0010] The Australian document available on the internet (http://www.biodiversity.ea.gov.au/atmosphere/biodiesel/pubs/pa per.pdf) , mentions new high oleic rapeseed varieties and also new low linolenic varieties as potential varieties to be used for biodiesel .

[0011] Nevertheless, having regard to the fatty acids composition of an oil or fat used for the production of biodiesel, it is generally admitted that the more saturated fatty acids, i.e. palmitic acid (16:0) , and/or stearic acid (18:0) that are present: the higher the biodiesel stability (oxidation stability, thermal and storage stability) ; the lower the probability to form polymerised molecules under high temperatures and pressure (e.g. when unburned traces of biodiesel are washed down into the engine crankcase and exposed to high stress levels caused by high temperature and pressures) ; the higher the cetane-number for better engine performance. [0012] It is also admitted that the presence of linolenic acid methyl ester in biodiesel increases the rate of biodiesel polymerisation adversely affecting engine operability. But in the meantime, its total absence in oil generates a drop of the cloud point or cold filter plugging point (CFPP) .

Summary of the invention [0013] The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that the transesterification of rapeseed oil showing low, or even very low, saturated fatty acids content may nevertheless be advantageous, particularly when said oil composition shows high or very high oleic acid content and/or low or very low linolenic acid content.

[0014] The present invention provides a new Rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition, said composition comprising less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, preferably between about 7% and about 5%, more preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% of mono-alkyl-ester(s) of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids present in the composition.

[0015] The present invention provides a new Rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition, said composition comprising more than about 72%, 75%, 80%, or 85%, preferably between about 70% and about 85% of mono-alkyl-ester(s) of oleic acid, and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, preferably between about 7% and about 5%, more preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% of mono-alkyl-ester(s) of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids present in the composition.

[0016] Also provided is a new rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition, which comprises less than about 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, or 1%, preferably between about 4% and about 1% of mono-alkyl- ester(s) of linolenic acid and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, preferably between about 7% and about 5%, more preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% of mono-alkyl-ester(s) of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl- esters of fatty acids in the composition. [0017] The present invention also provides a new rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition comprising more than about 72%, 75%, 80%, or 85%, preferably between about 70% and about 85% of mono-alkyl-ester(s) of oleic acid, less than about 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, 1,5% or 1%, preferably between about 4% and about 1% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of linolenic acid, and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, preferably between about 7% and about 5%, more preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% of mono-alkyl-ester (s) of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition. [0018] It is to be understood that any of the compositions of the present invention comprises further fatty- acid esters that are characteristic of rapeseed oil . [0019] Another object of the invention is a process for preparing a composition of the present invention comprising the transesterification step of a rapeseed oil comprising less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5%, preferably between about 7% and about 5,5%, more preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of fatty acids in the composition.

[0020] Another object of the invention is a process for preparing a composition of the present invention comprising the transesterification step of a rapeseed oil comprising at least about 72%, 75%, 80%, or 85%, preferably between about 70% and about 85% of oleic acid and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or

5,5%, preferably between about 7% and about 5%, more preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of fatty acids in the composition.

[0021] Also provided is a process for preparing a composition of the present invention comprising the transesterification step of a rapeseed oil comprising at most about 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, 1,5% or 1%, preferably between about 4% and about 1% of linolenic acid and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, preferably between about 7% and about 5%, more preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of fatty acids in the composition.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is the use of a composition of the present invention in (diesel) engines, as biodiesel or as an additive in other compositions, e.g. fuels.

Detailed description of the invention [0023] The present invention relates to a new rapeseed mono-alkyl ester(s) composition comprising less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5%, preferably between about 7% and about 5%, more preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids present in the composition.

[0024] The present invention relates to a new rapeseed mono-alkyl ester(s) composition comprising at least about 72%; 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, or 90% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of oleic acid and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of the mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids present in the composition. [0025] The present invention also relates to a rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition, which comprises less than about 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2,5%, 2%, 1,5% or 1% of mono-alkyl esters of linolenic acid and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a new rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition comprising more than about 72%; 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, or 90% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of oleic acid, less than about 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2,5%, 2%, 1,5% or 1% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of linolenic acid, and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0027] The present invention also relates to a new rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition further comprising (having regard to anyone of the compositions of the invention) less than about 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9% or 8%, preferably less than about 7% or 6% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of linoleic acid, and/or less than about 20%, 19%, 18%, 17% or 16%, preferably less than about 7,5% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of poly¬ unsaturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of mono- alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition. [0028] The present invention also relates to a new rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition comprising between about 7% and about 6%, preferably between about 7% and about 5%, more preferably between about 6,5% and about 5,5% of mono-alkyl ester of saturated fatty acids. Said rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition may further comprise between about 72% and about

85% of mono-alkyl ester of oleic acid, and/or between about 4% and about 1% of mono-alkyl ester of linolenic acid, and/or between about 15% and about 6% of mono-alkyl ester of linoleic acid, and/or' between about 20% and about 7,5% of mono-alkyl ester of poly-unsaturated fatty acids.

