Follow Us

Join our newsletter

Get the latest news delivered to your inbox.

0
The logo for cfcs analytical services
0

HVO Cetane Testing

Kevin Harrison • February 27, 2025

HVO Cetane Testing

According to the Fuel specification of HVO it has a Cetane value of 70cn minimum, compared to BS2869 Red Diesel minimum value of 45cn.


CFCS had an interesting discussion with Adam Cutler  oilanalysislab.com on testing of HVO Cetane and the availability of High Cetane valued CRM fluids for calibration of test equipment. Also having discussed with a main UK supplier of CRM fluids  https://www.lgcstandards.com/GB/en/ it became apparent that the highest Cetane CRM test fluid is for Diesel, with a value of 54cn.


CRM cetane calibration fluid is extremely expensive approximately £800.00 per litre, and the highest value currently on the market is 54cn, so this posed a bit of a question that CFCS and Adam discussed, How are people testing cetane values of HVO?

Nature's Symphony

CFCS measures cetane/octane via the analysis of the insulation permeability and the charge characteristics of electromagnetic induction. By measuring the dielectric properties of the sample and comparing with a known parameter (CRM certified fluid) the result is determined.

Button

Faces of Humanity

CFCS measures cetane/octane via the analysis of the insulation permeability and the charge characteristics of electromagnetic induction. By measuring the dielectric properties of the sample and comparing with a known parameter (CRM certified fluid) the result is determined.

Button

So by calibrating the equipment on the Cetane CRM fluid, the instruments used can be selected to test Diesel and HVO cetane number with certainty, accuracy and traceability.


CFCS has 3 different makes of Cetane/octane testing equipment and we tested all 3 as a test with the Cetane 54cn Certified Reference material, two read identical at 54cn and one read 52cn (allowable maximum error of the equipment) before imputing the calibration menu.

So, what was of interest and we have yet to learn why? is that the two samples of HVO from 2 different suppliers were reading a cetane value lower than a diesel sample.



Nature's Symphony

HVO measurement

Button

Faces of Humanity

BS2869 Red Diesel

Button

Sands of Time

54cn CRM Fluid

Button

Beyond Boundaries

Testing CRM Test Fluid on our equipment

Button

So how is the HVO cetane value so low, is it the method and if so why?

The equipment range of Cetane is 20-100


Having discussed the issue with the research University who developed the equipment it became apparent that HVO must be manually calibrated, with a known HVO reference material.


Humm, only one way of doing this and that’s by cetane engine testing, so CFCS instructed Intertek UK to complete the test and return the HVO (supplied by Intertek) to CFCS.

Nature's Symphony

Intertek HVO sample

Button

This now allows CFCS to calibrate a known Cetane value on our equipment, adopting our test method.

Nature's Symphony

Equipment now calibrated and tested

Button

This now allows CFCS to offer HVO Fuel testing as part of our standard fuel testing program.



visit https://www.cfcsanalyticalservices.co.uk/

A row of bottles filled with different colored liquids are lined up on a table.

Fuel For Thought

By CFCS Analytical Services Ltd • August 9, 2024
An emergency generator and its associated fuel system need to be ready to go during a commercial power outage. That’s exactly why it was installed in the first place. For many businesses such as telecommunications, data centres, and healthcare facilities, a building power failure is not an option and can be devastating.
Particles count equipment

Particles Count

By CFCS Analytics • August 9, 2024
Although ISO4406 particulate counts are not part of fuel specification testing characteristics, it is an important measurement and will be a stipulation by a OEM that the fuel has to conform to a specification and possibly an ISO4406 quality conformance, prior to on engine filters.
Equipment we use to test fuel

Filter Blocking Tendencies

By CFCS Analytical services Ltd • August 9, 2024
This article discusses the importance of modern low sulfur diesel fuels, such as EN590 and BS2869, conforming to specific standards for Filter Blocking Tendency (FBT). The maximum allowable FBT limit is 2.52, and failure to meet this standard can result in significant engine issues due to fuel contamination. The article explores common causes of FBT failures, the role of particulate contamination, and the benefits of using additives like Aquasolve to improve fuel quality, reduce emissions, and prevent engine damage.
Share by: