What is the Difference Between FAME and HVO

FAME and HVO are two examples for renewable fuels. Renewable fuels are the eco-friendly counterparts to traditional fuel such as diesel and gasoline. They are made from constantly refilled sources like plants, used cooking oil, or even captured carbon dioxide.

What is the difference between FAME and HVO? FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) is a fatty acid ester containing oxygen whereas HVO (hydrated vegetable oil) is a hydrocarbon with no oxygen.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is FAME  
      – Definition, Features
2. What is HVO
      – Definition, Features 
3. Similarities Between FAME and HVO
      – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between FAME and HVO
      – Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: FAME and HVO
      – Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms

FAME, Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, HVO, Hydrated Vegetable Oil

What is FAME

FAME, or Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, is a biodiesel fuel derived from renewable sources like used vegetable oil or animal fats. Its production process is much simpler than other types of fuels; thus, we call it a first-generation biofuel.

FAME is a fatty acid ester, containing oxygen in its molecular structure. The presence of oxygen gives FAME a high boiling point. A chemical reaction between methanol and feedstock (used oil) creates the FAME molecules. These FAME molecules are then separated and purified for usage.

Figure 1: Transesterification of FAME

There are some advantages to using FAME. It’s a cleaner-burning alternative to diesel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It can even be produced domestically from readily available sources, making it independent of the fossil fuel market.

The main use of FAME is as a biodiesel fuel. It can be used to power vehicles and can be blended with conventional diesel fuel to create biodiesel blends. It also reduces reliance on fossil fuels. By displacing some of the petroleum diesel used, FAME contributes to a more sustainable transportation sector. The usage of FAME also lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Apart from the above, it is also useful as a heating fuel and for power generation.

What is HVO

HVO (Hydrated Vegetable Oil) is a major component in the biofuel industry. It is a renewable diesel alternative made from sustainable sources like waste fats, cooking oil, and some plant oils. HVO undergoes a more advanced process called hydroheating. This process removes oxygen from the feedstock, resulting in a fuel with properties very similar to regular diesel.

There are many advantages to HVO. Due to its chemical similarity to diesel, HVO can be used directly in existing diesel engines without modifications. Unlike FAME, which can solidify in cold weather, HVO has excellent low-temperature performance, allowing for reliable operation in colder climates.

Combusting HVO releases fewer greenhouse gases compared to the combustion of traditional fossil fuels. HVO can be blended with regular diesel at various ratios, offering flexibility for users. Additionally, it can be used in its pure form (HVO100) for maximum environmental benefit. Besides these advantageous uses, it is also useful in industrial heating and as aviation fuel.

Similarities Between FAME and HVO

1. Both fuels are derived from renewable sources like used vegetable oil, animal fats, or even certain plant oils.
2. They are biodiesel alternatives.
3. We can blend both fuels with regular diesel at various ratios.
4. FAME and HVO offer a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel fuel.

Difference Between FAME and HVO

Definition

• FAME or Fatty Acid Methyl Ester, is a biodiesel fuel derived from renewable sources like used vegetable oil or animal fats while HVO or Hydrated Vegetable Oil is a renewable diesel alternative made from sustainable sources like waste fats, cooking oil, and some plant oils.

Presence of Oxygen

•  FAME is a fatty acid ester containing oxygen while HVO is a hydrocarbon with no oxygen.

Production

• Production of FAME involves a much simpler process while production of HVO is more complex having hydro heating in the process.

Engine Compatibility

• FAME may require modifications for B100 (pure FAME) use, especially in colder climates, while HVO is a drop-in replacement and works directly in existing diesel engines without modifications.

Production Cost

• FAME has a generally lower production cost than HVO.

Applications

• FAME is mainly used for transportation (diesel blends) while HVO has a wider range of applications, including transportation (diesel blends and HVO100), industrial heating, potential for sustainable aviation fuels.

Conclusion

FAME and HVO are two types for renewable fuels that originate from renewable sources like used vegetable oil, animal fats, or even certain plant oils. The difference between FAME and HVO is that FAME (fatty acid methyl ester) is a fatty acid ester containing oxygen whereas HVO (hydrated vegetable oil) is a hydrocarbon with no oxygen.

FAQ: FAME and HVO

1. What does FAME mean in biodiesel?

FAME stands for Fatty Acid Methyl Esters. It’s the scientific term for the main component of biodiesel that originate from renewable sources like vegetable oil or animal fat

2. What are the disadvantages of FAME biodiesel?

FAME is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and holds onto water more than regular diesel. This can be an issue because water contamination can lead to microbial growth, like mold and bacteria in the fuel tank. In addition, FAME biodiesel can have a higher cloud point than regular diesel, meaning it starts to solidify at a warmer temperature.

3. What is the FAME production process of biodiesel?

The FAME production process of biodiesel involves several steps. The first step involves collecting the raw materials, which sometimes may require pre-treatment. Next, a transesterification reaction occurs, where the raw materials react with methanol to form FAME molecules. The FAME molecules are then separated from the by-products and purified for use. Finally, the purified FAME is dried to remove any remaining water.

4. What is the feedstock for FAME?

FAME biodiesel can be produced from a variety of renewable feedstocks. It is made from vegetable oils, the most common source of FAME, animal fats, and waste oils.

Reference:

1. “Fatty acid methyl ester.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “Hydrotreated vegetable oil.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Transesterification FAME” By Ertua – own work, done with BKchem and Inkscape (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia