The cetane number provides a measure of the ignition characteristics of diesel fuel oil in compression ignition engines.

This test method is used by engine manufacturers, petroleum refiners and marketers, and in commerce as a primary specification measurement related to matching of fuels and engines.

Cetane number is determined at constant speed in a precombustion chamber type compression ignition test engine. The relationship of test engine performance to full scale, variable speed, variable load engines is not completely understood.

This test method may be used for unconventional fuels such as synthetics, vegetable oils, and the like. However, the relationship to the performance of such materials in full scale engines is not completely understood.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the rating of diesel fuel oil in terms of an arbitrary scale of cetane numbers using a standard single cylinder, four-stroke cycle, variable compression ratio, indirect injected diesel engine.

1.2 The cetane number scale covers the range from zero (0) to 100, but typical testing is in the range of 30 to 65 cetane number.

1.3 The values for operating conditions are stated in SI units and are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are the historical inch-pound units for information only. In addition, the engine measurements continue to be in inch-pound units because of the extensive and expensive tooling that has been created for these units.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For more specific warning statements, see Annex A1.