[0029] As used in the context of the present invention, the term "about" means +/- 0,3%, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, "about 7%" includes 6,7%, 6,8%, 6,9%, 7,1%, 7,2%, 7,3% and any real number comprised between 6,7% and 7,3%. [0030] In a preferred composition of the invention, the mono-alkyl esters of said saturated fatty acids comprise less than 4,5%, preferably less than about 4%, and more preferably less than about 3,5% of alkyl-ester(s) of palmitic acid, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0031] In a preferred composition of the invention, the mono-alkyl esters of said saturated fatty acids comprise between about 4,5% and about 3%, preferably between about 4,1% and about 3,5% of alkyl-ester(s) of palmitic acid, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0032] In a preferred composition of the invention, the mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids are methyl ester, ethyl ester, propyl ester, or butyl ester of fatty acids. They may also consist of a mixture of two, three or four of said esters. [0033] In a more preferred composition, the mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids are ethyl ester and / or methyl ester of fatty acids, and more preferably methyl ester of fatty acids. [0034] In a preferred composition, the mono-alkyl esters of saturated fatty acids are methyl esters, ethyl esters, propyl esters or butyl esters of saturated fatty acids. They may also consist of a mixture of two, three or four of said esters. [0035] In a preferred composition, the mono-alkyl esters of oleic acid are methyl ester, ethyl ester, propyl ester or butyl ester of oleic acid. They may also consist of a mixture of two, three or four of said esters.

[0036] In a preferred composition, the mono-alkyl esters of linolenic acid are methyl ester, ethyl ester, propyl ester, or butyl ester of linolenic acid. They may also consist of a mixture of two, three or four of said esters.

[0037] In a more preferred composition, the mono-alkyl esters of saturated fatty acids, of oleic acid or of linolenic acid are respectively methyl esters, and/or ethyl esters of said fatty acids.

[0038] And even more preferably, the mono-alkyl esters are methyl esters of saturated fatty acids, of oleic acid or of linolenic acid. [0039] A preferred composition of the invention comprises less than about 7% of ethyl esters of saturated fatty acids based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0040] A preferred composition of the invention comprises more than about 73% of ethyl ester of oleic acid and less than about 7% of ethyl esters of saturated fatty acids based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0041] A preferred composition of the invention comprises less than about 3% of ethyl ester of linolenic acid and less than about 7% of ethyl esters of saturated fatty acids based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0042] A more preferred composition of the invention comprises less than about 7% of methyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0043] A more preferred composition of the invention comprises more than about 73% of methyl ester of oleic acid and/or less than about 3% of methyl ester of linolenic acid, and less than about 7% of methyl esters of saturated fatty- acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0044] A more preferred composition of the invention comprises more than about 80% of methyl ester of oleic acid and/or less than about 3% of methyl ester of linolenic acid, and less than about 7% of methyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition. [0045] A preferred composition of the invention comprises less than about 2%, or less than about 1,5%, preferably less than about 1% of methyl ester of linolenic acid and less than about 7% of ethyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0046] A preferred composition of the invention comprises:

- between about 75% and about 85%, preferably more than about 80% of methyl ester of oleic acid, and/or - between about 2% and about 1%, preferably less than about 1,5% of methyl ester of linolenic acid, and

- less than about 7%, preferably between about 7% and about 5%, more preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% of ethyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0047] The present invention also relates to a new rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition comprising more than about 72%; 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, or 90% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of oleic acid and/or less than about 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2,5%, 2%, 1,5% or 1% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of linolenic acid, and less than about 7% of ethyl esters of saturated fatty acids, and less than about 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9% or 8%, preferably less than about 7% or 6% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of linoleic acid based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0048] A preferred rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition of the invention may comprise more than about 75% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of oleic acid, less than about 2,5% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of linolenic acid, less than about 7% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of saturated fatty acids. It may further comprise less than about 13% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of linoleic acid, and/or less than about 16% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0049] A preferred rapeseed alkyl-ester(s) composition of the invention comprises more than about 85% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of oleic acid, less than about 2% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of linolenic acid, less than about 6,5% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[0050] A process for preparing a composition according to the invention comprises a transesterification step of an rapeseed oil comprising less than about 7%, preferably less than about 6,5% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil .

[0051] A process for preparing a composition according to the invention comprises a transesterification step of an rapeseed oil comprising at least about 72%; 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, or 85% of oleic acid and/or less than about 4%, 3,5%, 3%, or 2% of linolenic acid, and less than about 7%, preferably less than about 6,5%, and more preferably less than about 6% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil . [0052] A process for preparing a composition according to the invention comprises a transesterification step of an rapeseed oil comprising: at least about 72%; 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, or 90% of oleic acid, and / or less than about 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2,5%, 2%, 1,5% or 1% of linolenic acid,

- and less than about 7%, preferably less than about 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of saturated fatty. acids, and optionally less than 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9% or 8%, preferably less than about 7% or 6% of linoleic acid, and optionally less than 20%, 19%, 18%, 17% or 16%, preferably less than about 7,5% of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of fatty acids in the oil . [0053] The transesterification may consist of a base catalysed transesterification of the rapeseed oil. This reaction is more commonly used today, since it requires low temperature and pressure conditions, and it yields very high conversion with minimal side reactions and minimal reaction time. Moreover, it is a direct conversion to mono-alkyl ester with no intermediate compounds. [0054] The catalyst is generally sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. It is generally dissolved in the alcohol (s) using a standard agitator or mixer.

[0055] The alcohol (s) can be methanol, ethanol, propanol and/or butanol . Excess alcohol is normally used to ensure total conversion of the rapeseed oil to its esters.

[0056] The alcohol (s) / catalyst mix is then charged into a closed reaction vessel and the rapeseed oil is added. [0057] The system should be closed to the atmosphere to prevent the loss of the alcohol (s) .

[0058] The reaction time may vary from 1 to 8 hours, depending on the temperature. The temperature is preferably chosen in the range consisting of the^' room temperature up to the temperature just above the boiling point of the alcohol used.

[0059] The conversion can be repeated (twice, three times or more) in order to raise the yield and obtain the required degree of purity, and to get very low glycerides content. [0060] Once the reaction is complete, two phases containing respectively glycerin and alkyl esters can be separated. The glycerin phase being much more dense than the other, the two phases can be separated using merely the gravity, or faster by using a centrifuge. [0061] Each of the phases has substantial amount of the excess alcohol (s) that was used in the reaction. This excess alcohol (s) can be removed by any appropriate process, for example with a flash evaporation process or by distillation. [0062] The products of the reaction can be neutralized before or after the two phases, containing respectively glycerin and esters, are separated. This neutralization step can also take place before or after the alcohol (s) is (are) removed in each phase.

[0063] The alkyl esters composition thus obtained can be washed gently with warm water to remove residual catalyst or soaps.

[0064] It can also be distilled in an additional step to remove small amounts of colour bodies to produce a colourless composition. [0065] The glycerin by-product can be submitted to further steps depending on the applications envisaged and the degree of purity required.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the alcohol used is methanol or ethanol. A mixture of both can be used and the ester composition obtained is thus a mixture of methyl ester and ethyl ester of fatty acids.

[0067] In a more preferred embodiment, methanol is used.

And when methanol is used the transesterification step can be referred to as a methanolyse step. [0068] The transesterification may also consist of a direct acid catalysed transesterification of the rapeseed oil .

[0069] The alcohol can be methanol, ethanol, propanol and/or butanol.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the alcohol used is methanol, ethanol or a mixture of both.

[0071] Where methanol is used, the transesterification step can also be referred to as a methanolyse step.

[0072] The transesterification may also consist of a two steps reaction, the first being the conversion of the rapeseed oil to its fatty acids, and then the conversion of the fatty acids to alkyl esters with acid catalysis .

[0073] The alcohol can be methanol, ethanol, propanol and/or butanol . [0074] In a preferred embodiment, the alcohol used is methanol, ethanol or a mixture of both. The transesterification step can also be referred to as a methanolyse step where methanol is used.

[0075] Whatever are the catalysts used and/or the alcohols used, the rapeseed oil used in a process of the invention, comes from an oil (extracted from rapeseed varieties) that comprises less than about 7%, preferably less than about 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of saturated fatty acids. Said oil may further comprise either: - at least about 72%; 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%,

81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, or 90% of oleic acid, or less than about 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2,5%, 2%, 1,5% or 1% of linolenic acid, or - less than about 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9% or 8%, preferably less than about 7% or 6% of linoleic acid, or less than about 20%, 19%, 18%, 17% or 16%, preferably less than about 7,5% of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil . [0076] Said rapeseed oil can have a saturated fatty acids content comprised between about 7% and about 6%, preferably between about 7% and about 5%, more preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% and can further comprise between about 72% and about 85% of oleic acid, and/or between about 4% and about 1% of linolenic acid, and/or between about 15% and about 6% of linoleic acid, and/or between about 20% and about 7,5% of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil .

