Fuel performance
Cetane
improvers.
INTRON® cTane 2-EHN
Targeted cetane adjustment for industrial diesel blending.
- Active chemistry
- 2-EHN
- Recommended treat rate
- 150–2,000 mg/kg
- Supply formats
- Drums · IBC · Bulk
Treat rate depends on the base fuel and target cetane number. Confirm by testing.
Benefits
Designed
around your
diesel.
Define the target. Test the blend.
Select the treatment.
Targeted cetane adjustment
Adjust cetane number to meet your diesel blending requirements.
Flexible blending
Evaluate lower-cetane refinery streams for your intended diesel blend.
Application support
Practical guidance on dosing, blending and testing to help you reach your target.
| Active component | 2-ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN) |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light yellow liquid |
| Density at 20 °C | 962–970 kg/m³ |
| Dynamic viscosity at 20 °C | 1.7 mPa·s |
| Melting point | −50 °C |
| Recommended treat rate | 150–2,000 mg/kg of fuel (ppm by mass) |
| Shelf life | 12 months from manufacture |
Values are from the supplied INTRON® cTane 2EHN TDS and SDS. Dynamic viscosity and melting point are reported in SDS version 6.0, section 9. Request the current product documents for your application.
The chemistry
A shorter
ignition delay.
What is the cetane number?
The cetane number describes how quickly diesel fuel ignites under compression. It measures the delay between injection and the start of combustion: a higher cetane number means a shorter delay.
During a long delay, unburned fuel builds up in the cylinder. When it ignites, the sharp pressure rise can cause diesel knock, noise and less smooth operation.
How a cetane improver works
2-ethylhexyl nitrate (2-EHN) is an alkyl nitrate used in industrial cetane improvers. As the fuel is compressed and heated, it breaks down and releases free radicals that start fuel oxidation earlier.
This shortens ignition delay and supports smoother combustion. The effect is especially relevant to cold starts and low engine loads, where ignition delay is longest.
For INTRON® cTane 2EHN, the TDS recommends 150–2,000 mg/kg of fuel (ppm by mass). The required dose depends on the starting cetane number, base-fuel composition and target cetane number. Confirm the response by testing the intended blend.
Discuss the blending procedure and standard pumps or additive dosing units with PETRONAX. Treatment can be batch-wise or continuous; follow the SDS handling instructions.
Test methods and fuel specifications
Labs measure cetane number using a test engine under ASTM D613 or EN ISO 5165. ASTM D4737 calculates a cetane index from density and distillation measurements for fuels without cetane improver. The calculated index does not measure the cetane response to 2-EHN treatment; assess additive performance with an appropriate cetane-number test such as ASTM D613.
Fuel requirements depend on the grade, destination and agreed specification. Raising cetane number alone does not establish compliance with the full fuel specification. Validate the finished blend against the applicable requirements.
Supply & support
From your blend
to your delivery.
Discuss samples, drums, IBCs or ISO tank supply with our team.
Start with your requirements.
Send your base diesel analysis, target cetane number, required volume and delivery destination. Request the product specification, TDS and SDS for your application.
- Base diesel analysis
- Target cetane number
- Required volume
- Delivery destination
Storage & handling
Use the current product safety guidance.
The TDS recommends a cool, dry, dark and well-ventilated storage area away from heat and ignition sources, at a temperature not exceeding 60 °C. The stated shelf life is 12 months from manufacture.
The supplied SDS lists H302, H312 and H332 (harmful exposure), H411 (long-lasting aquatic toxicity), EUH044 (explosion risk if heated under confinement) and EUH066 (skin dryness or cracking after repeated exposure). Follow the current SDS for handling, protective equipment and first aid.
Questions, answered
Cetane improvers.
The essentials.
What is a cetane improver?
A cetane improver is a diesel fuel additive that raises the cetane number. It shortens the ignition delay after injection and can support smoother engine operation.
How does 2-EHN raise the cetane number?
2-ethylhexyl nitrate breaks down at the high temperature of compression. The free radicals it releases start fuel oxidation earlier, shortening the ignition delay.
How much cetane improver do I need?
For INTRON® cTane 2EHN, the TDS recommends 150–2,000 mg/kg of fuel (ppm by mass). The required dose depends on the base diesel and target cetane number; confirm it by testing the intended blend.
Which fuel specifications apply?
Requirements depend on the fuel grade, destination and contract. Agree the required specification and test methods, then validate the finished blend. A higher cetane number alone does not establish compliance with the full specification.
Is 2-EHN hazardous?
Yes. The supplied SDS identifies harmful exposure hazards, long-lasting aquatic toxicity and explosion risk if heated under confinement. Follow the current SDS and product-specific handling and storage guidance.
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