ASTM D4737-21
Standard Test Method for Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation

Standard No.

ASTM D4737-21

Release Date

2021

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D4737-21

Scope

1.1 The calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation provides a means for estimating the ASTM cetane number (Test Method D613) of distillate fuels from density and distillation recovery temperature measurements. The value computed from the equation is termed the Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation. 1.2 The Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation is not an optional method for expressing ASTM cetane number. It is a supplementary tool for estimating cetane number when a result by Test Method D613 is not available and if cetane improver is not used. As a supplementary tool, the Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable equation must be used with due regard for its limitations. 1.3 Procedure A is to be used for Specification D975, Grades No. 1–D S15, No. 1–D S500, No. 1–D S5000, No. 2–D S15, No. 2–D S5000, and No. 4–D. This method for estimating cetane number was developed by Chevron Research Co.2 Procedure A is based on a data set including a relatively small number of No. 1–D fuels. Test Method D4737 Procedure A may be less applicable to No. 1–D S15, No. 1–D S500, and No. 1–D S5000 than to No. 2–D grade S5000 or to No. 4–D fuels. 1.3.1 Procedure A has been verified as applicable to Grade No. 2–D S15 diesel fuels.3 1.4 Procedure B is to be used for Specification D975, Grade No. 2–D S500. 1.5 The test method “Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation” is particularly applicable to Grade 1–D S5000, Grade No. 1–D S500, Grade No. 2–D S5000 and Grade No. 2–D S500 diesel fuel oils containing straight-run and cracked stocks, and their blends. It can also be used for heavier fuels with 90 % recovery points less than 382 °C and for fuels containing derivatives from oil sands and oil shale. NOTE 1—Sxx is the designation for maximum sulfur level specified for the grade. For example, S500 grades are those with a maximum sulfur limit of 500 ppm (µg/g). 1.6 Biodiesel blends are excluded from this test method, because they were not part of the datasets use to develop either Procedure A or B. 1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.8 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM D4737-21 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1298 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
• ASTM D2887 Standard Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of Petroleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography
• ASTM D4052 Standard Test Method for Density and Relative Density of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
• ASTM D4175 Standard Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants*， 2023-07-01 Update
• ASTM D613 Standard Test Method for Cetane Number of Diesel Fuel Oil
• ASTM D6751 Standard Specification for Biodiesel Fuel Blendstock (B100) for Middle Distillate Fuels*， 2023-04-01 Update
• ASTM D6890 Standard Test Method for Determination of Ignition Delay and Derived Cetane Number (DCN) of Diesel Fuel Oils by Combustion in a Constant Volume Chamber*， 2022-11-15 Update
• ASTM D7170 Standard Test Method for Determination of Derived Cetane Number (DCN) of Diesel Fuel Oils&x2014;Fixed Range Injection Period, Constant Volume Combustion Chamber Method*， 2024-04-21 Update
• ASTM D86 Standard Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products
• ASTM D975 Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils

ASTM D4737-21 history

• 2021 ASTM D4737-21 Standard Test Method for Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation
• 2010 ASTM D4737-10(2016) Standard Test Method for Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation
• 2010 ASTM D4737-10 Standard Test Method for Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation
• 2009 ASTM D4737-09a Standard Test Method for Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation
• 2009 ASTM D4737-09 Standard Test Method for Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation
• 2004 ASTM D4737-04 Standard Test Method for Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation
• 2003 ASTM D4737-03 Standard Test Method for Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation
• 1996 ASTM D4737-96a(2001) Standard Test Method for Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation
• 1996 ASTM D4737-96a Standard Test Method for Calculated Cetane Index by Four Variable Equation