scope:

This European Standard specifies a test method for the determination of the oxidation stability of fuels for diesel engines, by means of measuring the induction period of the fuel up to 48 h at 120 °C. The method is applicable to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) intended for the use as pure biofuel or as a blending component for diesel fuels, and to blends of FAME with petroleum-based diesel containing 2 % (V/V) of FAME at minimum. NOTE 1 A similar 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 For induction periods higher than 48 h the precision is not covered by the precision statement of this method. The limit values of the relevant fuel standards are well within the scope of this test method. 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.