[0077] A variety from which such oil can be extracted may be Brassica napus varieties. In particular it can be extracted from varieties chosen from the group consisting of CONTACT, CABRIOLET, CALIDA, MSP05, MSPIl and MSP13 varieties, which are registered varieties, MSPIl and MSP13 excepted. [0078] MSPIl variety is maintained as a Budapest Treaty patent deposit with NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 41234 made July 9, 2004 by Monsanto S.A.S, Centre de Recherche de Boissay, 28310 Toury, France.

[0079] MSP13 variety is maintained as a Budapest Treaty patent deposit with NCIMB under accession number NCIMB 41237 made July 23, 2004 by Monsanto S.A.S, Centre de Recherche de Boissay, 28310 Toury, France.

[0080] MSP05 and CALIDA varieties are also maintained as a Budapest Treaty patent deposit with NCIMB respectively under accession number NCIMB 41233 and 41235 made July 9, 2004 by Monsanto S.A.S, Centre de Recherche de Boissay, 28310 Toury, France.

[0081] A mixture of the oil extracted from two, three, four, five or six of these varieties can also be used to prepare a composition of the invention. [0082] A preferred rapeseed oil comprises more than about 73% of oleic acid and/or less than about 3,5% of linolenic acid, and less than about 7% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil . [0083] A more preferred rapeseed oil comprises more than about 75% of oleic acid and/or less than about 3% of linolenic acid, and less than about 7% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil . [0084] A more preferred rapeseed oil comprises more than about 75% of oleic acid and less than about 2,5% of linolenic acid, and less than about 7% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil . [0085] A more preferred rapeseed oil comprises between about 75% and about 85% of oleic acid and/or between about 2,5% and about 1% of linolenic acid, and between about 7% and about 5%, preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil. [0086] A variety from which such oil can be extracted may be chosen from the group consisting of MSP05, MSPIl and MSP13 varieties.

[0087] A more preferred rapeseed oil comprises more than about 80% of oleic acid and less than about 2% of linolenic acid, and less than about 7%, preferably less than about 6% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil .

[0088] A more preferred rapeseed oil comprises more than about 85% of oleic acid and/or less than about 2% of linolenic acid, and less than 6,5% of saturated fatty acids, based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil .

[0089] A variety from which such oil can be extracted is for example MSPIl variety or MSP13 variety.

[0090] In a preferred rapeseed oil, the said saturated fatty acids comprise less than 4,5%, preferably less than about 4%, more preferably less than about 3,5% of palmitic acid based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil . [0091] In a preferred rapeseed oil, the said saturated fatty acids comprise between about 4,5% and about 3%, more preferably between about 4,1% and about 3,5% of palmitic acid based upon the total weight of fatty acids present in the oil . [0092] A process of the invention may comprise, prior to the transesterification step, the steps of degumming the crude rapeseed oil, and of refining the resulting oil. [0093] Crude oil is degummed to remove bulk of certain phosphatides such as lecithin.

[0094] The degumming treatment can consist of mixing the rapeseed oil with water or steam during a certain period of time, preferably about 30 min. to about 60 min. , at a temperature between about 50° and about 90⁰C, preferably in presence of phosphoric acid, citric acid or other acidic materials. The gummy residue is dehydrated and the precipitated gums are removed by decantation or centrifugation.

[0095] The degumming step may also consist of a chemical process.

[0096] The oil thus obtained is refined (or neutralized) in order to reduce the free fatty acids, phospholipids, carbohydrates or proteins.

[0097] The most widely practiced form of refining method is an alkali treatment, usually sodium hydroxide, by which the free fatty acids are converted into water soluble soaps. Phospholipids, carbohydrates and proteins can also be changed to water soluble substances with hydration.

[0098] After the alkali treatment, the rapeseed oil is washed with (hot) water to remove residual water soluble soaps that can reduce stability of the oil. In addition, pigments of the oil, such as chlorophyll, also undergo partial decomposition during this step.

[0099] The refining step can also be referred to as a neutralization step.

[00100] A process of the invention may also comprise a bleaching step, after the refining step and before the transesterification step. In fact, a large amount of the colouring materials, such as chlorophyll and carotene, is already removed during the refining process. And the bleaching step aims to finalize the decolouration process.

[00101] A common method of bleaching is by absorption of the colour producing substances on an adsorbent material such as e.g. bentonite (or acid-activated earth clay), Fuller's earth, TONSIL earth, silica gel, etc.

[00102] A process of the invention may also comprise a step of extracting the oil from the rapeseed.

[00103] Oil extraction methods are well known and can be mechanical, via solvents (generally hexane) , via enzymes and/or by means of high pressure CO₂.

