scope:

This European Standard specifies a test method for the determination of the oxidation stability at 120 °C of fuels for diesel engines, by means of measuring the induction period of the fuel up to 20 h. The method is applicable to blends of FAME with petroleum-based diesel having a FAME content in the range between 2 % (V/V) and 50 % (V/V).

NOTE 1 An almost identical test method for oxidation stability at 110 °C is described in EN 15751 [1], which applies to pure FAME and diesel/FAME blends containing 2 % (V/V) of FAME at minimum. Another alternative for distillate fuels is described in EN ISO 12205 [3].

NOTE 2 The precision of this method was determined using samples with a maximum induction period of approximately 20 h. Higher induction periods are not covered by the precision statement, however, the experience from EN 15751 indicates sufficient precision up to 48 h.

NOTE 3 The presence of cetane improver can reduce the oxidation stability determined by this test method. Limited studies with 2-ethyl hexyl nitrate (EHN) indicated, however, that the stability is reduced to an extent which is within the precision range of the test method.

NOTE 4 For the purposes of this European Standard, the term "% (V/V)" is used to represent the volume fraction (φ) of a material.