ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Calculated Cetane Index of Distillate Fuels
 N D976

Annotation

This test method covers the Calculated Cetane Index formula, which represents a means for directly estimating the ASTM cetane number of distillate fuels from API gravity and mid-boiling point. The index value, as computed from the formula, is termed the Calculated Cetane Index.2

The Calculated Cetane Index is not an optional method for expressing ASTM cetane number. It is a supplementary tool to estimate cetane number when used with due regard for its limitations.

The Calculated Cetane Index formula is particularly applicable to straight-run fuels, catalytically cracked stocks, and blends of the two.

NOTE 1—This test method is temporarily retained because the proposal to the U.S. EPA to control diesel fuel aromatics concentrations via a 40 Calculated Cetane Index minimum is based on the correlation between Test Method D976 and aromatics concentration. Test Method D4737 is the preferred method as estimator of cetane number.

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.

2 A method of calculating cetane index was developed by the Diesel Fuels Division, Coordinating Fuel and Equipment Research Committee of the Coordinating Research Council. See Young, H. D., “Methods for Estimating Cetane Number,” Proceedings, PPIRA, American Petroleum Institute, Vol. 30 M [III], 1950. This method was revised in 1960 by Research Division I of Committee D02 to conform to the revised Test Method D613.