[00104] A composition obtained by a process of the invention comprises less than about 7%, 6,5% or 6% of mono- alkyl-esters of saturated fatty acids, in particular methyl ester of saturated fatty acid, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[00105] A composition obtained by a process of the invention comprises more than about 72%; 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89% or 90% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of oleic acid, in particular methyl ester of oleic acid, and/or less than about 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2,5%, 2%, 1,5% or 1% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of linolenic acid, in particular methyl ester of linolenic acid, and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of mono-alkyl-esters of saturated fatty acids, in particular methyl ester of saturated fatty acid, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition. All the combinations are envisaged for a composition of the invention.

[00106] A composition obtained by a process of the invention may also contain small amount or traces of alkyl ester of palmitoleic acid, alkyl ester of stearic acid, alkyl ester of arachidic acid, alkyl ester of eicosenoic acid, alkyl ester of behenoic acid, alkyl ester of erucic acid, and/or mono-, di- and/or tri-glyderides .

[00107] A possible use of a composition according to the present invention is as biodiesel.

[00108] A composition of the invention suitable for this use preferably comprises less than about 7%, preferably less than about 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of ethyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[00109] A composition of the invention suitable for this use preferably comprises more than about 75% of ethyl ester of oleic acid and less than about 7%, preferably less than about 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of ethyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[00110] A composition of the invention suitable for this use preferably comprises less than about 3% of ethyl ester of linolenic acid and less than about 7%, preferably less than about 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of ethyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[00111] A composition of the invention suitable for this use preferably comprises more than about 72%; 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89% or 90% of ethyl ester of oleic acid, less than about 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2,5%, 2%, 1,5% or 1% of ethyl ester of linolenic acid, and less than about 7%, preferably less than about 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of ethyl esters of saturated- fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[00112] A composition of the invention suitable for this use preferably comprises more than about 75%, preferably between about 75% and about 85% of ethyl ester of oleic acid and/or less than about 3%, preferably between about 3% and about 1% of ethyl ester of linolenic acid, and less than about 7%, 6,5% or 6%, preferably between about 7% and about 5%, more preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% of ethyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[00113] A composition of the invention suitable for this use preferably comprises more than about 75% of ethyl ester of oleic acid and less than about 3% of ethyl ester of linolenic acid, and less than about 7% of ethyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[00114] A composition of the invention suitable for this use preferably comprises less than about 7%, preferably less than about 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of methyl esters of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[00115] A composition of the invention suitable for this use more preferably comprises more than about 72%; 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%,

87%, 88%, 89% or 90% of methyl ester of oleic acid, less than

4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2,5%, 2%, 1,5% or 1% of methyl ester of linolenic acid, and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of methyl esters of saturated fatty acids based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[00116] A composition of the invention suitable for this use more preferably comprises more than about 72%; 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89% or 90% of methyl ester of oleic acid and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of methyl esters of saturated fatty acids based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[00117] A composition of the invention suitable for this use more preferably comprises less than about 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2,5%, 2%, 1,5% or 1% of methyl ester of linolenic acid and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of methyl esters of saturated fatty acids based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[00118] A composition of the invention suitable for this use more preferably comprises more than about 75% of methyl ester of oleic acid and less than about 7% of methyl-ester of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[00119] A composition of the invention suitable for this use more preferably comprises less than about 3% of methyl ester of linolenic acid and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of methyl-ester of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition. [00120] A composition of the invention suitable for this use more preferably comprises more than about 75%, preferably between about 75% and about 85% of methyl ester of oleic acid, and/or less than about 3%, preferably between about 3% and about 1% of methyl ester of linolenic acid, and less than about 7%, preferably between about 7% and about 5%, more preferably between about 7% and about 5,5% of methyl-ester of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition.

[00121] A composition of the invention suitable for this use may also comprise more than about 73% of methyl- and/or ethyl-ester of oleic acid and/or less than about 3% of methyl- and/or ethyl-ester of linolenic acid, and less than about 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of methyl- and/or ethyl-ester of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition. [00122] A composition of the invention suitable for this use may also comprise less than 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9% or 8%, preferably less than about 7% or 6% of methyl- and/or ethyl ester(s) of linoleic acid, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition. [00123] A composition of the invention suitable for this use may also comprise less than about 20%, 19%, 18%, 17% or 16%, preferably less than about 7,5% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition. [00124] Prior to use as a commercial biodiesel, the composition of the invention must be analysed to ensure it meets the specifications established by the European Union, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or other national or international instances.

[00125] The most important parameters (or specifications) can be summed up in the following table (Table I) , together with the methods used in the examples section to measure said parameters. Table I

[00126] A composition of the invention comprising less than 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of methyl esters of saturated fatty acids and further comprising more than 72% of methyl ester of oleic acid and/or less than 3% of methyl ester of linolenic acid, based on the total weight of alkyl esters of fatty acids in the composition, shows very good properties suitable for its use as biodiesel or as an additive in fuels. These properties are summed up in the following table (Table II) .

