scope:

This European Standard specifies a test method for the quantitative determination of ignition delay of middle distillate fuels intended for use in compression ignition engines. The method utilizes a constant volume combustion chamber designed for operation by compression ignition, and employing direct injection of fuel into compressed air that is controlled to a specified pressure and temperature. An equation is given to calculate the derived cetane number (DCN) from the ignition delay measurement. This method is applicable to diesel fuels, including those containing FAME. The method is also applicable to middle distillate fuels of non-petroleum origin, although users applying this standard are warned that the relationship between ignition characteristics and engine performance in unconventional fuels is not yet fully understood. The standard covers the ignition delay range from 2,9 ms to 5,0 ms (60 DCN to 35 DCN).