The EN590 diesel fuel code is a European standard that specifies the physical and chemical properties of diesel fuel.

This standard plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and compatibility of diesel fuels across different regions, thereby promoting environmental and operational efficiency.

Understanding EN590 is essential for anyone involved in the production, distribution, and use of diesel fuel.

Origins and Purpose

The EN590 standard was developed in the early 1990’s  by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) to harmonize fuel quality and specifications across Europe.

The primary aim was to reduce the environmental impact of diesel-powered vehicles and machinery by establishing a uniform standard that ensures lower emissions and improved engine performance.

Main Points to Know

Among the various fuel properties addressed by EN590, water content stands out as the most critical contaminant in terms of fuel maintenance that we know of.

To meet EN590 requirements, fuel must contain no more than 200 mg of water per kilogram or 200 PPM parts per million of water in fuel This benchmark of 200 mg of water per kilogram translates to 0.02% water contamination. 

Other Key Specifications

EN590 covers 22 properties that diesel fuel must meet to comply with the standard. Some of the critical specifications include:

Cetane Number: This is a measure of the combustion quality of diesel fuel during compression ignition. EN590 sets a minimum cetane number to ensure efficient engine performance.

Sulfur Content: Sulfur in diesel contributes to air pollution, so EN590 limits the sulfur content to 10 mg/kg (10 parts per million) to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter.

Density: The density properties of diesel fuel affects its energy output and combustion. EN590 specifies a density range to ensure optimal fuel efficiency and performance is achieved.

Viscosity: Proper viscosity is essential for fuel injection and lubrication within the engine. EN590 provides a range for viscosity to prevent engine wear and ensure smooth operation.

Cold Filter Plugging Point (CFPP): This specification indicates the lowest temperature at which diesel fuel can pass through a standardized filtration device. It is crucial for winter performance, ensuring the fuel does not gel in cold conditions.

Environmental Impact

By enforcing stringent limits on sulfur content and other pollutants, EN590 helps reduce the environmental footprint of diesel engines. Compliance with this standard is essential for manufacturers aiming to meet European Union regulations on emissions and air quality.

Global Influence

While EN590 is a European standard, its influence extends beyond Europe. Many countries outside the EU have adopted similar specifications to ensure vehicle compatibility and environmental compliance. This global adoption underscores the importance of EN590 in promoting sustainable energy practices worldwide.

EN590 Code – All Specifications

Property	Unit	Lower limit	Upper limit	Test Method
Cetane number		51.0		EN ISO 5165
Cetane index		46.0		EN ISO 4264
Density @ 15°C	kg/m3	820	845	EN ISO 3675, EN ISO 12185
Viscosity at 40°C	mm2/s	2.0	4.5	EN ISO 3104
Sulphur content	mg/kg		10.0	EN ISO 20846, EN ISO 20847, EN ISO 2088
Flash point	oC	Above 55		EN ISO 2719
Carbon residue	% m/m		0.30	EN ISO 10370
Ash content	% m/m		0.01	EN ISO 6245
Water content	mg/kg		200	EN ISO 12937
Total contamination	mg/kg		24	EN ISO 12662
Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) (biodiesel) content	% v/v		7	EN 14078
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons	% m/m		11 (8)	EN ISO 12916
Copper strip corrosion (3 hours at 50°C)	index	Class 1	Class 1	EN ISO 2160
Lubricity, corrected wear scar diameter (wsd 1.4) at 60°C	μm		460	EN ISO 12156-1
Oxidation Stability	g/m3		25	EN ISO 12205
Oxidation Stability	h	20		EN 15751
Distillation recovered at 250 °C, 350 °C	% v/v	85	< 65	EN ISO 3405
95%(V/V) recovered at	°C		360
Cold Filter Plugging Point (winter)	°C		-15
Cold Filter Plugging Point (summer)	°C		-5
Manganese content	mg/l		2.0	EN 16576
Filter blocking tendency			2.52	IP 387, procedure B

Summary

The EN590 diesel fuel code is a vital standard that ensures the quality and environmental efficacy of diesel fuels. By setting clear guidelines for diesel’s physical and chemical properties, EN590 plays a critical role in reducing emissions and improving engine performance.

Understanding this standard is essential for industry stakeholders and consumers alike, as it guides the production and use of cleaner, more efficient diesel fuels.