Oils

Abstract

A fuel oil composition is disclosed. The fuel oil composition includes (a) a fuel oil which contains alkyl esters of fatty acids obtained from vegetable or animal materials processed by contacting the esters with one or more ion-exchange materials, comprising materials represented by the formula: where Q represents a solid support, L represents an optional linking group and n is an integer of 1 or more, to improve their oxidation stability.

1 . A fuel oil composition comprising (a) a fuel oil comprising alkyl esters of fatty acids obtained from vegetable or animal materials, processed by contacting the esters with one or more ion-exchange materials comprising materials represented by the formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       where Q represents a solid support, L represents an optional linking group and n is an integer of 1 or more, to improve their oxidation stability, and (b) at least one fuel additive. 
     
     
         2 . A fuel oil composition according to  claim 1  wherein the alkyl esters of fatty acids consist essentially of methyl esters or ethyl esters. 
     
     
         3 . A fuel oil composition according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one fuel additive is an antioxidant capable of improving the oxidation stability of the fuel oil. 
     
     
         4 . A fuel oil composition according to  claim 3  wherein the antioxidant is a phenolic anti-oxidant, preferably 2,5,-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ). 
     
     
         5 . A fuel oil composition according to  claim 4  wherein the antioxidant is 2,5,-di-tert-butylhydroquinone (BHQ). 
     
     
         6 . A fuel oil composition according to  claim 1  wherein the at least one fuel additive is selected from the group comprising low-temperature flow improving additives, detergents, dispersants, lubricity additives, demulsifiers, cetane improvers, electrical conductivity improving additives, reodourants and metal deactivators. 
     
     
         7 . A method of producing a fuel oil composition comprising a fuel oil comprising alkyl esters of fatty acids obtained from vegetable or animal materials with improved oxidation stability comprising the steps of (i) contacting the alkyl esters in the fuel oil with one or more ion-exchange materials comprising materials represented by the formula: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       where Q represents a solid support, L represents an optional linking group and n is an integer of 1 or more, and (ii) adding at least one fuel additive to the fuel oil. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the fuel oil composition exhibits enhanced oxidation stability such that the induction period of the alkyl esters of fatty acids obtained from vegetable or animal materials esters after contact with the one or more ion-exchange materials is longer than the induction period prior to contact, induction periods being those measured by the Rancimat Test (ISO 6886, pr EN 14112 or EN 15751).