NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
`Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
`
`Designation: D 975 – 07b
`
`An American National Standard
`
`Standard Specification for
`Diesel Fuel Oils1
`
`This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 975; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
`original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
`superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
`
`This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
`
`1. Scope*
`1.1 This specification covers seven grades of diesel fuel oils
`suitable for various types of diesel engines. These grades are
`described as follows:
`1.1.1 Grade No. 1-D S15—A special-purpose, light middle
`distillate fuel for use in diesel engine applications requiring a
`fuel with 15 ppm sulfur (maximum) and higher volatility than
`that provided by Grade No. 2-D S15 fuel.2
`1.1.2 Grade No. 1-D S500—A special-purpose, light middle
`distillate fuel for use in diesel engine applications requiring a
`fuel with 500 ppm sulfur (maximum) and higher volatility than
`that provided by Grade No. 2-D S500 fuel.2
`light
`1.1.3 Grade No. 1-D S5000—A special-purpose,
`middle distillate fuel for use in diesel engine applications
`requiring a fuel with 5000 ppm sulfur (maximum) and higher
`volatility than that provided by Grade No. 2-D S5000 fuels.
`1.1.4 Grade No. 2-D S15—A general purpose, middle
`distillate fuel for use in diesel engine applications requiring a
`fuel with 15 ppm sulfur (maximum). It is especially suitable for
`use in applications with conditions of varying speed and load.2
`1.1.5 Grade No. 2-D S500—A general-purpose, middle
`distillate fuel for use in diesel engine applications requiring a
`fuel with 500 ppm sulfur (maximum). It is especially suitable
`for use in applications with conditions of varying speed and
`load.2
`1.1.6 Grade No. 2-D S5000—A general-purpose, middle
`distillate fuel for use in diesel engine applications requiring a
`fuel with 5000 ppm sulfur (maximum), especially in conditions
`of varying speed and load.
`1.1.7 Grade No. 4-D—A heavy distillate fuel, or a blend of
`distillate and residual oil, for use in low- and medium-speed
`diesel engines in applications involving predominantly con-
`stant speed and load.
`
`1 This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
`Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
`D02.E0.02 on Diesel Fuel Oils.
`Current edition approved July 15, 2007. Published August 2007. Originally
`approved in 1948. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D 975–07a.
`2 This fuel complies with 40 CFR Part 80—Control of Air Pollution from New
`Motor Vehicles: Heavy–Duty Engines and Vehicle Standards and Highway Diesel
`Fuel Sulfur Control Requirements: Final Rule. Regulation of Fuels and Fuel
`Additives: Fuel Quality Regulations for Highway Diesel Fuel Sold in 1993 and
`Later Calendar Years.
`
`NOTE 1—A more detailed description of the grades of diesel fuel oils is
`given in X1.2.
`NOTE 2—The Sxxx designation has been adopted to distinguish grades
`by sulfur rather than using words such as “Low Sulfur” as previously
`because the number of sulfur grades is growing and the word descriptions
`were thought to be not precise. S5000 grades correspond to the so-called
`“regular” sulfur grades, the previous No. 1-D and No. 2-D. S500 grades
`correspond to the previous “Low Sulfur” grades. S15 grades were not in
`the previous grade system and are commonly referred to as “Ultra-Low
`Sulfur” grades or ULSD.
`1.2 This specification, unless otherwise provided by agree-
`ment between the purchaser and the supplier, prescribes the
`required properties of diesel fuels at the time and place of
`delivery.
`1.2.1 Nothing in this specification shall preclude observance
`of federal, state, or local regulations which may be more
`restrictive.
`
`NOTE 3—The generation and dissipation of static electricity can create
`problems in the handling of distillate diesel fuel oils. For more informa-
`tion on the subject, see Guide D 4865.
`1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
`standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
`only.
`
`2. Referenced Documents
`2.1 ASTM Standards: 3
`D 56 Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup Tester
`D 86 Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products at
`Atmospheric Pressure
`D 93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens
`Closed Cup Tester
`D 129 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products (Gen-
`eral Bomb Method)
`D 130 Test Method for Corrosiveness to Copper from
`Petroleum Products by Copper Strip Test
`D 445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
`and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos-
`ity)
`D 482 Test Method for Ash from Petroleum Products
`
`3 For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
`contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
`Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
`the ASTM website.
`
`Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
`
`*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
`
`1
`
`
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`

`
`D 975 – 07b
`
`D 524 Test Method for Ramsbottom Carbon Residue of
`Petroleum Products
`D 613 Test Method for Cetane Number of Diesel Fuel Oil
`D 1266 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products
`(Lamp Method)
`D 1319 Test Method for Hydrocarbon Types in Liquid
`Petroleum Products by Fluorescent Indicator Adsorption
`D 1552 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products
`(High-Temperature Method)
`D 1796 Test Method for Water and Sediment in Fuel Oils by
`the Centrifuge Method (Laboratory Procedure)
`D 2274 Test Method for Oxidation Stability of Distillate
`Fuel Oil (Accelerated Method)
`D 2500 Test Method for Cloud Point of Petroleum Products
`D 2622 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by
`Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
`D 2709 Test Method for Water and Sediment in Middle
`Distillate Fuels by Centrifuge
`D 2880 Specification for Gas Turbine Fuel Oils
`D 2887 Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of
`Petroleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography
`D 3117 Test Method for Wax Appearance Point of Distillate
`Fuels
`D 3120 Test Method for Trace Quantities of Sulfur in Light
`Liquid Petroleum Hydrocarbons by Oxidative Microcou-
`lometry
`D 3828 Test Methods for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed
`Cup Tester
`D 4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
`Petroleum Products
`D 4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and
`Petroleum Products
`D 4294 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum and Petroleum
`Products by Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spec-
`trometry
`D 4306 Practice for Aviation Fuel Sample Containers for
`Tests Affected by Trace Contamination
`D 4539 Test Method for Filterability of Diesel Fuels by
`Low-Temperature Flow Test (LTFT)
`D 4737 Test Method for Calculated Cetane Index by Four
`Variable Equation
`D 4865 Guide for Generation and Dissipation of Static
`Electricity in Petroleum Fuel Systems
`D 5453 Test Method for Determination of Total Sulfur in
`Light Hydrocarbons, Spark Ignition Engine Fuel, Diesel
`Engine Fuel, and Engine Oil by Ultraviolet Fluorescence
`D 5771 Test Method for Cloud Point of Petroleum Products
`(Optical Detection Stepped Cooling Method)
`D 5772 Test Method for Cloud Point of Petroleum Products
`(Linear Cooling Rate Method)
`D 5773 Test Method for Cloud Point of Petroleum Products
`(Constant Cooling Rate Method)
`D 5842 Practice for Sampling and Handling of Fuels for
`Volatility Measurement
`D 5854 Practice for Mixing and Handling of Liquid
`Samples of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
`
`D 6078 Test Method for Evaluating Lubricity of Diesel
`Fuels by the Scuffing Load Ball-on-Cylinder Lubricity
`Evaluator (SLBOCLE)
`D 6079 Test Method for Evaluating Lubricity of Diesel
`Fuels by the High-Frequency Reciprocating Rig (HFRR)
`D 6217 Test Method for Particulate Contamination in
`Middle Distillate Fuels by Laboratory Filtration
`D 6371 Test Method for Cold Filter Plugging Point of
`Diesel and Heating Fuels
`D 6468 Test Method for High Temperature Stability of
`Distillate Fuels
`D 6469 Guide for Microbial Contamination in Fuels and
`Fuel Systems
`D 6890 Test Method for Determination of Ignition Delay
`and Derived Cetane Number (DCN) of Diesel Fuel Oils by
`Combustion in a Constant Volume Chamber
`D 6898 Test Method for Evaluating Diesel Fuel Lubricity
`by an Injection Pump Rig
`2.2 Other Documents:
`26 CFR Part 48 Manufacturers and Realtors Excise Taxes4
`40 CFR Part 80 Regulation of Fuels and Fuel Additives4
`
`3. Terminology
`3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
`3.1.1 S(numerical specification maximum)—indicates the
`maximum sulfur content, in weight ppm (µg/g), allowed by this
`specification in a diesel fuel grade.
`3.1.1.1 Discussion—Of the seven diesel fuel grades speci-
`fied in this standard, six have important distinguishing maxi-
`mum sulfur regulatory requirements. These are Grades No. 1-D
`S15, No. 1-D S500, No. 1-D S5000, No. 2-D S15, No. 2-D
`S500 and No. 2-D S5000. The seventh grade, No. 4-D, is
`distinguished from these other grades by many major proper-
`ties in addition to sulfur (unregulated maximum), and therefore
`is not included in this designation system. Thus, Grade No. 4-D
`does not have the designation S20000 as part of its grade name.
`
`4. Sampling, Containers, and Sample Handling
`4.1 It is strongly advised to review all test methods prior to
`sampling to understand the importance and effects of sampling
`technique, proper containers, and special handling required for
`each test method.
`4.2 Correct sampling procedures are critical to obtaining a
`representative sample of the diesel fuel oil to be tested. Refer
`to Appendix X2 for recommendations. The recommended
`procedures or practices provide techniques useful in the proper
`sampling or handling of diesel fuels.
`
`5. Test Methods
`5.1 The requirements enumerated in this specification shall
`be determined in accordance with the following methods:
`5.1.1 Flash Point—Test Methods D 93, except where other
`methods are prescribed by law. For all grades, Test Method
`D 3828 may be used as an alternate with the same limits. For
`Grades No. 1-D S15, No. 1-D S500 , No. 1-D S5000, No. 2-D
`
`4 Available from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
`Office, Washington, DC 20402.
`
`2
`
`
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`
`D 975 – 07b
`
`S15, No. 2-D S500, and No. 2-D S5000, Test Method D 56
`may be used as an alternate with the same limits, provided the
`flash point is below 93°C and the viscosity is below 5.5 mm2/s
`at 40°C. This test method will give slightly lower values. In
`cases of dispute, Test Methods D 93 shall be used as the referee
`method. Test Method D 56 can not be used as the alternate
`method for Grade No. 4-D because its minimum viscosity limit
`is 5.5 mm2/s at 40°C.
`5.1.2 Cloud Point—Test Method D 2500. For all fuel grades
`in Table 1, the automatic Test Methods D 5771, D 5772, or
`
`D 5773 can be used as alternates with the same limits. Test
`Method D 3117 can also be used since it is closely related to
`Test Method D 2500. In case of dispute, Test Method D 2500
`shall be the referee method.
`5.1.3 Water and Sediment—Test Method D 2709 is used for
`fuel Grades No. 1-D S15, No. 1-D S500, No. 1-D S5000, No.
`2-D S15, No. 2-D S500, and No. 2-D S5000. Test Method
`D 1796 is used for Grade No. 4-D.
`5.1.4 Carbon Residue—Test Method D 524 is used for fuel
`Grades No. 1-D S15, No. 1-D S500, No. 1-D S5000, No. 2-D
`
`TABLE 1 Detailed Requirements for Diesel Fuel OilsA
`
`Property
`
`Flash Point, °C, min.
`Water and Sediment, % vol, max
`
`Distillation: one of the following requirements shall be met:
`1. Physical Distillation
`Distillation Temperature, °C 90 % , % vol recovered
`min
`max
`2. Simulated Distillation
`Distillation Temperature, °C 90 %, % vol recovered
`min
`max
`Kinematic Viscosity, mm2/S at 40°C
`min
`max
`Ash % mass, max
`Sulfur, ppm (µg/g)F max
`% mass, max
`% mass, max
`Copper strip corrosion rating, max
`(3 h at a minimum control temperature of 50°C)
`Cetane number, minH
`One of the following properties must
`be met:
`(1) Cetane index, min.
`(2) Aromaticity, % vol, max
`Operability Requirements
`Cloud point, °C, max
`or
`LTFT/CFPP, °C, max
`
`Ramsbottom carbon residue on 10 %
`distillation residue, % mass, max
`Lubricity, HFRR @ 60°C, micron, max
`
`ASTM
`Test
`MethodB
`
`D 93
`D 2709
`D 1796
`
`D 86
`
`D 2887
`
`D 445
`
`...
