Cetane number (cetane rating, CN) is an indicator of the combustion speed of diesel fuel and compression needed for ignition. It plays a similar role for diesel as octane rating does for gasoline.

Cetane is a colorless gas that is liquid at room temperature. It’s made of hydrocarbon molecules, specifically n-hexadecane, and has the chemical formula C16H34, meaning each molecule has 16 …

May 2, 2024 · Understanding the importance of cetane numbers is vital for optimizing diesel engine performance and efficiency. Diesel engines operate by igniting fuel through compression, and the …

Dec 18, 2024 · The cetane number is a key performance indicator for diesel fuel, measuring the fuel's ignition quality. Specifically, it represents how readily the fuel will ignite under pressure.

Cetane rating, also known as cetane number is a measurement of the quality or performance of diesel fuel. The higher the number, the better the fuel burns within the engine of a vehicle.

Higher the cetane number better it is in its ignition properties. Cetane number affects a number of engine performance parameters like combustion, stability, drivability, white smoke, noise and emissions of …

Jul 2, 2025 · The cetane rating indicates how quickly the fuel ignites in the engine, affecting performance and efficiency. High-quality diesel fuel typically has a cetane rating of 50 or higher, which ensures …