Sustainability

The market for renewable diesel is rapidly expanding, driven by government policies promoting low-carbon fuels. With ultra-high cetane values, often exceeding 70 CN, renewable diesel can be blended with conventional diesel, offering lower carbon emissions and higher cetane levels. To fully realize the monetary value of renewable diesel, accurate and consistent cetane certification is crucial. Valid cetane measurements require a testing method with upper limits high enough to include such high cetane levels. The IQT®-XLM is perfectly suited for certifying ultra-high cetane diesel fuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) renewable diesel and Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) diesel.

Accurate and consistent cetane certification is crucial for maximizing both the monetary and environmental value of renewable diesel. Valid cetane measurements for these fuels require a test method with upper limits that are sufficiently high to encompass such elevated cetane levels. This ensures that the financial benefits of using renewable diesel are fully maximized while also supporting environmental sustainability by promoting the use of cleaner fuels and carbon reduction.

IQT instruments are at the forefront of cetane measurement for clean-burning hydrotreated diesel fuels derived from renewable feedstocks. The recent update to the European IQT test method, EN 15195, has increased the upper limit of the method scope to 76.8 DCN. This expansion ensures that the test method's precision is applicable to the latest generations of ultra-high cetane paraffinic diesel fuels, including renewable diesel, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), and Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) diesel. With these improvements, IQT instruments support the accurate certification of renewable fuels, reinforcing their role in a sustainable energy landscape.

The IQT test method EN 15195 is the standard for certifying paraffinic diesel fuels from synthesis or hydrotreatment (EN 15940) in Europe, which mandates a minimum cetane number of 70. This high standard not only ensures fuel quality but also aligns with sustainability objectives by promoting fuels that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In accordance with ISO 4259, single test results are valid up to the higher method scope limit plus 1.2R, or 81.15 DCN for EN 15195. This validation process guarantees that IQT instruments are suitable for certifying all ultra-high cetane diesel fuels, such as HVO renewable diesel and GTL diesel, which are critical for a sustainable energy future.

*According to ISO 4259-1, “the highest acceptable single result that is deemed as a valid result of the test method shall be the higher scope limit + 1.2R, where R is evaluated at the high method scope limit value.” 

As global efforts to reduce carbon emissions intensify, the role of renewable diesel in achieving sustainability targets becomes increasingly significant. The advanced cetane measurement capabilities of IQT instruments not only facilitate the accurate certification of these fuels but also support the broader goal of reducing the carbon footprint of transportation. By ensuring the precise and reliable assessment of cetane values, IQT contributes to the adoption of renewable diesel, thereby fostering a cleaner, more sustainable future for the planet.

In conclusion, the advancements in cetane measurement technology, spearheaded by IQT instruments, are pivotal in driving the growth and economic viability of renewable diesel. As the demand for sustainable, low-carbon fuels continues to rise, accurate and precise cetane certification remains essential for meeting regulatory requirements and maximizing the environmental benefits of renewable diesel. This progress aligns with global sustainability objectives, paving the way for a cleaner and greener energy future.