Diesel EN590 (Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel) describes the physical properties that all automotive diesel fuel must meet if it is to be sold in the European Union and Britain. Automotive diesel has national variants but the usual variants traded are EN590 and EN560 which are specified by ISO in Paris.
Diesel EN590 for diesel (in Europe) has been around for almost 20 years. However fuel, like most products, is subject to a process of continuous development – and that development includes responding to legislation. The EN590 standard has been amended many times since 1993.
It had been introduced along with the European emission standards. With each of its revisions, the EN590 had been adapted to lower the Sulphur content of diesel fuel. Since 2007 this is called “Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel” as the former function of sulfur as a lubricant is absent (and needs to be replaced by additives).
The quality of European diesel fuels is specified by the EN590 standard. While these specifications are not mandatory, they are observed by all fuel suppliers in Europe. Automobile diesel EN590 is intended for application in diesel engines. Diesel motor fuel quality meets the requirements of European Standard EN590.
For operation in the conditions of a temperate climate following marks of fuel diesel automobile EN 590 are offered:
- Grade C – limiting filterability temperature –5 °C;
- Grade D – limiting filterability temperature –10 °C;
- Grade E – limiting filterability temperature –15 °C;
- Grade F – limiting filterability temperature –20 °C.
The entire volume of produced diesel fuel quality meets the requirements for fuels for vehicles of Euro 4 and Euro 5. Low sulfur content in Diesel EN590 reduces emissions of sulfur oxides into the atmosphere, which is especially important for inhabitants of big cities. it is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization that describes the physical properties that all automotive diesel fuel must meet if it is to be sold in the European Union and several other European countries.
Many countries in Europe require diesel fuel to meet a specific class in winter times. In Central and Western Europe the Winter Diesel must meet Class F conditions at least from the beginning of December to the end of February. During a transitional period (mostly October and April) a lower Class must be met. In the Scandinavian countries, the Winter Diesel must meet Class 2 conditions. Some mineral groups offer both types commonly known as Winter Diesel and Arctic Diesel.