Standard Test Method for Cold Filter Plugging Point of diesel and Heating Fuels (ASTM D 6371)

Range: + 10 - (-40)

Unit: ⁰C

Objects: liquid fuels and biofuels, other petroleum products

Summary of Test Method: A specimen of the sample is cooled under specified conditions and, at intervals of 1 ⁰C, is drawn into a pipet under a controlled vacuum trough a standardized wire mesh filter. The procedure is repeated, as the specimen continues to cool, for each 1 ⁰C below the first test temperature. Testing is continued until the amount of wax crystals that have separated out of solution is sufficient to stop or slow down the flow so that the time taken to fill the pipet exceeds 60 s or the fuel fails to return completely to the test jar before the fuel has cooled by a further 1 ⁰C. The indicate temperature at which the last filtration was commenced is recorded as the CFPP.

The CFPP of a fuel is suitable for estimating the lowest temperature at which a fuel will give trouble-free flow in certain fuel systems.

For climate-dependent requirements options are given to allow for seasonal grades to be set nationally. The options are for temperate climates six CFPP grades and for arctic or severe winter climates five different classes. Climate-dependent requirements according to EN 590 are given in Table below:

 Table 1. Climate-related requirements – Temperate and arctic or severe winter climates according to EN 590.

Climate-dependent requirements for FAME being used at 100 % (v/v) concentration as fuel for diesel engines and heating applications, are given in Table 2. The options are for temperate climates six CFPP grades and for arctic climates five different classes.

Table 2. Climate-related requirements for FAME as fuel for diesel engines and as fuel for heating applications according to EN 14214

Climate-dependent requirements for FAME being used as a blend component in EN 590- diesel fuel are given in Table 3.

Table 3. Climate-related requirements for FAME blend component according to EN 14214