Predicting the Specific Gravity and the Cetane Number of Diesel Fuel

Abstract

This article explains the prediction of specific gravity and cetane number for Mexican hydrotreated diesel fuels. Here, correlations for these predictable properties are proposed. The basis of the developed correlations for specific gravity was a series of samples taken from the Central Laboratory of the Instituto Mexicano del Petróleo. These correlations were later proven with information from some refineries in Mexico (Salina Cruz, Salamanca, and Cadereyta). The correlations depend only on one parameter, the 50% fuel distillation temperature. Twenty-nine equations were proven to assess the cetane number. The information given by the Central Laboratory of the Instituto Mexicano del Petróleo was helpful in developing new parameter correlations in order to assess the cetane number. The cetane number equations with the available information were applied. According to the results, the best equations were chosen, and then optimized here; the best equations are presented.