This document from the EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory provides a method for calculating the cetane index of diesel fuels based on API gravity and mid-boiling point temperature measurements. The cetane index provides an estimate of cetane number and is a useful tool when a test engine is unavailable or the fuel sample is too small for engine testing. The method involves distillation and API gravity testing of the fuel followed by inserting the results into an equation to automatically calculate the cetane index.
This document from the EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory provides a method for calculating the cetane index of diesel fuels based on API gravity and mid-boiling point temperature measurements. The cetane index provides an estimate of cetane number and is a useful tool when a test engine is unavailable or the fuel sample is too small for engine testing. The method involves distillation and API gravity testing of the fuel followed by inserting the results into an equation to automatically calculate the cetane index.
This document from the EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory provides a method for calculating the cetane index of diesel fuels based on API gravity and mid-boiling point temperature measurements. The cetane index provides an estimate of cetane number and is a useful tool when a test engine is unavailable or the fuel sample is too small for engine testing. The method involves distillation and API gravity testing of the fuel followed by inserting the results into an equation to automatically calculate the cetane index.
This document from the EPA's National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory provides a method for calculating the cetane index of diesel fuels based on API gravity and mid-boiling point temperature measurements. The cetane index provides an estimate of cetane number and is a useful tool when a test engine is unavailable or the fuel sample is too small for engine testing. The method involves distillation and API gravity testing of the fuel followed by inserting the results into an equation to automatically calculate the cetane index.
Office of Transportation and Air Quality National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory 2565 Plymouth Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Method for Calculating Cetane
Index of Diesel Fuels This method is written for the Environmental Protection Agency, National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) internal use. The use of specific brand names by NVFEL in this method are for reference only and are not an endorsement of those products. This document may be used for guidance by other laboratories.
NVFEL Reference Number
121
Implementation Approval Original Procedure Authorized by EPCN # 322 on 05-06-2002
Revision Description
Page 1 of 4 NFVEL 121 Method for Calculating Cetane Index of Diesel Fuels Page 2 of 4
NFVEL 121 Method for Calculating Cetane Index of Diesel Fuels Page 3 of 4
1.0 Scope
The Calculated Cetane Index formula represents a means for directly estimating the ASTM cetane number of distillate fuels from API gravity and mid-boiling point. The index value, as computed from the formula, is termed the Calculated Cetane Index .
2.0 Summary of Method
This is a mathematical calculation method.
3.0 Significance
3.1 The Calculated Cetane Index is a useful tool for estimating ASTM cetane number where a test engine is not available for determining this property. It may be conveniently employed for approximating cetane number where the quantity of sample is too small for an engine rating.
3.2 In cases where the cetane number of a fuel has been initially established, the index is useful as a cetane number check on subsequent samples of that fuel, provided its source and mode of manufacture remain unchanged.
3.3 Both Calculated Cetane Index and Cetane Number are required official values for Certification Diesel Fuel. Calculated Cetane Index is not a required value for enforcement samples.
4.0 Applicable Documents
4.1 D976, Standard Test Method for Calculating Cetane Index of Distillate Fuels.
4.2 D86, Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products
4.3 D4052 Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of Liquids by Digital Density Meter.
5.0 Definitions - N/A
6.0 Limitations
The Calculated Cetane Index is not an optional method for expressing ASTM cetane number. It is a supplementary tool for predicting cetane number when used with due regard for its limitations. NFVEL 121 Method for Calculating Cetane Index of Diesel Fuels Page 4 of 4
7.0 Safety - N/A
8.0 Apparatus
8.1 Computer
8.2 Fuel Test Database File
9.0 Reagents and Materials - N/A
10.0 Sampling - N/A
11.0 Calibration - N/A
12.0 Analytical Procedure.
12.1 The Distillation Method (as described in Step 4.1) and the API Gravity Method (as described in Step 4.2) must be completed
12.2 The automatically calculated cetane index is determined from the following equation:
Calculated cetane index =
2 2 2 -420.34 + 0.016 G + 0.192 G log M + 65.01 (log M) - 0.0001809 M . (1)
0 G = API Degrees @ 60 F
M = D86 Temperature @ 50% volume, in 0F
13.0 Calculation and Reporting
13.1 The FTAG number of the sample is entered into Fuel Tests Data Base, the Cetane Index Table and then the Cetane Index is automatically calculated using the T50 from Distillation Table and the API degrees from the New Gravity Table.
13.2 Print out and sign Cetane Index by Date form and place in the secured file cabinet .
