Calculated Cetane Index of Distillate Fuels: Standard Test Method For
Calculated Cetane Index of Distillate Fuels: Standard Test Method For
Calculated Cetane Index of Distillate Fuels: Standard Test Method For
Designation: D 976 – 06
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D 976 – 06
3.2.2 Procedure A of Test Method D 4737 is recommended Correlation of Jet and Diesel Fuel of test Method D 2887 and
to estimate the cetane number of diesel fuels with sulfur use the data from Test Method D 86 in place of the actual Test
contents above 500 ppm or No. 1–D diesel fuels. Method D 86 data in the calculations.
3.2.3 Procedure B of Test Method D 4737 is recommended NOTE 2—Current U.S. EPA regulations for low sulfur (500 ppm
to estimate the cetane number of No. 2–D diesel fuels with maximum) No. 1–D and No. 2–D diesel fuel require the use of Test
sulfur contents at or below 500 ppm. Method D 976–80 to calculate Cetane Index.
3.3 Calculated Cetane Index, as described in Test Method
D 976–80, is recognized by the United States EPA as an 5. Limitations of Equation
alternative method to meet the U.S. Federal Diesel aromatics 5.1 The Calculated Cetane Index equation possesses certain
limit for diesel fuels containing less than 500 ppm sulfur. The inherent limitations which must be recognized in its applica-
equation for Calculated Cetane Index in Test Method D 976–80 tion. These are:
and in this version (D 976–06) of the test method are the same. 5.1.1 It is not applicable to fuels containing additives for
raising cetane number.
4. Equation for Calculated Cetane Index 5.1.2 It is not applicable to pure hydrocarbons, synthetic
4.1 The Calculated Cetane Index is determined from the fuels, such as certain products derived from shale oils and tar
following equation: sands, alkylates, or coal-tar products.
5.1.3 Substantial inaccuracies in correlation may occur if
Calculated cetane index 5 2420.34 1 0.016 G2 1 0.192 G log M
used for crude oils, residuals, or products having a volatility of
1 65.01 ~log M!2 2 0.0001809 M2 (1)
below 500°F end point.
or
6. Report
Calculated cetane index 5 454.74 2 1641.416 D 1 774.74 D2
20.554 B 1 97.803 ~log B!2 (2)
6.1 Round and report the calculated cetane index to the
nearest tenth. Any calculated cetane index value ending in
where: exactly “5” in the second decimal place shall be rounded to the
G = API gravity, determined by Test Method D 287, nearest even tenth number. For example, round “35.55” and
D 1298, or D 4052, “35.65” to “35.6 cetane index.”
M = mid-boiling temperature, °F, determined by Test
Method D 86 and corrected to standard barometric 7. Precision and Bias
pressure, 7.1 Correlation of index values with ASTM cetane number
D = density at 15°C, g/mL, determined by Test Method is dependent to a great extent upon the accuracy of determi-
D 1298 or D 4052, and nation of both API gravity and midboiling point.
B = mid-boiling temperature, °C, determined by Test 7.2 Within the range from 30 to 60 cetane number, the
Method D 86 and corrected to standard barometric expected correlation of the Calculated Cetane Index with the
pressure. ASTM cetane number will be somewhat less than 62 cetane
4.2 Calculated Cetane Index values for distillate fuels may numbers for 75 % of the distillate fuels evaluated. Errors in
be conveniently determined by means of the alignment chart in correlation may be greater for fuels whose cetane numbers are
Fig. 1 rather than by direct application of the equation. Use of outside this range. Correlation is best for straight-run and
the chart is illustrated by the example shown on the chart. catalytically cracked distillates and blends of the two, and least
4.3 Test Method D 2887 may be used as an alternative to satisfactory for blends containing substantial proportions of
Test Method D 86 to determine the mid-boiling temperature of thermally cracked stocks.
the fuel.
4.3.1 If Test Method D 2887 is used, convert the data to 8. Keywords
estimated Test Method D 86 data following Appendix X5, 8.1 cetane; cetane index; diesel fuel
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D 976 – 06
NOTE—The Calculated Cetane Index equation represents a useful tool for estimating cetane number. Due to inherent limitations in the equation’s
application, Index values may not be a valid substitute for ASTM cetane numbers as determined in a test engine.
FIG. 1 Nomograph for Calculated Cetane Index (ECS-1 Meter Basis—Test Method D 613)
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D 976 – 06
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Subcommittee D02.E0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D 976–04be1) that may impact the use of this standard.
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