Designation: D396 – 09a

Standard Specification for

Fuel Oils1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D396; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This specification (see Note 1) covers grades of fuel oil 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
intended for use in various types of fuel-oil-burning equipment D56 Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup Tester
under various climatic and operating conditions. These grades D86 Test Method for Distillation of Petroleum Products at
are described as follows: Atmospheric Pressure
1.1.1 Grades No. 1 S5000, No. 1 S500, No. 2 S5000, and D93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens
No. 2 S500 are middle distillate fuels for use in domestic and Closed Cup Tester
small industrial burners. Grades No. 1 S5000 and No. 1 S500 D95 Test Method for Water in Petroleum Products and
are particularly adapted to vaporizing type burners or where Bituminous Materials by Distillation
storage conditions require low pour point fuel. D97 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products
1.1.2 Grades No. 4 (Light) and No. 4 are heavy distillate D129 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products (Gen-
fuels or middle distillate/residual fuel blends used in eral Bomb Method)
commercial/industrial burners equipped for this viscosity D130 Test Method for Corrosiveness to Copper from Pe-
range. troleum Products by Copper Strip Test
1.1.3 Grades No. 5 (Light), No. 5 (Heavy), and No. 6 are D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent
residual fuels of increasing viscosity and boiling range, used in and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos-
industrial burners. Preheating is usually required for handling ity)
and proper atomization. D473 Test Method for Sediment in Crude Oils and Fuel Oils
NOTE 1—For information on the significance of the terminology and
by the Extraction Method
test methods used in this specification, see Appendix X1. D482 Test Method for Ash from Petroleum Products
NOTE 2—A more detailed description of the grades of fuel oils is given D524 Test Method for Ramsbottom Carbon Residue of
in X1.3. Petroleum Products
1.2 This specification is for the use of purchasing agencies D975 Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils
in formulating specifications to be included in contracts for D1266 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products
purchases of fuel oils and for the guidance of consumers of fuel (Lamp Method)
oils in the selection of the grades most suitable for their needs. D1298 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific
1.3 Nothing in this specification shall preclude observance Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid
of federal, state, or local regulations which can be more Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
restrictive. D1552 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as (High-Temperature Method)
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this D2500 Test Method for Cloud Point of Petroleum Products
standard. D2622 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by
Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
NOTE 3—The generation and dissipation of static electricity can create D2709 Test Method for Water and Sediment in Middle
problems in the handling of distillate burner fuel oils. For more informa- Distillate Fuels by Centrifuge
tion on the subject, see Guide D4865.
D2887 Test Method for Boiling Range Distribution of
Petroleum Fractions by Gas Chromatography
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
2
D02.E0 on Burner, Diesel, Non-Aviation Gas Turbine, and Marine Fuels. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, [Link], or
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2009. Published November 2009. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@[Link]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1934. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D396–09. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D0396-09. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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 D396 – 09a
D3245 Test Method for Pumpability of Industrial Fuel Oils 3.1.2 biodiesel blend (BXX), n—blend of biodiesel fuel with
D3828 Test Methods for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed fuel oils.
Cup Tester [Link] Discussion—In the abbreviation BXX, the XX rep-