`D 482
`D 5453
`D 2622G
`D 129
`D 130
`
`D 613
`
`D 976–80G
`D 1319G
`
`D 2500
`
`D 4539/
`D 6371
`D 524
`
`D 6079
`
`No. 1-D
`S15
`
`No. 1-D
`S500C
`
`No. 1-D
`S5000D
`
`No. 2-D
`S15
`
`No. 2-D
`S500C,E
`
`No. 2-D
`S5000D,E
`
`No. 4-DD
`
`Grade
`
`38
`0.05
`...
`
`...
`288
`
`304
`
`1.3
`2.4
`0.01
`15
`...
`...
`No. 3
`
`40I
`
`40
`35
`
`J
`
`0.15
`
`520
`
`38
`0.05
`...
`
`...
`288
`
`304
`
`1.3
`2.4
`0.01
`...
`0.05
`...
`No. 3
`
`40I
`
`40
`35
`
`J
`
`0.15
`
`520
`
`38
`0.05
`...
`
`...
`288
`
`304
`
`1.3
`2.4
`0.01
`...
`...
`0.50
`No. 3
`
`40I
`
`...
`...
`
`J
`
`0.15
`
`520
`
`52E
`0.05
`...
`
`282E
`338
`
`300E
`356
`
`1.9E
`4.1
`0.01
`15
`...
`...
`No. 3
`
`40I
`
`40
`35
`
`J
`
`0.35
`
`520
`
`52E
`0.05
`...
`
`282E
`338
`
`300E
`356
`
`1.9E
`4.1
`0.01
`...
`0.05
`...
`No. 3
`
`40I
`
`40
`35
`
`J
`
`0.35
`
`520
`
`52E
`0.05
`...
`
`282E
`338
`
`300E
`356
`
`1.9E
`4.1
`0.01
`...
`...
`0.50
`No. 3
`
`40I
`
`...
`...
`
`J
`
`0.35
`
`520
`
`55
`...
`0.50
`
`...
`...
`
`5.5
`24.0
`0.10
`...
`...
`2.00
`...
`
`30I
`
`...
`...
`
`...
`
`...
`
`...
`
`A To meet special operating conditions, modifications of individual limiting requirements may be agreed upon between purchaser, seller, and manufacturer.
`B The test methods indicated are the approved referee methods. Other acceptable methods are indicated in 5.1.
`C Under United States regulations, if Grades No. 1–D S500 or No. 2–D S500 are sold for tax exempt purposes then, at or beyond terminal storage tanks, they are
`required by 26 CFR Part 48 to contain the dye Solvent Red 164 at a concentration spectrally equivalent to 3.9 lb per thousand barrels of the solid dye standard Solvent
`Red 26, or the tax must be collected.
`D Under United States regulations, Grades No.1–D S5000, No. 2–D S5000, and No. 4–D are required by 40 CFR Part 80 to contain a sufficient amount of the dye Solvent
`Red 164 so its presence is visually apparent. At or beyond terminal storage tanks, they are required by 26 CFR Part 48 to contain the dye Solvent Red 164 at a
`concentration spectrally equivalent to 3.9 lb per thousand barrels of the solid dye standard Solvent Red 26.
`E When a cloud point less than −12°C is specified, as can occur during cold months, it is permitted and normal blending practice to combine Grades No. 1 and No. 2
`to meet the low temperature requirements. In that case, the minimum flash point shall be 38°C, the minimum viscosity at 40°C shall be 1.7 mm2/s, and the minimum 90 %
`recovered temperature shall be waived.
`F Other sulfur limits can apply in selected areas in the United States and in other countries.
`G These test methods are specified in 40 CFR Part 80.
`H Where cetane number by Test Method D 613 is not available, Test Method D 4737 can be used as an approximation.
`I Low ambient temperatures as well as engine operation at high altitudes may require the use of fuels with higher cetane ratings.
`J It is unrealistic to specify low temperature properties that will ensure satisfactory operation at all ambient conditions. In general, cloud point (or wax appearance point)
`Low Temperature Flow Test, and Cold Filter Plugging Point Test may be used as an estimate of operating temperature limits for Grades No. 1–D S500; No. 2–D S500;
`and No. 1–D S5000 and No. 2–D S5000 diesel fuel oils. However, satisfactory operation below the cloud point (or wax appearance point) may be achieved depending
`on equipment design, operating conditions, and the use of flow-improver additives as described in X5.1.2. Appropriate low temperature operability properties should be
`agreed upon between the fuel supplier and purchaser for the intended use and expected ambient temperatures. Test Methods D 4539 and D 6371 may be especially useful
`to estimate vehicle low temperature operability limits when flow improvers are used. Due to fuel delivery system, engine design, and test method differences, low
`temperature operability tests may not provide the same degree of protection in various vehicle operating classes. Tenth percentile minimum air temperatures for U.S.
