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EN590 / Diesel
EN590 / Diesel
- EN590 is a standard specification for automotive diesel fuel in the European Union. It sets the requirements and test methods for diesel fuel that is suitable for use in compression-ignition engines. EN590 is widely used across Europe and many other parts of the world, and it is considered the standard for high-quality diesel fuel.
Standard Specification
The EN590 standard specifies a number of requirements for diesel fuel:
- Cetane number: This is a measure of the ignition quality of the fuel. EN590 requires a minimum cetane number of 51.
- Sulfur content: EN590 specifies a maximum sulfur content of 10 parts per million (ppm) for diesel fuel. This low sulfur content helps to reduce emissions of sulfur oxides, which can contribute to acid rain and air pollution.
- Density: EN590 requires a density between 820 and 845 kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3).
- Distillation characteristics: EN590 specifies the range of temperatures at which the fuel vaporizes during distillation.
- Cold flow properties: EN590 sets limits on the cloud point and cold filter plugging point of diesel fuel. These parameters measure the temperature at which wax crystals begin to form in the fuel, which can cause clogging and other problems in cold weather.
- Lubricity: EN590 requires diesel fuel to have a minimum lubricity of 460 micrometers, which helps to protect the fuel injection system from wear and damage.
Production of EN590 / Diesel
EN590 diesel fuel is produced by refining crude oil through a series of processes that remove impurities and refine the fuel to meet the EN590 specifications. The production of EN590 diesel fuel typically involves the following steps:
- Distillation: The first step in producing diesel fuel is distillation, which involves heating crude oil to separate it into various fractions based on their boiling points. The fraction that is used to produce diesel fuel typically has a boiling point range between 200°C and 350°C.
- Hydrotreating: After distillation, the diesel fraction is treated with hydrogen gas in a process called hydrotreating. This process removes impurities such as sulfur, nitrogen, and metals from the fuel. Hydrotreating also increases the cetane number of the fuel, which improves its ignition quality.
- Isomerization: In some cases, the diesel fraction may also be treated with a catalyst in a process called isomerization. This process converts straight-chain hydrocarbons in the fuel to branched-chain hydrocarbons, which can improve the fuel's cold flow properties.
- Blending: After hydrotreating and/or isomerization, the diesel fuel is blended with additives to meet the EN590 specifications. These additives may include lubricity improvers, cold flow improvers, and cetane improvers.
- Quality control: Once the diesel fuel has been produced and blended, it is subjected to quality control testing to ensure that it meets the EN590 specifications. These tests may include analysis of the fuel's sulfur content, density, cetane number, and other properties.
Production Capacity
- The production capacity of EN590 diesel fuel varies depending on the capacity of the refineries that produce it. Refineries are complex industrial facilities that require significant capital investment and technical expertise to operate. The production capacity of a refinery can range from a few thousand barrels per day to several hundred thousand barrels per day.
- The production of EN590 diesel fuel typically requires a dedicated refining process that is specifically designed to meet the EN590 specifications. Refineries that produce EN590 diesel fuel may have the capacity to produce other types of diesel fuel as well, but they must ensure that their EN590 production meets the required quality standards.
- The production capacity of EN590 diesel fuel is influenced by various factors, including the demand for diesel fuel in the market, the availability and cost of crude oil feedstock, the cost of refining and processing, and regulatory requirements. As demand for diesel fuel increases, refineries may expand their production capacity to meet the demand. However, expanding capacity can be a lengthy and costly process that requires significant planning and investment.
- Overall, the production capacity of EN590 diesel fuel is determined by a complex set of factors that vary depending on the refinery and the market conditions in which it operates.
Types of Diesel Fuel
There are several types of diesel fuel, each with its own properties and uses. Some common types of diesel fuel include:
- Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD): ULSD is a type of diesel fuel with a maximum sulfur content of 15 parts per million (ppm). It is used in most diesel engines in the United States and other parts of the world and is required for use in newer diesel engines that are designed to meet emissions regulations.
- Biodiesel: Biodiesel is a renewable diesel fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or other organic sources. It can be blended with petroleum diesel fuel to create a biodiesel blend, which can be used in diesel engines with little or no modification.
- Renewable Diesel: Renewable diesel is a type of diesel fuel that is made from renewable sources such as plant oils, animal fats, and waste vegetable oil. It is chemically identical to petroleum diesel fuel and can be used in diesel engines with no modifications.
- Winter Diesel: Winter diesel fuel is a type of diesel fuel that is blended with additives to improve its performance in cold weather. It has a lower cloud point and pour point than regular diesel fuel, which helps prevent gelling and waxing in cold temperatures.
- Marine Diesel: Marine diesel fuel is a type of diesel fuel that is used in ships and boats. It is similar to regular diesel fuel but may have different sulfur content and other additives to meet marine emissions regulations.
- Aviation Kerosene: Aviation kerosene, also known as Jet A-1, is a type of diesel fuel that is used in jet engines. It has a higher flash point than regular diesel fuel and is designed to burn more cleanly at high altitudes.
