Making Sustainability the Standard: A Partnership Driving Access & Opportunity with Primary Reference Fuels

Sustainability will fuel the energy industry’s path forward to innovation and success.

CFR Engines, Inc. (CFR), — a world leader in the design and manufacturing of Octane, Cetane, Ethanol, and Aviation fuel rating test instruments — and Monument Chemical — a custom manufacturing company serving the specialty chemicals industry on a global scale are partners committed to sustainable innovation in fuels. This partnership marks a significant step in advancing the use of PRFs, such as Pentamethylheptane (PMH) and Hexadecane (HD), which were launched in 2016 by Monument Chemical to drive the vision of replacing SRFs with cleaner, more reliable alternatives. 

Historically, the industry has relied on the Secondary Reference Fuel (SRF) T and U pairs, which require complex production and validation every one to two years, often involving scarce and costly heptamethylnonane (HMN) to calibrate these batches. As pure compounds, PMH and HD maintain stable cetane values over time, minimizing the inconsistencies that come with blended SRFs. This stability allows for more accurate CN measurements and eliminates the complexities. Additionally, PMH is less prone to peroxide formation, increasing safety and reducing waste. The result is a more cost-effective, high-performing fuel standard that aligns with renewable diesel needs, which often require cetane levels above those of SRF T.

Additionally, PMH, produced in large quantities at a reasonable cost, can directly replace SRFs T and U as a standard for CN and DCN measurement, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming batch recalibration. 

As sustainable alternatives, PMH and HD as replacements for SRFs T and U offer a more sustainable and efficient solution for Cetane Number (CN) and Derived Cetane Number (DCN) measurement, aligning with ASTM standards D613 and D6890.

According to Indresh Mathur, Director of Innovation and Customer Solutions at Monument Chemical, “PMH exemplifies our dedication to renewable fuels and innovative chemical solutions. Unlike SRFs T and U, PMH and HD are pure compounds, providing stability for over 10 years and reducing waste, making them ideal for the industry’s shift toward renewable diesel."

Tedd Zebrowski, President at CFR Engines Inc. commented, “as the exclusive distributor of PMH through Haltermann Solutions™, CFR is providing a sustainable total customer solution that promotes increased safety and improved performance and efficiency.
 
“With some companies still hesitant to switch to PRFs, our partnership with CFR ensures a smooth transition and addresses customers' logistical and technical concerns,” said Joe Latorre, National Accounts Manager at Monument.

Beyond PRFs, CFR and Monument also offer a range of Check Fuels for Octane and Cetane measurements, enhancing quality control and accuracy. Monument is actively working to develop these fuels from sustainable feedstocks, further solidifying their commitment to eco-friendly solutions.

Together, CFR and Monument are paving the way for a more sustainable future in the diesel fuel industry. Their collaboration not only sets new standards for CN and DCN measurement but also positions them as leaders in renewable fuel solutions. As the exclusive provider of PRFs, these partners are uniquely equipped in helping the energy industry transition toward sustainable options, reducing carbon footprints, and driving global environmental progress.