`locations are provided in Appendix X5 as a means of estimating expected regional temperatures. The tenth percentile minimum air temperatures may be used to estimate
`expected regional target temperatures for use with Test Methods D 2500, D 4539, and D 6371. Refer to X5.1.3 for further general guidance on test application.
`
`3
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`
`D 975 – 07b
`
`Range
`
`Grades
`
`5.1.9 Copper Corrosion—Test Method D 130, 3-h test at a
`minimum control temperature of 50°C. This test method is
`used for fuel Grades No. 1-D S15, No. 1-D S500, No. 1-D
`S5000, No. 2-D S15, No. 2-D S500 and No. 2-D S5000. Grade
`No. 4-D does not have a copper corrosion requirement.
`5.1.10 Cetane Number—Test Method D 613 is used for all
`fuel grades in Table 1. Test Method D 6890 is used for all No.
`1-D and No. 2-D grades with the DCN result being compared
`to the cetane number specification requirement of 40. Test
`Method D 613 shall be the referee method.
`5.1.11 Cetane Index—Test Methods D 976–80 is used for
`fuel Grades No. 1-D S15, No. 1-D S500, No. 2-D S15 and No.
`2-D S500. Grades No. 1-D S5000, No. 2-D S5000 and No. 4-D
`do not have an aromatics content requirement, so do not use
`this test method as a surrogate for aromatics content.
`5.1.12 Aromaticity—Test Method D 1319. This test method
`provides an indication of the aromatics content of fuels. For
`fuels with a maximum final boiling point of 315°C, this method
`is a measurement of the aromatic content of the fuel. This test
`method is used for fuel Grades No. 1-D S15, No. 1-D S500,
`No. 2-D S15 and No. 2-D S500. Grades No. 1-D S5000, No.
`2-D S5000 and No. 4-D do not have an aromatics content
`requirement.
`5.1.13 Lubricity—Test Method D 6079.
`
`6. Workmanship
`6.1 The diesel fuel shall be visually free of undissolved
`water, sediment, and suspended matter.
`
`7. Requirements
`7.1 The grades of diesel fuel oils herein specified shall be
`hydrocarbon oils conforming to the detailed requirements
`shown in Table 1.
`7.2 Grades No. 2-D S15, No. 2-D S500 and No. 2–D
`S5000—When a cloud point less than −12°C is specified, as
`can occur during cold months, it is permitted and normal
`blending practice to combine Grades No. 1 and No. 2 to meet
`the low temperature requirements. In that case, the minimum
`flash point shall be 38°C, the minimum viscosity at 40°C shall
`be 1.7 mm2/s, and the minimum 90 % recovered temperature
`shall be waived.
`
`S15, No. 2-D S500 and No. 2-D S5000. Grade No. 4-D does
`not have a limit for carbon residue.
`5.1.5 Ash—Test Method D 482 is used for all grades in
`Table 1.
`5.1.6 Distillation—Test Method D 86 is used for Grades
`No. 1-D S15, No. 1-D S500, No. 1-D S5000, No. 2-D S15, No.
`2-D S500 and No. 2-D S5000. For all grades, Test Method
`D 2887 can be used as an alternate with the limits listed in
`Table 1. In case of dispute, Test Method D 86 shall be the
`referee method. Grade No. 4-D does not have distillation
`requirements.
`5.1.7 Viscosity—Test Method D 445 is used for all fuel
`grades in Table 1.
`5.1.8 Sulfur—The following list shows the referee test
`methods and alternate test methods for sulfur, the range over
`which each test method applies and the corresponding fuel
`grades.