D4052 Test Method for Density, Relative Density, and API resents the volume percentage of biodiesel fuel in the blend.
Gravity of Liquids by Digital Density Meter
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and 4. General Requirements
Petroleum Products 4.1 The grades of fuel oil specified herein shall be homo-
D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and geneous hydrocarbon based oils, free from inorganic acid, and
Petroleum Products free from excessive amounts of solid or fibrous foreign matter.
D4294 Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum and Petroleum 4.2 All grades containing residual components shall remain
Products by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spec- uniform in normal storage and not separate by gravity into light
trometry and heavy oil components outside the viscosity limits for the
D4306 Practice for Aviation Fuel Sample Containers for grade.
Tests Affected by Trace Contamination 4.3 Fuels Blended with Biodiesel—The detailed require-
D4865 Guide for Generation and Dissipation of Static ments for fuels blended with biodiesel shall be as follows:
Electricity in Petroleum Fuel Systems 4.3.1 Biodiesel for Blending—If biodiesel is a component of
D5453 Test Method for Determination of Total Sulfur in any fuel oil, the biodiesel shall meet the requirements of
Light Hydrocarbons, Spark Ignition Engine Fuel, Diesel Specification D6751.
Engine Fuel, and Engine Oil by Ultraviolet Fluorescence 4.3.2 Fuel oil containing up to 5 vol% biodiesel shall meet
D5842 Practice for Sampling and Handling of Fuels for the requirements for the appropriate grade No. 1 or No. 2 fuel
Volatility Measurement as listed in Table 1.
D5854 Practice for Mixing and Handling of Liquid Samples 4.3.3 Test Method EN 14078 shall be used for determina-
of Petroleum and Petroleum Products tion of the vol% biodiesel in a biodiesel blend.
D5949 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products 4.3.4 Fuel oils containing more than 5 vol% biodiesel
(Automatic Pressure Pulsing Method) component are not included in this specification.
D5950 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products 4.3.5 Biodiesel blends with Grades 4, 5, or 6 are not covered
(Automatic Tilt Method) by this specification.
D5985 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products
(Rotational Method) 5. Detailed Requirements
D6469 Guide for Microbial Contamination in Fuels and 5.1 The various grades of fuel oil shall conform to the
Fuel Systems limiting requirements shown in Table 1. A representative
D6749 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products sample shall be taken for testing in accordance with Practice
(Automatic Air Pressure Method) D4057.
D6751 Specification for Biodiesel Fuel Blend Stock (B100) 5.2 Modifications of limiting requirements to meet special
for Middle Distillate Fuels operating conditions agreed upon between the purchaser, the
D6892 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products seller, and the supplier shall fall within limits specified for each
(Robotic Tilt Method) grade, except as stated in supplementary footnotes for Table 1.
D7039 Test Method for Sulfur in Gasoline and Diesel Fuel
by Monochromatic Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluores- 6. Sampling, Containers, and Sample Handling
cence Spectrometry 6.1 The reader is strongly advised to review all intended test
2.2 Other Documents: methods prior to sampling in order to understand the impor-
26 CFR Part 48 Diesel Fuel Excise Tax; Dye Color and tance and effects of sampling technique, proper containers, and
Concentration3 special handling required for each test method.
40 CFR Part 80 Regulation of Fuel and Fuel Additives3 6.2 Correct sampling procedures are critical to obtaining a
EN 14078 Determination of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) sample representative of the fuel oil to be tested. Refer to X1.4
content in middle distillates — Infrared spectrometry for recommendations. The recommended procedures or prac-
method4 tices provide techniques useful in the proper sampling or
handling of fuels oils.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions: 7. Test Methods
3.1.1 biodiesel, n—fuel comprised of mono-alkyl esters of 7.1 The requirements enumerated in this specification shall
long chain fatty acids derived from vegetable oils or animal be determined in accordance with the following ASTM test
fats, designated B100. methods,5 except as may be required under 7.1.1.

5
For information on the precision of the ASTM test methods for fuel oils refer
3
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Docu- to “An Evaluation of Methods for Determination of Sulfur in Fuel Oils” by A. R.
ments, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401. Crawford, Esso Mathematics and Systems Inc. and G. V. Dyroff, Esso Research and
4
Available from the National CEN members listed on the CEN website Engineering Co., 1969. This document is available from the Publications Section,
([Link]) or from the CEN/TC 19 Secretariat (astm@[Link]). API Library, American Petroleum Institute, 1220 L St., NW, Washington, DC 20005.

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 D396 – 09a
TABLE 1 Detailed Requirements for Fuel OilsA
ASTM Test No. 1 No. 1 No. 2 No. 5 No. 5
Property No. 2 S500B No. 4 (Light)B No. 4 No. 6
MethodB S500B S5000B S5000B (Light) (Heavy)
Flash Point, °C, min D93 – Proc. A 38 38 38 38 38 ... ... ... ...
D93 – Proc. B ... ... ... ... ... 55 55 55 60
Water and sediment, % vol, max D2709 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 ... ... ... ... ...
D95 + D473 ... ... ... ... (0.50)C (0.50)C (1.00)C (1.00)C (2.00)C
Distillation Temperature, °C D86
10 % volume recovered, max 215 215 ... ...
90 % volume recovered, min ... ... 282 282
90 % volume recovered, max 288 288 338 338
Kinematic viscosity at 40°C, mm2/s D445
min 1.3 1.3 1.9 1.9 1.9 >5.5 ... ... ...
max 2.4 2.4 4.1 4.1 5.5 24.0D
Kinematic viscosity at 100°C, mm2/s D445
min ... ... ... ... ... ... 5.0 9.0 15.0
max ... ... ... ... ... ... 8.9D 14.9D 50.0D
Ramsbottom carbon residue on 10 % D524 0.15 0.15 0.35 0.35 ... ... ... ... ...
distillation residue % mass, max
Ash, % mass, max D482 ... ... ... ... 0.05 0.10 0.15 0.15 ...
Sulfur, % mass maxE D129 ... 0.5 ... 0.5 ... ... ... ... ...
D2622 0.05 ... 0.05 ...
Copper strip corrosion rating, max, D130 No. 3 No. 3 No. 3 No. 3 ... ... ... ... ...
3 h at a minimum control
temperature of 50°C
Density at 15°C, kg/m3 D1298
min ... ... ... ... >876F ... ... ... ...
max 850 850 876 876 ... ... ... ... ...
Pour Point °C, maxG D97 −18 −18 −6 −6 −6 −6 ... ... H

A
It is the intent of these classifications that failure to meet any requirement of a given grade does not automatically place an oil in the next lower grade unless in fact
it meets all requirements of the lower grade. However, to meet special operating conditions, modifications of individual limiting requirements may be agreed upon among
the purchaser, seller, and manufacturer.
B
Under United States regulations, Grades No. 1 S5000, No. 1 S500, No. 2 S5000, No. 2 S500, and No. 4 (Light) are required by 40 CFR Part 80 to contain a sufficient
amount of the dye Solvent Red 164 so its presence is visually apparent. At or beyond terminal storage tanks, they are required by 26 CFR Part 48 to contain the dye Solvent
Red 164 at a concentration spectrally equivalent to 3.9 lb per thousand barrels of the solid dye standard Solvent Red 26.
C
The amount of water by distillation by Test Method D95 plus the sediment by extraction by Test Method D473 shall not exceed the value shown in the table. For Grade
No. 6 fuel oil, the amount of sediment by extraction shall not exceed 0.50 mass %, and a deduction in quantity shall be made for all water and sediment in excess of 1.0
mass %.
D
Where low sulfur fuel oil is required, fuel oil falling in the viscosity range of a lower numbered grade down to and including No. 4 can be supplied by agreement between
the purchaser and supplier. The viscosity range of the initial shipment shall be identified and advance notice shall be required when changing from one viscosity range
to another. This notice shall be in sufficient time to permit the user to make the necessary adjustments.
E
Other sulfur limits may apply in selected areas in the United States and in other countries.
F
This limit ensures a minimum heating value and also prevents misrepresentation and misapplication of this product as Grade No. 2.
G
Lower or higher pour points can be specified whenever required by conditions of storage or use. When a pour point less than −18°C is specified, the minimum viscosity
at 40°C for grade No. 2 shall be 1.7 mm2/s and the minimum 90 % recovered temperature shall be waived.
H
Where low sulfur fuel oil is required, Grade No. 6 fuel oil will be classified as Low Pour ( +15°C max) or High Pour (no max). Low Pour fuel oil should be used unless
tanks and lines are heated.

