Laboratory Testing Methods for EN590 Diesel
Explore the standard laboratory testing methods used to verify the quality, compliance, and performance of EN590 Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) 10 ppm.
Introduction — Importance of Laboratory Testing
EN590 ULSD 10 ppm diesel is the European standard for modern diesel engines, requiring strict adherence to chemical, physical, and combustion-related specifications. Laboratory testing ensures that diesel meets regulatory requirements, protects engine components, and minimizes environmental impact. Accurate testing is critical for refineries, distributors, fleet operators, and regulators.
1. Sulfur Content Testing
Sulfur content is the key criterion for ULSD compliance:
- Method: ASTM D5453 (UV fluorescence) or ISO 20846/20884
- Range: ≤10 ppm
- Principle: Sample combusted in an oxygen-rich environment; sulfur dioxide detected via UV fluorescence
- Purpose: Ensures low sulfur to protect emission control systems and comply with Euro 5/6 standards
2. Cetane Number and Cetane Index
- Method: ASTM D613 (engine method) or ASTM D976 (calculated index)
- Purpose: Measures ignition quality; higher CN improves combustion, reduces noise and NOx
- Cetane Index: Calculated from density and distillation parameters (ASTM D4737)
3. Density and Specific Gravity
- Method: ASTM D4052 (Digital Density Meter) or ISO 3675/12185
- Purpose: Ensures proper energy content and combustion characteristics
- Specification: 820–845 kg/m³ at 15 °C
4. Flash Point
- Method: ASTM D93 (Pensky-Martens Closed Cup) or ISO 2719
- Purpose: Safety for storage and transport
- Minimum: 55 °C
5. Distillation Characteristics
- Method: ASTM D86 or ISO 3405
- Parameters: Initial boiling point, 50% recovered, 95% recovered, final boiling point
- Purpose: Ensures consistent volatility, efficient ignition, and minimal deposits
6. Cold Flow Properties
- Cloud Point: ASTM D2500 / ISO 3015 — temperature at which wax crystals appear
- Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP): EN 116 / ASTM D6371 — lowest temperature fuel can pass through a standard filter
- Pour Point: ASTM D97 / ISO 3016 — lowest temperature at which fuel flows
- Purpose: Ensures diesel remains pumpable in cold climates
7. Lubricity
- Method: HFRR — ASTM D6079
- Specification: ≤460 µm wear scar diameter
- Purpose: Protects fuel injection systems against wear due to low sulfur content
8. Aromatic and PAH Content
- Method: GC-FID (Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detector) or ASTM D5186
- Purpose: Limits particulate emissions; PAHs ≤11% by mass; aromatics ≤35% by volume
9. Oxidation Stability
- Method: EN 16091 or ASTM D2274
- Requirement: Minimum 20 hours induction period
- Purpose: Prevents gum formation and degradation during storage
10. Water and Contamination
- Water Content: ASTM D6304 — maximum 200 mg/kg
- Total Contamination: EN 12662 — maximum 24 mg/kg
- Purpose: Ensures fuel is free of particles, sediments, and water to protect injectors and fuel pumps
11. Acid Number
- Method: ASTM D664 / ISO 6618
- Maximum: 0.3 mg KOH/g
- Purpose: Prevents corrosion in storage tanks, pipelines, and engines
12. Conductivity and Additives
- Method: EN 613 / ASTM D2624
- Purpose: Prevents static discharge during transfer; ensures additive compatibility
13. Summary Table of Key Laboratory Tests
| Property | Test Method | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfur Content | ASTM D5453 / ISO 20846 | ≤10 ppm |
| Cetane Number | ASTM D613 | ≥51 |
| Density | ASTM D4052 / ISO 3675 | 820–845 kg/m³ at 15 °C |
| Flash Point | ASTM D93 / ISO 2719 | ≥55 °C |
| Cloud Point | ASTM D2500 / ISO 3015 | Varies by region |
| CFPP | EN 116 / ASTM D6371 | -10 to -20 °C |
| Lubricity | ASTM D6079 (HFRR) | ≤460 µm |
| Aromatics | GC-FID / ASTM D5186 | ≤35% vol. |
| PAHs | GC-FID | ≤11% mass |
| Oxidation Stability | EN 16091 / ASTM D2274 | ≥20 h |
| Total Contamination | EN 12662 | ≤24 mg/kg |
| Water Content | ASTM D6304 | ≤200 mg/kg |
| Acid Number | ASTM D664 / ISO 6618 | ≤0.3 mg KOH/g |
Conclusion — Ensuring Compliance Through Testing
Laboratory testing of EN590 ULSD 10 ppm diesel ensures fuel meets stringent European specifications for sulfur content, cetane number, cold flow properties, lubricity, and contaminant levels. Regular testing protects engines, supports emission compliance, and maintains fuel quality throughout production, storage, and distribution.
📩 Contact Diesel Testing Experts
For EN590 diesel quality testing, certification, and compliance verification:
- Laboratory testing of ULSD 10 ppm
- Compliance audits and certification
- Technical support for refineries and distributors
📩 info@nnrvtradepartners.com
Ensure full compliance and performance with certified laboratory testing of EN590 ULSD 10 ppm diesel.