`Sulfur
`Test Method
`D 129
`(referee)
`D 1266
`
`>0.1 mass %
`
`0.0005 to 0.4 mass %
`5 to 4000 mg/kg (wt ppm)
`>0.06 mass %
`
`0.0003 to 5.3 mass %
`3 to 53 000 mg/kg (wt ppm)
`
`3.0 to 100 mg/kg (wt ppm)
`
`D 1552
`
`D 2622
`(referee for
`S500 Grades)
`D 3120
`
`No. 1-D S5000, No. 2-D S5000,
`No. 4-D
`No. 1-D S500, No. 2-D S500
`
`No. 1- D S5000, No. 2-D S5000,
`No. 4-D
`All Grades
`
`No. 1-D S15, No. 2-D S15
`No. 1-D S500, No. 2-D S500
`(S500 grades must be diluted
`before testing)
`No. 1- D S5000, No. 2-D S5000,
`No. 4-D
`All Grades
`
`D 4294
`
`D 5453
`(referee for
`S15 grades)
`
`0.0150 to 5.00 mass %
`150 to 50 000 mg/kg (wt ppm)
`0.0001 to 0.8 mass %
`1.0 to 8000 mg/kg (wt ppm)
`
`NOTE 4—The units used to report results in the above test methods are:
`D 129
`mass %
`D 1266
`mass %
`D 1552
`mass %
`D 2622
`mass %
`D 3120
`ppm (µg/g)
`D 4294
`mass %
`D 5453
`ppm (µg/g)
`
`Results reported in mg/kg and in ppm (µg/g) are numerically the same.
`The units used in Table 1 for the sulfur requirements are the units in which
`results for the referee test are reported.
`
`8. Keywords
`8.1 diesel; fuel oil; petroleum and petroleum products
`
`4
`
`
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`
`D 975 – 07b
`
`APPENDIXES
`
`(Nonmandatory Information)
`
`X1. SIGNIFICANCE OF ASTM SPECIFICATION FOR DIESEL FUEL OILS
`
`X1.1 Introduction
`X1.1.1 The properties of commercial fuel oils depend on the
`refining practices employed and the nature of the crude oils
`from which they are produced. Distillate fuel oils, for example,
`may be produced within the boiling range of 150 and 400°C
`having many possible combinations of various properties, such
`as volatility, ignition quality, viscosity, and other characteris-
`tics.
`
`X1.2 Grades
`X1.2.1 This specification is intended as a statement of
`permissible limits of significant fuel properties used for speci-
`fying the wide variety of commercially available diesel fuel
`oils. Limiting values of significant properties are prescribed for
`seven grades of diesel fuel oils. These grades and their general
`applicability for use in diesel engines are broadly indicated as
`follows:
`X1.2.2 Grade No. 1-D S15—Grade No. 1-D S15 comprises
`the class of very low sulfur, volatile fuel oils from kerosine to
`the intermediate middle distillates. Fuels within this grade are
`applicable for use in (1) high-speed diesel engines and diesel
`engine applications that require ultra-low sulfur fuels, (2)
`applications necessitating frequent and relatively wide varia-
`tions in loads and speeds, and (3) applications where abnor-
`mally low operating temperatures are encountered.
`X1.2.3 Grade No. 1-D S500—Grade No. 1-D S500 com-
`prises the class of low-sulfur, volatile fuel oils from kerosine to
`the intermediate middle distillates. Fuels within this grade are
`applicable for use in (1) high-speed diesel engines that require
`low sulfur fuels, (2) in applications necessitating frequent and
`relatively wide variations in loads and speeds, and (3) in
`applications where abnormally low operating temperatures are
`encountered.
`X1.2.4 Grade No. 1-D S5000—Grade No. 1-D S5000
`comprises the class of volatile fuel oils from kerosine to the
`intermediate middle distillates. Fuels within this grade are
`applicable for use in high-speed diesel engines applications
`necessitating frequent and relatively wide variations in loads
`and speeds, and also for use in cases where abnormally low
`operating temperatures are encountered.
`X1.2.5 Grade No. 2-D S15—Grade No. 2-D S15 includes
`the class of very low sulfur, middle distillate gas oils of lower
`volatility than Grade No. 1-D S15. These fuels are applicable
`for use in (1) high speed diesel engines and diesel engine
`applications that require ultra-low sulfur fuels, (2) applications
`necessitating relatively high loads and uniform speeds, or (3)
`diesel engines not requiring fuels having higher volatility or
`other properties specified in Grade No. 1-D S15.
