About GASOIL / ULSD / AGO / EN590 - 10PPM

EN590 describes the Physical Properties that all Automotive Diesel Fuel MUST MEET if it is to be sold in the European Union, Croatia, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

The EN590 had been introduced along with the European Emission Standards. With each of its Revisions the EN 590 had been Adapted to Lower the Sulphur Content of Diesel Fuel EN590 – Since 2007 this is called ULTRA LOW SULPHUR DIESEL (ULSD) as the former function of Sulphur as a Lubricant is Absent (and needs to be replaced by additives).

The quality of European diesel fuels is specified by the EN 590 standard. While these specifications not are mandatory, they are observed by all fuel suppliers in Europe.

Automobile Diesel EN590 is intended for application in diesel engines. Diesel motor fuel quality meets the requirements of European Standard EN 590. For operation in the conditions of a temperate climate following marks of fuel diesel automobile EN 590 are offered: Grade C – limiting filterability temperature -5 ° C; Grade D – limiting filterability temperature -10 ° C; Grade E – limiting filterability temperature – 15 ° C; Grade F – limiting filterability temperature -20 ° C. The entire volume of produced diesel fuel quality meets the requirements for fuels for vehicles of Euro 4 and Euro 5. Low sulfur content in diesel  EN 590 reduces emissions of sulfur oxides into the atmosphere, which is especially important for inhabitants of big cities.

ULTRA LOW SULPHUR DIESEL (ULSD) is diesel fuel with Substantially Lowered Sulfur Content. Almost all of the petroleum-based diesel fuel available in majority countries is of a ULSD type. There is not a single standard set of specifications and as the government mandated standard becomes progressively more strict so does the definition.

The move to lower sulfur content is expected to allow the application of newer emissions control technologies that should substantially lower emissions of particulate matter from diesel engines. Testing by engine manufacturers and regulatory bodies have found the use of emissions control devices in conjunction with ULSD can reduce the exhaust output of ozone precursors and particulate matter to near-zero levels.

Sulfur is not a lubricant in and of itself, but it can combine with the nickel content in many metal alloys to form a low-melting eutectic alloy that can increase lubricity. The process used to reduce the sulfur also reduces the fuel's lubricating properties. Lubricity is a measure of the fuel's ability to lubricate and protect the various parts of the engine's fuel injection system from wear.

ULSD fuel has enabled the use of cleaner technology diesel engines and vehicles with advanced emissions control devices, resulting in significantly improved air quality.