7.1.1 Flash Point—Test Method D93 (Procedure A) for 7.1.3 Water and Sediment—The water and sediment in
Grades No. 1 S5000, No. 1 S500, No. 2 S5000, No. 2 S500, Grade No. 1 S500, No. 1 S5000, No. 2 S500, and No. 2 S5000
and No. 4 (Light), and Test Method D93 (Procedure B) for shall be determined in accordance with Test Method D2709
Grades No. 4, No. 5 (Light), No. 5 (Heavy), and No. 6, except and in Grade Nos. 4, 5, and 6 by Test Method D95 and Test
where other methods are prescribed by law. For Grades No. 1 Method D473. A density of 1.0 kg/L shall be used for the Test
S5000, No. 1 S500, No. 2 S5000, No. 2 S500, and No. 4 Method D95 water.
(Light), Test Methods D3828 may be used as an alternate with 7.1.4 Carbon Residue—Test Method D524.
the same limits. For Grades No. 1, No. 1 Low Sulfur, No. 2, 7.1.5 Ash—Test Method D482.
and No. 2 Low Sulfur, Test Method D56 may be used as an 7.1.6 Distillation—Distillation of Grade No. 1 and No. 2
alternate with the same limits, provided the flash point is below oils shall be determined in accordance with Test Methods D86
93°C and the viscosity is below 5.5 mm2/s at 40°C. This test or D2887.6 Results from Test Method D2887 shall be reported
method will give slightly lower values. In cases of dispute, Test as “Predicted D86” results by application of the correlation in
Method D93, with the appropriate procedure, shall be used as Appendix X5 Test Method D2887 to convert the values. In case
the referee method. of dispute, Test Method D86 shall be used as the referee test
7.1.2 Pour Point—Test Method D97. For all grades, the method.
automatic Test Methods D5949, D5950, D5985, D6749, and 7.1.7 Viscosity—Viscosity shall be determined in accor-
D6892 can be used as alternates with the same limits. In case dance with Test Method D445.
of dispute, Test Method D97 shall be used as the referee
method. Alternative test methods that indicate flow point
properties can be used for low sulfur residual fuels by 6
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
agreement between purchaser and supplier. be obtained by requesting Research Report D02-1553.

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 D396 – 09a
TABLE 2 Sulfur Test Methods
Sulfur Range Grades Units Used to
Test Method Report Results
D129 >0.1 mass% No. 1 S5000, No. 2 S5000, No. 4 (Light), mass%
(referee) No. 5 (Heavy), No. 6
D1266 0.01 to 0.4 mass% No. 1 S500, No. 2 S500 mass%
D1552 >0.06 mass% No. 1 S5000, No. 2 S5000, No. 4 (Light), mass%
No. 4, No. 5 (Light), No. 5 (Heavy), No. 6
D2622 0.0003 to 5.3 mass% All Grades mass%
(referee for S500 grades)
D4294 0.0150 to 5.00 mass% All Grades mass%
D5453 1.0 to 8000 mg/kg All Grades mg/kg
(0.0001 to 0.8 mass%)
D7039 4 to 17 mg/kg S500 grades only if the sulfur mg/kg
(0.0004 to 0.0017 mass%) result is less than 17 mg/kg

7.1.8 Density—Test Method D1298. Test Method D4052 alternate test methods for sulfur, the range over which each test
can be used as an alternate with the same limits. In case of applies, and the corresponding fuel grades.
dispute, Test Method D1298 shall be used as the referee
method. 8. Keywords
7.1.9 Corrosion—Test Method D130, 3-h test at a minimum
control temperature of 50°C. 8.1 biodiesel; biodiesel blend; burner fuels; fuel oils; fur-
7.1.10 Sulfur—Table 2 shows the referee test methods and nace oils; petroleum and petroleum products

