ASTM D975 - Diesel Fuel Test for Generators

A new, or edited, paragraph will appear in the 2012 edition of NFPA 110.  ASTM D975 will become the de facto standard for diesel fuel testing.

Please send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for a 6 page template RFP/RFQ to be used when soliciting pricing and laboratory qualifications for testing of fuel, oil and coolant.  It is very important that when creating the RFP/RFQ that the client specify (where applicable) the specific ASTM test method required for performing tests. For many of these tests there are faster, less accurate ways to test samples for specific properties. If the client does not specify the method, they run the risk of low-quality bidders coming in at very low prices and then providing essentially useless data because the methods utilized in testing are substandard. There are a some laboratories that are notorious for this and it is important to protect the hospital from getting trapped into a program that will cost them money without providing beneficial/actionable information.

ASTM D975 - Abstract

This specification covers seven grades of diesel fuel oils suitable for various types of diesel engines. These grades are: Grade No. 1-D S15; Grade No. 1-D S500; Grade No. 1-D S5000; Grade No. 2-D S15; Grade No. 2-D S500; Grade No. 2-D S5000; and Grade No. 4-D. The requirements specified for diesel fuel oils shall be determined in accordance with the following test methods: flash point; cloud point; water and sediment; carbon residue; ash; distillation; viscosity; sulfur; copper corrosion; cetane number; cetane index; aromaticity; lubricity; and conductivity.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers seven grades of diesel fuel oils suitable for various types of diesel engines. These grades are described as follows:

1.1.1 Grade No. 1-D S15-A special-purpose, light middle distillate fuel for use in diesel engine applications requiring a fuel with 15 ppm sulfur (maximum) and higher volatility than that provided by Grade No. 2-D S15 fuel.

1.1.2 Grade No. 1-D S500-A special-purpose, light middle distillate fuel for use in diesel engine applications requiring a fuel with 500 ppm sulfur (maximum) and higher volatility than that provided by Grade No. 2-D S500 fuel.

1.1.3 Grade No. 1-D S5000-A special-purpose, light middle distillate fuel for use in diesel engine applications requiring a fuel with 5000 ppm sulfur (maximum) and higher volatility than that provided by Grade No. 2-D S5000 fuels.

1.1.4 Grade No. 2-D S15-A general purpose, middle distillate fuel for use in diesel engine applications requiring a fuel with 15 ppm sulfur (maximum). It is especially suitable for use in applications with conditions of varying speed and load.