Table II

to

[00127] Having regard to a rapeseed methyl ester composition of the invention, few parameters can be noticed as remarkable, in particular the cetane number, the oxidation stability, the iodine value and the pour point of said composition.

[00128] The cetane number is a relative measure of the interval between the beginning of injection and auto-ignition of the fuel. The higher the number, the shorter the delay interval. Fuels with low cetane numbers will cause hard starting, rough operation, noise and exhaust smoke.

[00129] In view of its cetane number, a composition of the invention will help diesel engines to operate better. [00130] The iodine value of an oil is normally associated with the potential for the oil to polymerise, as it is a measure of the proportion of unsaturated bonds. It is admitted that the use of biodiesel with an iodine number that exceeds

115 increases the risk that the engine lubricating oil will polymerise over time.

[00131] In view of the iodine value of a composition according to the present invention, the risk of polymerization will be drastically diminished when using said composition.

[00132] The good oxidation stability showed by the compositions of the invention means that the risks of generating hydroperoxide is diminished, preventing the peroxidation chain mechanism which damages the fuel system components. It is also an indication that the fuel darkening and the formation of insolubles, sediment and gum will be substantially attenuated. [00133] The pour point of a composition of the invention indicates a good biodiesel cold weather performance. [00134] A rapeseed alkyl ester composition of the invention may also be used as a solvent, for example to dissolve petroleum.

[00135] The invention will be illustrated with further details in the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Oil extraction a) . Mechanical extraction

[00136] The rapeseed oil are pressed in a single screw press, Taby 40A press, with a diameter of 6,5 mm, at a temperature comprised between about 40° and about 60⁰C. [00137] The following varieties are pressed: CONTACT, CABRIOLET, CALIDA, MSP05 and MSPIl varieties.

[00138] The result of that step can be summarized in the following table (Table III) . Table III.

[00139] In this example and in the following examples, the CARACAS variety is used as a point of reference.

[00140] It can be noted that the yields are very high, between about 70% and about 75%, except for CALIDA variety.

b) . Hexane extraction

Material of extraction

[00141] Extractor 5L, a thermic bath and an extraction cartridge 13L

Conditions of the extraction

[00142] The temperature of the bath is set at 82,5°C for a flow rate of hexane of about 2 L/h. The extraction process lasts about 16 hours. Because of the important amount of oil cake, the extraction process is repeated twice. The hexane contained in the cartridge is used again for second extraction, which lasts 17 hours.

[00143] The oil extracted mechanically, and the oil extracted with hexane are mixed and filtered on a settling in order to remove the solid particles. The oil is then distilled on a "RlO" at a temperature of 9O⁰C, 100 mbar during 1 hour.

The flow rate of hexane is about 2 l/h. The residual content of hexane is about 4% to about 6%, which will facilitate the further steps of purification process. [00144] The results of the extraction steps are summarized in the following table (Table IV) Table IV .

(*) based on the total oil content in the seeds.

Example 2: Degumming step.

[00145] The degumming and the neutralization are both carried out in 10 litres temperature controlled reaction vessel . [00146] In order to facilitate the degumming, mainly the decantation, the residual hexane content is adjusted at 6%.

[00147] The degumming step aims to remove the phospholipids naturally present in the crude oil.

[00148] The oil is introduced in the reaction vessel, then the temperature is raised up to 65⁰C while the oil is agitated. At 65°C, phosphoric acid (1,5§-_O) and water (6% based on the oil weight) are added. The mixture is agitated during 10 min. and then the temperature is raised up to 75⁰C. The mixture is agitated at this temperature of 75⁰C during 30 min. Then, the decantation is allowed to proceed during 30 min. Finally, the heavier phase is removed.

[00149] The results of this step are summarized in the following table (Table V) . Table V .

Example 3 ; Refining or neutralization step.

[00150] This step aims to remove the free fatty acids present in the degummed oil.

[00151] The degummed oil is maintained at 75⁰C in a reaction vessel in which sodium hydroxide is added in excess of 10% compared to theoretical amount needed and the mixture is agitated during 5 min.

[00152] Then the temperature is raised up to 95°C and maintained at 95⁰C during 30 min. The reaction vessel is cooled down at 65⁰C and the two phases of the reaction mixture are allowed to separate by gravity during 20 min.

[00153] Then the aqueous phase is withdrawn (pH of 11-12) and the oil is washed with demineralized water until the used water is neutral . [00154] The oil is then dried at HO⁰C under vacuum during 30 min.

[00155] The process and the results are summarized in the following table (Table VI) Table VI .

