Standards that regulate minimum
requirements are indispensible for communication between engine
manufacturers and fuel producers, retailers and consumers. Here too,
much has changed positively in terms of suitability and environmental
compatibility.
While every country formerly had its
own specifications, the standard EN 590 has been in effect for all of
Europe since 1993 [4-1] and applies to all the countries represented
in the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).
However, every country may enact
(additional) individual regulations in a national appendix. Special
classes specifying flow characteristics during cold weather with
correspondingly low CFPP (cold filter plugging point) and CP (cloud
point) were implemented for arctic countries.
EN 590 has largely defined every
relevant fuel parameter at a relatively high level of quality. The
most recent version from 2008 is currently undergoing the process of
adoption.
Diesel fuel quality: Minimum
requirements according to DIN EN 590: 2008–2009
Regular revision of the standards and
the test methods applied guarantees the inclusion of new or modified
criteria for requirements. For instance, wear protection (lubricity)
and limits on polyaromatics have been newly incorporated in recent
years.
The test methods applied in the
standard and to ongoing quality control are also based on
standardized laboratory methods. By performing extensive tests in
complete engines for example, working groups from the engine and
petroleum industry and independent institutes ensure that the
standardized methods are relevant to the application of fuel in
vehicles.
EN 590 contains legal regulations from
EU directives and compromises negotiated between the automotive and
petroleum industries in the CEN working group TC19/ WG24.
Furthermore, the German government has
enacted the Fuel Quality Act and related provisions for its
implementation. State authorities are able and required to review the
conformity of fuels offered for public purchase to the standards.
These efforts are aimed at ensuring
that customers who purchase fuel with an EN 590 designation can be
confident that the fuel is suitable for their engines and is
environmentally compatible.
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