Diesel Fuels: Specifications and Test Methods

About the Course

This course covers a wide range of diesel fuel issues including specifications (ASTM D975, EN590, and other standards) alternate fuels like biodiesel and paraffinic diesel, test methods, sampling and quality control, distribution, and current issues

There will be extensive discussion of diesel fuel lubricity, low temperature operability, and sulfur content. Participants will gain an understanding of the interconnection of diesel fuel with other fuels and the impacts of quality requirements on refinery production and product availability.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• Discuss the significance of the requirements
• Interpret product inspections
• Describe the impact of product quality on diesel engine applications
• Discuss current fuel issues and challenges.
• Appreciate the importance of appropriate sampling and understand precision in test method results

Who Should Attend

Anyone needing an understanding of diesel fuel specifications, test methods, sampling, quality control and current diesel fuel issues. The course is appropriate for a wide-range of people, including: laboratory technicians, laboratory managers, refinery engineers, blending operators, pipeline operators, quality assurance personnel, new staff in fuels-related positions, alternative fuel producers, state regulatory officials, researchers, marketers, environmental scientists, and even lawyers and administrators involved with diesel fuels.

The course is especially suitable for those relatively new to fuels, in both hands-on positions and professional, supervisory or managerial roles in:

• Petroleum and alternative fuel companies
• Pipeline and terminal operation
• PFuel testing laboratories
• Federal, state / provincial and local regulatory agencies
• Fuel marketers and purchasing agents
• Engine and fuel injection / fuel system manufacturers
• Environmental companies
• Consumer groups
• Attorneys involved in fuel-related litigation

A technical or scientific background is not required.

Course Description

Topics Covered

• Crude oil to petroleum products
• Diesel fuel specifications
• Diesel fuel test methods: especially lubricity, low temperature operability, sulfur
• Diesel fuel - additional requirements
• Chemistry & refining
• Diesel Fuel Additives
• Similar fuels: heating oil, jet fuel, kerosene, and locomotive/marine fuels
• Alternative diesel fuels including paraffinic diesel and biodiesel
• Diesel fuel & diesel engine issues
• Key ASTM Guide
• Static electricity & microbial contamination
• Storage & handling
• Sampling practices
• Quality Assurance / Quality Control / Repeatability / Reproducibility
• Recent diesel fuel issues

Referenced Documents

D56, D86, D93, D130, D445, , D613, D975, , D1319, D2500, D2624, D4057, D4175, D4539, D4737, D4865, D5453, D5773, D6079, D6469, D6751, D6890, D7039, D7042, D7467, D7545, D7619, D8148, E29

Fee Includes

• Referenced ASTM standards and course notes
• Course Completion Certificate with 2.1 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

This course also includes access to two free ASTM course:

• ASTM 101: Introduction to Standards
• ASTM 102: Selecting and Utilizing a Standard

About the Instructor

Andy Pickard has worked in fuels and lubricants for more than 50 years. He has been a member of ASTM International for 40 years, participating in test method developments and product specification committees (diesel fuel and other middle distillate fuels, biodiesel, gasoline, ethanol, LPG, aviation fuels, and heavy fuel oils). Following academic training in chemistry with a doctorate in organometallic chemistry, he spent 10 years with Imperial Oil (Exxon Mobil in Canada) and 24 years with Petro-Canada. A good part of that time was spent working between refineries, distribution, marketers and customers on fuel issues. He is now a consultant on fuels and technology support, and continues to participate in both ASTM and CGSB (Canadian General Standards Board) fuel standard developments.

About The Sponsoring Committee

ASTM International is one of the world's largest voluntary standards development organizations. ASTM standards have grown to be among the world's most widely used and accepted documents. The 82-volume Annual Book of ASTM Standards (available online, print, and CD-ROM) contain over 12,000 standards written by 34,000 members on our 140 technical committees. The standard referenced in this course was developed by Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants. For information on Committee D02, contact Alyson Fick at (610) 832-9710 or go to our D02 technical committee page.

Attention: Professional Engineers

If your state has a continuing education requirement for license renewal, ASTM training courses and ASTM membership can help you meet that requirement.

Group Sessions

Do you have a group of 5 or more people interested in this course? Save time and money by bringing this course to your site. On-site training courses, either in person or virtual, can also be tailored to meet your specific needs. For more information, please contact sales here or call 1-877-909-ASTM.

How Learning Will Be Assessed

Learning will be assessed through discussions. Participants are expected to ask questions if an issue is unclear to them.

Attendee Praise

Praise from recent attendees of the course:

"This was a great course. The instructor made it very easy to follow."

"It was a great training."

"I really enjoyed the class. Lots of information presented in a clear and concise manner."

"Excellent course. Will suggest this course to future diesel blenders in my organisation."

"It was all valuable information."

"Very informative and useful training. Thank you!"

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Online Courses

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