`X1.2.6 Grade No. 2-D S500—Grade No. 2-D S500 includes
`the class of low-sulfur, middle distillate gas oils of lower
`volatility than Grade No. 1-D S500. These fuels are applicable
`for use in (1) high-speed diesel engine applications that require
`
`low sulfur fuels, (2) applications necessitating relatively high
`loads and uniform speeds, or (3) diesel engines not requiring
`fuels having higher volatility or other properties specified for
`Grade No. 1-D S500.
`X1.2.7 Grade No. 2-D S5000—Grade No. 2-D S5000
`includes the class of middle distillate gas oils of lower
`volatility than Grade No. 1-D S5000. These fuels are appli-
`cable for use in (1) high-speed diesel engines in applications
`necessitating relatively high loads and uniform speeds, or (2) in
`diesel engines not requiring fuels having higher volatility or
`other properties specified for Grade No. 1-D S5000.
`X1.2.8 Grade No. 4-D—Grade No. 4-D comprises the class
`of more viscous middle distillates and blends of these middle
`distillates with residual fuel oils. Fuels within this grade are
`applicable for use in low- and medium-speed diesel engines in
`applications necessitating sustained loads at substantially con-
`stant speed.
`
`X1.3 Selection of Particular Grade
`X1.3.1 The selection of a particular diesel fuel oil from one
`of these seven ASTM grades for use in a given engine requires
`consideration of the following factors:
`X1.3.1.1 Fuel price and availability,
`X1.3.1.2 Maintenance considerations,
`X1.3.1.3 Engine size and design,
`X1.3.1.4 Emission control systems,
`X1.3.1.5 Speed and load ranges,
`X1.3.1.6 Frequency of speed and load changes, and
`X1.3.1.7 Atmospheric conditions. Some of these factors can
`influence the required fuel properties outlined as follows:
`
`X1.4 Cetane Number
`X1.4.1 Cetane number is a measure of the ignition quality of
`the fuel and influences combustion roughness. The cetane
`number requirements depend on engine design, size, nature of
`speed and load variations, and on starting and atmospheric
`conditions. Increase in cetane number over values actually
`required does not materially improve engine performance.
`Accordingly, the cetane number specified should be as low as
`possible to assure maximum fuel availability.
`
`X1.5 Distillation
`X1.5.1 The fuel volatility requirements depend on engine
`design, size, nature of speed and load variations, and starting
`and atmospheric conditions. For engines in services involving
`rapidly fluctuating loads and speeds as in bus and truck
`operation, the more volatile fuels may provide best perfor-
`mance, particularly with respect to smoke and odor. However,
`best fuel economy is generally obtained from the heavier types
`of fuels because of their higher heat content.
`
`5
`
`
`
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`
`D 975 – 07b
`
`X1.6 Viscosity
`X1.6.1 For some engines it is advantageous to specify a
`minimum viscosity because of power loss due to injection
`pump and injector leakage. Maximum viscosity, on the other
`hand, is limited by considerations involved in engine design
`and size, and the characteristics of the injection system.
`
`X1.7 Carbon Residue
`X1.7.1 Carbon residue gives a measure of the carbon
`depositing tendencies of a fuel oil when heated in a bulb under
`prescribed conditions. While not directly correlating with
`engine deposits, this property is considered an approximation.
`
`X1.8 Sulfur
`X1.8.1 The effect of sulfur content on engine wear and
`deposits appears to vary considerably in importance and
`depends largely on operating conditions. Fuel sulfur can affect
`emission control systems performance. To assure maximum
`availability of fuels, the permissible sulfur content should be
`specified as high as is practicable, consistent with maintenance
`considerations.
`
`X1.9 Flash Point
`X1.9.1 The flash point as specified is not directly related to
`engine performance. It is, however, of importance in connec-
`tion with legal requirements and safety precautions involved in
`fuel handling and storage, and is normally specified to meet
`insurance and fire regulations.
`
`in the oil under prescribed test conditions which generally
`relates to the temperature at which wax crystals begin to
`precipitate from the oil in use.
`
`X1.11 Ash
`X1.11.1 Ash-forming materials may be present in fuel oil in
`two forms: (1) abrasive solids, and (2) soluble metallic soaps.
