MIL-DTL-46162E
APPENDIX A
DETECTION OF NITRATE-TYPE IGNITION IMPROVERS IN DIESEL FUEL
A.1 SCOPE
A.1.1 Scope. This method of test covers the determination of organic nitrate ester-type
cetane improver additives used in diesel fuel. It is intended as a screening test for those diesel
fuel inspection test procedures that are affected by the presence of cetane improvers; namely,
ASTM D524, ASTM D976, and ASTM D4737. This appendix is a mandatory part of this
specification. The information contained herein is intended for compliance only.
A.2 APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS. No applicable documents are cited in this appendix.
A.3 SUMMARY
A.3.1 Summary. A diesel fuel sample is saponified in a potassium hydroxide-1-butanol
mixture and then filtered through a glass fiber filter. The material remaining on the disc is
treated with diphenylamine reagent after drying. The presence of a nitrate ester cetane improver
is revealed by the formation of a blue ring or blue-black spot due to oxidation of diphenylamine
to intense blue quinoidal compounds by the nitrate salt. No color change confirms the absence
of a cetane improver.
A.4 APPARATUS
A.4.1 Reaction bottle. Screw-cap bottle, 29.6 milliliter (mL) (1 fluid ounce (fl. oz.))
capacity, wide mouth, flint glass, with screw-cap lined with tin or tetrafluorethylene (TFE) resin.
A.4.2 Glass fiber filter paper. Glass fiber filter paper, 47 millimeters (mm)
(1.9 in.) diameter, Grade 934 AH (Whatman, Ltd., or equivalent).
A.4.3 Pipette. Pipette, 10 mL (0.34 fl.oz) capacity, fitted with a pipetting bulb. Several
types and makes of pipetting bulbs and assemblies are available. One of the following is
suggested: Fisher Cat No. 13-681-50, Pipet Filler, or equal.
A.4.4 Graduated cylinder. Graduated cylinder, 10 mL and 25 mL (0.84 fl. oz) capacity.
A.4.5 Suction flask. Suction flask with a suitable holder to accommodate a 60 mL
(2.03 fl. oz) glass-fitted crucible.
A.4.6 Crucible. Crucible, 60 mL capacity, glass-fitted, medium porosity.
A.4.7 Oven. Oven suitable for drying filter discs at 110°C (230°F).
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