Blogs

EN590 vs ASTM D975 Diesel: Key Differences for Importers

Importers who want to procure diesel in large volumes have to get the most information about diesel types and grades. Each type and grade has different physical and chemical properties, which can affect the outcomes. Compatibility with the engine and emission levels are two major factors in the diesel selection process. Whether you want to buy EN590 diesel in bulk or ASTM D975, you need to read this guide. It will remove all your doubts, so you can select the type of diesel you need.

What are EN590 Diesel Specifications? 

You can read EN590 diesel specifications or have a look at these highlights. Both are handy if you are importing this standard of diesel. These specifications will help you not only understand the nature of this fuel, but also in the selection process of an EN590 diesel CIF supplier. Every importer requires such information because no one likes to face any risk in the quality. It is about engine performance, and each specification matters. 

Flash Point

The flash point must be above 55 degrees C if you are inspecting EN590. This is the standard temperature when it comes to measuring flash points. 

Water Content

The water content should be equal to or less than 200 mg/kg. In other words, it should be 0.02% by total mass of the fuel. Any high or low percentage or mg/kg value can change the nature of the fuel.

Sulfur Content

Here is the most essential factor that makes one of the biggest differences between EN590 and ASTM975 standards of diesel. In EN590, sulfur content must be equal to or less than 10 ppm. It is very low, which means this grade is more suitable for high-speed engines and for cleaner quality. Besides, you can read this guide to further evaluate a supplier when sourcing EN590 diesel in bulk.

Cetane Number

You need to evaluate the cetane number of this diesel standard. It should be equal to or higher than 51. Due to its higher number than ASTM D975, its ignition power is higher. It takes less time to ignite, supports quiet engines, and is more efficient in combustion.

Lubricity 

The lubricity should be less than or equal to 460 microns if you are choosing EN590 diesel. Due to its lower lubricity than ASTM D975, it leaves less scarring or friction on the engine parts. 

Density 

The density (at 15 Degrees C) should be between 820 and 845 kilograms per cubic meter. When importing this grade, make sure the number is within this range to comply with European standards.

Ash Content 

The ash content of EN590 should be 0.01 m/m. It must not be higher than this because then the quality will be compromised.

Emission Compliance 

It has to comply with Euro 5/6 standards, which is why EN is used for compliance in Europe. In Europe, the emission level has to be lower than in the US, which is why EN590 has lower emissions compared to ASTM D975.

Before you move on to the next part of the blog, here is how to evaluate an EN590 diesel distributor if you are about to source it.

What are ASTM D975 Diesel Specifications?

Now, we will share the specifications of ASTM D975 diesel. It has multiple grades, which is why you will have to know a little about them first. 

·         1D (S15, S500, and S5000)

·         2D (S15, S500, and S5000)

·         4D

The range goes from 1D (light) to 4D (heavy) diesel grade. Moreover, the S in these grades represents the sulfur level. S15 is ultra-low sulfur diesel, S500 is low sulfur diesel, and S5000 is high-sulfur diesel. The last one is 4D, which is a heavy diesel. Also, these numbers denote ppm levels, such as 15 ppm, 500 ppm, and 5000 ppm. 4D is higher than 5000 ppm, and it varies.

Flash Point

The flash point of ASTM D975 is 52 degrees C (126 degrees F), which is close to EN590.

Water Content

The water content in this standard is 0.05% by mass, which is higher than EN590. The quality and emission levels are affected because of it. 

Sulfur Content

The sulfur content varies because there are multiple grades of ASTM D975. We have already described at the beginning how the letter “S” and numbers in each grade denote the sulfur level in each grade. Here is a reminder with examples.

Grade No. 1D

·         15 ppm (1D – S 15) ultra-low sulfur is for high-speed diesel engines.

·         500 ppm (1D – S 500) low sulfur is for off-road diesel engines in cold weather.

·         5000 ppm (1D - S 5000) regular sulfur is for off-road engines, especially older engines.

Grade No. 2D

·         15 ppm (2D – S 15) ultra-low sulfur is for standard engines and standby generators.

·         500 ppm (2D – S 500) low sulfur is for off-road machinery.

·         5000 ppm (2D - S 5000) regular sulfur is for heavy off-road machinery and industrial machinery.

Grade No. 4D

·         4D is a heavy distillate grade with a higher ppm than 5000. It is compatible with heavy industrial and stationary machines.

Cetane Number

The cetane number of ASTM D975 must be higher than 40 for all grades. However, it ranges from 40 to 51 because of different grades. A higher cetane number means the ignition will be faster, which is why 1D or low-sulfur grades have higher cetane numbers.

Lubricity 

ASTM D975’s lubricity has to be a maximum of 520 microns, which is higher than EN590. This means this grade has lower lubricity or higher friction/scar on engine parts compared to EN590.

Density 

The Density (at 15 Degrees C) should be between 820 and 860 kilograms per cubic meter. It is slightly higher than EN590, which is because of its denser grades.

Ash Content

The ash content varies as per the grades. It is 0.01 m/m in 1-D and 2-D grades, and 0.1 m/m in 4-D grade. The higher the grade is, the higher the ash content will be.

Emission Compliance 

ASTM is for emission compliance in the United States. ASTM D975 got its name from complying with the emission limits allowed in the US.

Conclusion  

If you are trying to buy EN590 diesel in bulk, here is the final conclusion for you. EN590’s sulfur content is much lower than ASTM D975, which means it has lower emissions. It also has a higher trade value globally, and it is more compatible with modern engines. Buyers who look for an EN590 diesel CIF supplier know that this diesel standard has cleaner results for global use and emission compliance. In simple words, EN590 is cleaner and more combustible than ASTM D975.

Besides, here are jet fuel inspection guidelines for airlines and distributors for a convenient procurement process. 

FAQs

Where Can You Find an Affordable EN590 Diesel Supplier to Import at Fair Prices?

You can find many suppliers in the industry, but it is about finding an affordable one. Middle Fork Capital LLC can help you with that if you buy EN590 diesel in bulk. It has affordable rates and global supply for buyers like fuel pumps, distributors, and fleet businesses.

Where to Import EN590 Diesel at Wholesale Rates Amid Fuel Crisis?

Search for wholesalers who are certified and reliable. You can also try Middle Fork Capital LLC to import EN590 diesel at wholesale rates. Although it is not easy amid the fuel crisis, you can contact them for details.

Which Diesel is the Better Choice for Cleaner Emissions: EN590 or ASTM D975?

EN590 has lower sulfur content, lower emissions, lower ash content, and higher lubricity. It will be a better choice if you are procuring diesel that can provide lower emissions.

Which One Has Lower Sulfur Content: EN590 or ASTM D975?

EN590 diesel has lower sulfur content. ASTM D975’s grade 1D (S15) is the only grade with low sulfur content. The rest of the grades have higher levels.  

Leave Your Comments