`Abrasive solids contribute to injector, fuel pump, piston and
`ring wear, and also to engine deposits. Soluble metallic soaps
`have little effect on wear but may contribute to engine deposits.
`
`X1.12 Copper Strip Corrosion
`X1.12.1 This test serves as a measure of possible difficulties
`with copper and brass or bronze parts of the fuel system.
`
`X1.13 Aromaticity
`X1.13.1 This test is used as an indication of the aromatics
`content of diesel fuel. Aromatics content is specified to prevent
`an increase in the average aromatics content in Grades No. 1-D
`S15, No. 1-D S500, No. 2-D S15 and No. 2-D S500 fuels and
`is required by 40 CFR Part 80. Increases in aromatics content
`of fuels over current levels may have a negative impact on
`emissions.
`
`X1.14 Cetane Index
`X1.14.1 Cetane Index is specified as a limitation on the
`amount of high aromatic components in Grades No. 1-D S15,
`No. 1-D S500, No. 2-D S15 and No. 2-D S500.
`
`X1.10 Cloud Point
`X1.10.1 Cloud point is of importance in that it defines the
`temperature at which a cloud or haze of wax crystals appears
`
`X1.15 Other
`X1.15.1 Microbial Contamination—Refer to Guide D 6469
`for a discussion of this form of contamination.
`
`X2. SAMPLING, CONTAINERS AND SAMPLE HANDLING
`
`X2.1 Introduction
`X2.1.1 This appendix provides guidance on methods and
`techniques for the proper sampling of diesel fuel oils. As diesel
`fuel oil specifications become more stringent and contaminants
`and impurities become more tightly controlled, even greater
`care needs to be taken in collecting and storing samples for
`quality assessment.
`
`X2.2 Sampling, Containers and Sample Handling
`Recommendations
`X2.2.1 Appropriate manual method sampling procedures
`can be found in Practice D 4057 and automatic method
`sampling is covered in Practice D 4177.
`X2.2.2 The correct sample volume and appropriate con-
`tainer selection are also important decisions that can impact
`test results. Practice D 4306 for aviation fuel container selec-
`
`tion for tests sensitive to trace contamination may be useful.
`Practice D 5854 for procedures on container selection and
`sample mixing and handling is recommended. For cetane
`number determination protection from light
`is important.
`Collection and storage of diesel fuel oil samples in an opaque
`container, such as a dark brown glass bottle, metal can, or a
`minimally reactive plastic container to minimize exposure to
`UV emissions from sources such as sunlight or fluorescent
`lamps, is recommended. According to Paragraph 8.2 of Test
`Method D 6079, “Because of sensitivity of lubricity measure-
`ments to trace materials, sample containers shall be only fully
`epoxy-lined metal, amber borosilicate glass, or polytetrafluo-
`roethylene as specified in Practice D 4306.”
`X2.2.3 For volatility determination of a sample, Practice
`D 5842 for special precautions recommended for representa-
`tive sampling and handling techniques may be appropriate.
`
`6
`
`
`
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`Downloaded/printed by
`GE Energy (GE Energy) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
`
`

`
`D 975 – 07b
`
`X3. STORAGE AND THERMAL STABILITY OF DIESEL FUELS
`
`X3.1 Scope
`X3.1.1 This appendix provides guidance for consumers of
`diesel fuels who may wish to store quantities of fuels for
`extended periods or use the fuel in severe service or high
`temperature applications. Fuels containing residual compo-
`nents are excluded. Consistently successful
`long-term fuel
`storage or use in severe applications requires attention to fuel
`selection, storage conditions, handling and monitoring of
`properties during storage and prior to use.
`X3.1.2 Normally produced fuels have adequate stability
`properties to withstand normal storage and use without the
`formation of troublesome amounts of insoluble degradation
`products. Fuels that are to be stored for prolonged periods or
`used in severe applications should be selected to avoid forma-
`tion of sediments or gums, which can overload filters or plug
`injectors. Selection of these fuels should result from supplier-
`user discussions.
`X3.1.3 These suggested practices are general in nature and
`should not be considered substitutes for any requirements
`imposed by the warranty of the distillate fuel equipment
`manufacturer or by federal, state, or local government regula-
`tions. Although they can