Regulations & Compliance
- Compliance with EN590 is important for diesel fuel producers and distributors, as it ensures that the fuel meets the quality and performance requirements set by the standard. In addition to meeting EN590 requirements, diesel fuel may also be subject to local or national regulations and standards
- The production of EN590 diesel fuel is highly regulated to ensure that the fuel meets the quality and performance requirements set by the standard. Producers of EN590 diesel fuel must comply with strict quality control procedures and adhere to the regulations and standards set by the European Union and other relevant authorities.
EN590 / Diesel
Global Production Capacity
- It is difficult to provide an exact figure for the global production capacity of EN590 diesel fuel, as it varies depending on the capacity of the refineries that produce it and the demand for diesel fuel in different regions. However, EN590 is a widely used diesel fuel standard that is used in Europe and other regions, and many refineries around the world produce it.
- According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), global diesel demand is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driven by demand in the transportation, industrial, and commercial sectors. This increasing demand is likely to result in the expansion of EN590 diesel fuel production capacity in many regions.
- In Europe, EN590 diesel fuel is the most widely used diesel fuel standard, and many refineries in the region produce it. According to a report by the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), the European Union had a total refining capacity of around 13.4 million barrels per day in 2019, with many of these refineries producing EN590 diesel fuel.
- Outside of Europe, EN590 diesel fuel is also produced by refineries in other regions, including Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East. The production capacity of EN590 diesel fuel in these regions varies depending on the local demand for diesel fuel and the capacity of the refineries.
- Overall, while it is difficult to provide an exact figure for the global production capacity of EN590 diesel fuel, it is clear that EN590 is a widely used diesel fuel standard that is produced by many refineries around the world.
EN590 Announcements
EN590 diesel fuel is a widely used standard for diesel fuel in Europe and other regions, and any announcements related to changes in the specification or availability of EN590 can have significant impacts on the industry. Here are a few recent announcements related to EN590:
- Introduction of EN590:2020 - In January 2020, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) introduced a revised version of the EN590 diesel fuel specification, known as EN590:2020. This new specification includes changes related to the maximum allowable sulfur content, the addition of a new requirement for fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), and other updates.
- Expansion of EN590 Availability - In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for low-sulfur diesel fuel in regions outside of Europe, including in Asia and Africa. As a result, some refineries in these regions have begun to produce diesel fuel that meets the EN590 specification in order to meet this demand.
- Impact of COVID-19 on EN590 Production - The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the oil and gas industry, including the production and availability of EN590 diesel fuel. In 2020, reduced demand for diesel fuel resulted in lower production levels, and some refineries temporarily shut down or reduced production. However, as the global economy has begun to recover, demand for diesel fuel has increased, and production levels of EN590 diesel fuel have started to rebound.
- Future of EN590 - As the world moves towards a more sustainable energy future, there may be changes to the way diesel fuel is produced and used. In Europe, there are already discussions about potentially phasing out the use of diesel fuel in favor of alternative fuels such as electric vehicles. However, it is likely that diesel fuel, including EN590 diesel fuel, will continue to play a role in the global energy mix for many years to come.
Share the big news
- Changes in regulations: Any changes in emissions regulations, fuel quality standards, or other regulations related to the production or consumption of diesel fuel can have a significant impact on the EN590 market.
- Shifts in demand: Significant changes in global demand for diesel fuel, such as a shift towards alternative fuels or a decrease in demand due to economic or geopolitical factors, can also affect the EN590 market.
- Production disruptions: Any disruptions in the production of EN590 diesel fuel, such as plant closures, natural disasters, or supply chain issues, can affect its availability and pricing.
- Technological advancements: Advances in technology related to diesel fuel production, such as new refining processes or the development of more efficient engines, can also have an impact on the EN590 market.
EN590 FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about EN590 diesel fuel:
- What is EN590 diesel fuel? EN590 is a European diesel fuel specification that sets limits on the sulfur content, density, and other properties of diesel fuel. It is used as a standard in many countries around the world, including the European Union and some parts of Asia.
- What is the maximum sulfur content in EN590? The maximum sulfur content in EN590 diesel fuel is 10 parts per million (ppm).
- What is the cetane number of EN590 diesel fuel? The cetane number of EN590 diesel fuel is typically between 51 and 56.
- Can EN590 diesel fuel be used in all diesel engines? EN590 diesel fuel is suitable for use in most diesel engines, but there may be some engines that require specialized diesel fuel formulations.
- What are the benefits of using EN590 diesel fuel? EN590 diesel fuel has several benefits, including lower emissions, improved engine performance, and increased fuel efficiency.
- What are the potential drawbacks of using EN590 diesel fuel? EN590 diesel fuel is typically more expensive than conventional diesel fuel, and there may be compatibility issues with some older diesel engines.
- Where is EN590 diesel fuel commonly used? EN590 diesel fuel is commonly used in Europe, but it is also used in many other countries around the world as a standard for diesel fuel quality.