[00156] The varieties have all a low acid number: below 1 mg KOH/g. Usually, the acid number of common rapeseed oil is about 2 to about 3, 5 mg KOH/g.

[00157] With an acid number below 0,3 mg KOH/g, the degumming and refining steps are regarded as very efficient.

Example 4; Bleaching step.

[00158] The refined oil is introduced in the reaction vessel with 3%, based on the weight of the oil, of TONSIL^® earth.

[00159] The temperature is raised up to 95°C under vacuum with a pressure of 200 mbar. After 15 min. the pressure is diminished to 100 mbar and then to 15 mbar after 10 min. [00160] The decolouration continues at 95⁰C, 15 mbar during 2 hours, and then the temperature is reduced to a temperature of 60⁰C. At 6O⁰C, 0,5% of promosil, based on the weight of the oil, is added to improve the filtration, which is carried out on a filter ("cloche" filter), at a flow rate of about 20L/h.

[00161] The oil is then cooled down with the ambient temperature during 1 hour and stored under nitrogen atmosphere. [00162] The results of the bleaching step are summarized in the following table (Table VII) .

Table VII

[00163] The bleaching step using TONSIL earth has a small impact on the acid numbers, which are slightly higher in comparison with the acid numbers before this bleaching step.

Example 5: Fatty acids content.

[00164] The fatty acids content of the oils extracted from the different rapeseed varieties have been evaluated by gas chromatography and the results are summarized in the following table (Table VIII) . Table VIII

Example 6: MethanoIyse.

[00165] Approximately 2000 g of oil extracted from rapeseed, degummed and refined according to the process described in examples 2 and 3, is mixed with 300 g of methanol in a reaction vessel. About 5 to 10 g of sodium hydroxide added to the same reaction vessel.

[00166] The methanolyse takes place during about 2 hours, at a temperature comprised between approximately 40° C and 60° C, under atmospheric pressure.

[00167] These conditions provide essentially about 95 % conversion of added triglycerides to fatty acids methyl esters. [00168] After the settling, the two phases of the reaction mixture are allowing to stand and separate to provide methyl esters in the upper phase, and a mixture of glycerol and approximately 2% wt. residual methyl esters, methanol, and base in the lower phase. The upper phase is used in a second conversion.

[00169] The same amount as in the first conversion of methanol and of alkaline catalyst is then introduced in the reaction vessel . The same conditions of temperature and pressure are applied (between about 40° and 60° C, atmospheric pressure) . In these conditions more than 98 % of triglycerides are converted to fatty acids methyl esters.

[00170] The fatty acids methyl esters are washed and dried. More than 1900 g of fatty acids methyl esters are_. weighted, with a purity of higher than 98%. The mass yield, methyl esters / refined oil, is good.

[00171] The results of the methanolyse are summed up in. the following table (Table IX) . Table IX

(*)methyl esters / refined oil (**) mono-, di-, tri-glycerides Example 7: Methyl esters content.

[00172] The methyl esters content of the rapeseed methyl ester composition obtained by the process described in example 6 has been evaluated by gas chromatography and the results are summarized in the following table (Table X) . Table X

Methyl ester CARACAS CONTACT CABRIOLET CALIDA MSP05 MSPIl

C16:0 Palmitic 4,71 4,00 4,05 4,29 4, 31 4, 40

C16:l Palmitoleic - 0,25 0,21 0,14 0, 24 0, 34

C18:0 Stearic 1,66 1,69 1,48 1,63 1, 60 1, 83

C18:l Oleic 63,39 72,95 76,70 63,98 76 ,31 85 ,33

C18:2 Linoleic 17,66 9,15 8,12 27,29 12 ,74 5, 32

C18:3 (n-6) gamma

- - - - - - Linolenic

C18:3 (n-3) alpha

10,47 9,60 7,60 0,84 2, 64 Linolenic 1, 97

C20:0 Arachidic 0,58 0,61 0,26 0,50 o, 54 o, 20

C20:l Eicosenoic 0,91 1,05 1, 02 1,05 1, 06 0, 61

C22:0 Behenic 0,62 0,63 0,56 0,28 o, 56 -

C22:l Erucic - 0,07 - - - -

C24:0 Lignoceric - - - - - -

C24:l Nervonic - - - - - -

Others - - - - - -

Total 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100 ,00 100 ,00

Saturated acids 7,57 6,93 6,35 6,70 7, 01 6, 43

Mono-unsaturated

64,30 74,32 77,93 65,17 77 ,61 86 ,28 acids

Poly-unsaturated 28,13 18,75 15,72 28,13 15 ,38 7, 29 acids

Example 8: Specifications of a rapeseed methyl ester composition for use as biodiesel.

