Diesel Fuels: Specifications and Test Methods

Early Bird Special

ASTM automatically applies a discount of 10% when participants register 90 days before the start of the class.
*After the early bird period expires, registrations are subject to standard pricing.

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)
  • Learners must attend a minimum of 80% of the class and a series of question/answer activities with the instructor.

  This course also includes access to a free ASTM course:

  • ASTM 101: An Introduction to ASTM Standard Development and Utilization

About the Instructor

Hind Abi-Akar is a Senior Advisor in Caterpillar’s Electrification and Energy Solutions Division, specializing in low-carbon solutions and alternative fuels for heavy-duty applications. With over 27 years at Caterpillar, Hind has been a leading expert in diesel fuel, renewable fuels, heavy-duty engine oils, and lubricants. A retired Technical Steward, consultant, and industry leader, she has played a pivotal role in developing technical standards, authoring major publications, and representing Caterpillar in key industry organizations such as ASTM, EMA, SAE, and API.

Holding a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and Materials Science from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Hind has contributed to cutting-edge research, including corrosion-resistant coatings developed in space. Recognized with multiple awards, including the ASTM Eagle Award and ACS Volunteer of the Year, she continues to provide expertise in alternative fuels, technical writing, and regulatory strategies for the heavy-duty sector.

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, 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.

Cancellation Policy

Note: Because of the potential for course changes or cancellations, it is not advisable to make non-refundable accommodation reservations, since ASTM cannot be responsible for any loss incurred.

If you need to cancel your attendance in this class, phone or email notification to me is required five (5) business days prior to the first day of the seminar. You may receive a full refund, minus a $100 administrative fee, up to and including the 5th business day before the seminar. You may transfer your registration to another session (within the same calendar year), or designate an alternate attendee free of charge up to five (5) days prior to the first day of class. If you find that you cannot attend, and it is less than five (5) business days before the start of the seminar, you may send a replacement, with phone notice to me. If you are unable to send a replacement, you forfeit 50% of your registration fee.

Related Courses

You may also be interested in these related courses:

Live Courses

• Understanding Test Method Precision, Bias, ILS Design, Statistical Quality Control Charts
• Statistics in ASTM Standard Test Method Development, Application, and Quality Assurance

Online Courses

• ASTM Petroleum Lab Technician Series

Proficiency Testing Program(s)

ASTM offers related Proficiency Testing Program(s) for this industry