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 20 h at 120 °C. 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 ~ 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 (f) of a material.