Introduction to INTRON cTane 2EHN by PETRONAX
INTRON cTane 2EHN is a high-purity 2-Ethylhexyl Nitrate cetane improver developed and manufactured by PETRONAX. It is designed for post-refinery blending into diesel fuels across global markets. The additive is available for bulk and packaged supply in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia, serving industrial users, fuel terminals, and diesel blenders seeking to meet ignition delay and combustion stability targets.
Chemical Composition and Reaction Kinetics
The molecular structure of 2EHN includes a nitrate ester bond that thermally decomposes at approximately 130–160 °C, initiating radical chain reactions essential for pre-ignition chemistry in diesel engines. Upon decomposition, it releases nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), alkoxy radicals (RO•), and hydroperoxides (ROOH), all of which accelerate low-temperature oxidation and reduce the autoignition delay. This behavior results in measurable increases in cetane number, typically 0.8 to 1.0 per 1000 ppm dosage depending on fuel composition.
INTRON cTane 2EHN does not alter fuel density, viscosity, or lubricity and has no metallic content. Its combustion-enhancing effect is entirely gas-phase and confined to the cool-flame region of the diesel cycle. The additive supports full combustion at earlier crank angles and improves engine startup under cold ambient conditions, such as those found in Alberta (Canada), Montana (USA), or Punta Arenas (Chile).
Engine Combustion Effects
In cylinder-pressure measurements performed under controlled test cycles, fuels treated with INTRON cTane 2EHN exhibit a significant reduction in ignition delay (ID) and a smoother pressure rise rate (RoPR). Earlier start-of-combustion (SOC) improves thermal efficiency while reducing knock intensity and post-injection soot formation.
Key combustion outcomes:
- Earlier SOC leads to more efficient premixed combustion.
- Peak in-cylinder temperatures are slightly reduced.
- Cold-start performance improves at sub-zero temperatures.
- Emissions of unburned hydrocarbons and CO are reduced.
Cold-start improvement is especially pronounced in areas with prolonged winter conditions, such as Manitoba (Canada) or Michigan (USA), where untreated diesel can suffer from white smoke and rough idle during initial combustion cycles. Addition of 500–1000 ppm 2EHN eliminates combustion misfire by shortening ID below the threshold for flame propagation failure.
Dosage and Base Fuel Dependence
The performance of 2EHN depends on the base fuel’s aromatic content, T90 distillation point, and initial cetane number. Fuels with paraffinic character and low aromatic fractions tend to show higher response to cetane improvers. The additive is compatible with diesel–biodiesel blends up to B20 without degradation.
Typical dosing recommendations:
| Cetane Increase | Dosage (ppm) |
|---|---|
| +2 CN | 250–300 |
| +4 CN | 500–600 |
| +6 CN | 800–1000 |
In southern distribution zones such as Texas, Nuevo León, São Paulo, and Buenos Aires, response profiles are consistent due to stable climate and low variability in diesel refining parameters
Emissions and Regulatory Position
Use of INTRON cTane 2EHN leads to decreased total particulate matter (TPM) and carbon monoxide in steady-state operation. Nitrogen oxide levels are affected minimally and depend primarily on engine calibration and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) settings.
The additive is fully compliant with:
- EPA additive registration (USA)
- CEPA registration (Canada)
- REACH (EU compliance for export purposes)
- Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-016-CRE-2016 for diesel blending in Mexico
- ANP Resolution No. 50/2013 in Brazil
It is accepted for use in formulations that meet ASTM D975 and EN 590 diesel specifications.
Packaging and Availability in the Americas
PETRONAX supplies INTRON cTane 2EHN in:
- 1000-liter IBCs
- 200-liter steel drums
- Bulk ISO containers
Products are available FOB Houston (USA) and Antwerp (Belgium) and can be delivered CIF to any major port in North America, Central America, and South America. Regular shipping routes include Port of Montreal, Port of Veracruz, Port of Santos, and Cartagena (Colombia).
PETRONAX maintains direct relationships with blending terminals, distributors, and fuel importers in California, Ontario, Mexico City, and Bogotá, ensuring short lead times and local technical support.
INTRON cTane 2EHN offers precise, quantifiable improvement of diesel combustion behavior in compression-ignition engines. By chemically accelerating pre-flame ignition kinetics without modifying physical properties or introducing metallic residues, it supports cleaner, earlier, and more thermodynamically efficient combustion. It is a functionally necessary additive for modern diesel fuels used in varying climates across the USA, Canada, Mexico, and the entire South American continent. PETRONAX ensures quality-controlled production and regionally optimized distribution to support emission compliance and engine performance consistency in commercial and industrial diesel applications.