[00173] The rapeseed methyl ester composition obtained has been analysed and compared with the specifications of a biodiesel as established by the European Union. The results of such analysis are summed up in the following table (Table XI) . Table XI

[00174] Currently, methyl esters of rapeseed oil are used with low methyl ester of oleic acid content. The cetane number measured for such biodiesel can hardly reach 51.

[00175] As shown in Table XI, a rapeseed methyl ester composition according to the invention has a very high quality, with a cetane number higher than 51 and an iodine value pretty below 120.

[00176] A preferred variety to be used to prepare a rapeseed methyl ester composition of the invention is MSP05 [00177] A more preferred variety to be used to prepare a rapeseed methyl ester composition of the invention is MSPIl.

Example 9; a composition of the invention.

[00178] The oil is extracted from MSP13 varieties according to a method as described in example 1.

[00179] The resulting oil is then degummed and refined carrying out methods as described respectively in example 2 and in example 3.

[00180] From 3,07 kg of seeds, 1,32 kg of crude oil is obtained, and then 1,21 kg of refined oil.

[00181] Then a methanolyse as described in example 6 is perfomed resulting in 1,16 kg of methyl esters.

[00182] The yields are regarded as excellent.

[00183] The methyl esters content of the rapeseed methyl ester composition obtained from MSP13 by the process described in example 6 has been evaluated by gas chromatography and the results are summarized in the following table (Table XII) . Table XII

[00184] The rapeseed methyl ester composition obtained has been analysed and compared with the specifications of a biodiesel as established by the European Union. The results of such analysis are summed up in the following table (Table XIII)

Table XIII

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Claims

1. Rapeseed alkyl-ester composition comprising less than 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of mono-alkyl-ester(s) of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

2. Rapeseed alkyl-ester composition according to claim 1 further comprising more than 72%; 75%, 80%, or 85%, of mono- alkyl ester(s) of oleic acid, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition. 3. Rapeseed alkyl-ester composition according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising less than 4%, 3,5%,

3%, 2,5%, 2%, 1,5% or 1% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of linolenic acid, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

4. Rapeseed alkyl-ester composition according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein said mono-alkyl esters of saturated fatty acids comprise less than 4,5% or 3,5% of alkyl-ester(s) of palmitic acid, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

5. Rapeseed alkyl-ester composition according to any of claims 1 to 4 further comprising less than 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9% or 8% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of linoleic acid or less than about 20%, 19%, 18%, 17% or 16% of mono-alkyl ester(s) of poly-unsaturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of mono-alkyl-esters of fatty acids in the composition.

6. Rapeseed alkyl-ester composition according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein said mono-alkyl esters are methyl esters.

7. Rapeseed alkyl-ester composition according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein said mono-alkyl esters are ethyl esters.

8. Process for the preparation of a rapeseed alkyl-ester composition comprising a transesterification step of an rapeseed oil comprising less than 7%, 6,5%, 6% or 5,5% of saturated fatty acids, based on the total weight of the fatty acids in the oil .

9. Process for the preparation of a rapeseed alkyl-ester composition according to claim 8 wherein said rapeseed oil further comprises more than 72%; 75%, 80%, or 85% of oleic acid, and/or less than 4%, 3,5%, 3%, 2%, or 1% of linolenic acid, based on the total weight of the fatty acids in the oil.

10. A process according to claim 8 or 9 wherein said saturated fatty acids comprise less than 4,5% or 3,5% of palmitic acid, based on the total weight of the fatty acids in the oil.

11. A process according to any of claims 8 to 10 wherein the transesterification step consists of a methanolyse step.

12. A process according to claim 11 wherein the methanolyse step consists of a base catalysed methanolyse of the rapeseed oil.

13. A process according to claim 11 wherein the methanolyse step consists of a direct acid catalysed methanolyse of the rapeseed oil.

14. A process according to claim 11 wherein the methanolyse step consists first in the conversion of the rapeseed oil to its fatty acids and then in the conversion of said fatty acids to methyl esters of fatty acids.

15. A process according to any of claims 8 to 14 comprising, before the transesterification step, the steps of degumming the crude rapeseed oil, and of refining the resulting oil.

16. A process according to claim 15 comprising the step of bleaching the rapeseed oil after the refining step and before the transesterification step.

17. A process according to claim 15 wherein the rapeseed oil is extracted from one, two, three, four, five or six of the varieties that are selected from the group consisting of the CONTACT variety, the CABRIOLET variety, the CALIDA variety, the MSP05 variety, the MSPIl variety and the MSP13 variety.

18. Rapeseed alkyl-ester composition obtainable by a process according to any of claims 8 to 17.

19. Use of a rapeseed alkyl-ester composition of any of claims 1 to 7 or claim 18 .as biodiesel .