BS EN 16144 specifies a test method for the quantitative determination of ignition delay of middle distillate fuels intended for use in compression ignition engines. The method utilizes a constant volume combustion chamber designed for operation by compression ignition and employing direct injection of fuel into compressed air that is controlled to a specified pressure and temperature. An equation is given to calculate the derived cetane number (DCN) from the ignition delay measurement.
This method is applicable to diesel fuels, including those containing FAME. The method is also applicable to middle distillate fuels of non-petroleum origin, although users applying BS EN 16144 are warned that the relationship between ignition characteristics and engine performance in unconventional fuels is not yet fully understood.
BS EN 16144 covers the ignition delay range from 2,9 ms to 5,0 ms (60 DCN to 35 DCN).
BS EN 16144 on determination of ignition delay and derived cetane number (DCN) of middle distillate fuels is useful for:
Cetane number is a measure of the ignition performance of a fuel in a standardized engine test on a scale defined by reference fuels.
The method described in BS EN 16144 is an alternative quantitative determination of the cetane number of middle distillate fuels intended for use in compression ignition engines. Correlation studies between this method and EN ISO 5165:1998 [3] have been done and the results of this are incorporated in BS EN 16144.
The basis of this method is the derived cetane number correlation equation as given in Clause 12. The ongoing validation of the equation is monitored and evaluated through the existing monthly American and European fuel exchange programs.
BS EN 16144 provides schematic overview of combustion analyser and proper quality control procedures to ensure continuous satisfactory operation of the analyser.
Overall, BS EN 16144 helps you carry out the test to determine ignition delay and derived cetane number (DCN) of middle distillate fuels with precision and accuracy.
EN 16144:2012