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. SIGNIFICANCE OF ASTM SPECIFICATION FOR FUEL OILS

X1.1 Scope X1.3.2 Grades No. 2 S5000 and No. 2 S500 are middle
X1.1.1 This specification divides fuel oils into grades based distillates somewhat heavier than grades No. 1 S5000 and
upon the types of burners for which they are suitable. It places No. 1 S500. They are intended for use in atomizing type
limiting values on several of the properties of the oils in each burners which spray the oil into a combustion chamber where
grade. The properties selected for limitation are those that are the tiny droplets burn while in suspension. These grades of oil
believed to be of the greatest significance in determining the are used in most domestic burners and in many medium
performance characteristics of the oils in the types of burners capacity commercial-industrial burners where ease of handling
in which they are most commonly used. and ready availability sometimes justify higher cost over the
residual fuels. The low sulfur grade S500 may be specified by
X1.2 Classes federal, state, or local regulations and can result in reduced
X1.2.1 Because of the methods employed in their produc- deposits on ferrous heat exchanger surfaces compared to Grade
tion, fuel oils fall into two broad classifications: distillates and No. 2 S5000 when burned under similar conditions.
residuals. The distillates consist of overhead or distilled frac- X1.3.3 Grade No. 4 (Light) is a heavy distillate fuel or
tions. The residuals are bottoms remaining from the distilla- distillate/residual fuel blend meeting the specification viscosity
tion, or blends of these bottoms with distillates. In this range. It is intended for use both in pressure-atomizing
specification, Grades No. 1 and No. 2 are distillates and the commercial-industrial burners not requiring higher cost distil-
grades from No. 4 to No. 6 are usually residual, although some lates and in burners equipped to atomize oils of higher
heavy distillates can be sold as Grade No. 4. viscosity. Its permissible viscosity range allows it to be
pumped and atomized at relatively low-storage temperatures.
X1.3 Grades X1.3.4 Grade No. 4 is usually a heavy distillate/residual
X1.3.1 Grades No. 1 S5000 and No. 1 S500 are middle fuel blend but can be a heavy distillate fuel meeting the
distillates intended for use in burners of the vaporizing type in specification viscosity range. It is intended for use in burners
which the oil is converted to a vapor by contact with a heated equipped with devices that atomize oils of higher viscosity than
surface or by radiation. High volatility is necessary to ensure domestic burners can handle. Its permissible viscosity range
that evaporation proceeds with a minimum of residue. The low allows it to be pumped and atomized at relatively low storage
sulfur grade S500 may be specified by federal, state, or local temperatures. Thus, in all but extremely cold weather it
regulations and can result in reduced deposits on ferrous heat requires no preheating for handling.
exchanger surfaces compared to Grade No. 1 S5000 when X1.3.5 Grade No. 5 (Light) is residual fuel of intermediate
burned under similar conditions. viscosity for burners capable of handling fuel more viscous

4
 D396 – 09a
than grade No. 4 without preheating. Preheating may be Fuel temperatures can fluctuate markedly in small, residential,
necessary in some types of equipment for burning and in colder outdoor, above ground tanks compared with indoor, basement
climates for handling. tanks, or underground tanks. A decrease or stoppage of fuel
X1.3.6 Grade No. 5 (Heavy) is a residual fuel more viscous flow can occur in small transfer lines used for residential
than Grade No. 5 (Light) and is intended for use in similar heating applications because the fuel line temperature will
service. Preheating may be necessary in some types of equip- fluctuate with ambient temperature faster than will bulk tank
ment for burning and in colder climates for handling. contents. Fuel oils purchased during the summer, but not used
X1.3.7 Grade No. 6, sometimes referred to as Bunker C, is until the cold heating season arrives, can be a serious source of
a high-viscosity oil used mostly in commercial and industrial problems. This is because when these fuels are produced they
heating. It requires preheating in the storage tank to permit are intended for use during the warm season and thus typically
pumping, and additional preheating at the burner to permit have higher cloud and pour points than fuels produced for use
atomizing. The extra equipment and maintenance required to during the cold season. Fuels can be produced for use at low
handle this fuel usually preclude its use in small installations. temperatures with lower cloud and pour points by blending
X1.3.8 Residual fuel oil supplied to meet regulations requir- with low paraffin fuels, such as kerosine or No. 1 fuel, and
ing low sulfur content can differ from the grade previously additives, or a combination thereof, to improve low tempera-
supplied. It may be lower in viscosity (and fall into a different ture operability. The key to effective treatment is routine
grade number). If it must be fluid at a given temperature, Test monitoring of incoming and stored fuels, and testing of the
Method D97 need not accurately reflect the pour point which treated fuels. Although this specification only sets maximum
can be expected after a period of storage. It is suggested that limits for the pour point, the recommendations for cloud point
the purchaser and supplier discuss the proper handling and of distillate fuels in Specification D975 may be applied to
operating techniques for a given low-sulfur residual fuel oil in heating fuels under extreme cold conditions. Some pipeline
the installation where it is to be used. companies or local specifications have included requirements
for both cloud and pour points for certain grades of fuel oil.
X1.4 Sampling, Containers, and Sample Handling
(1) Pour Point—The pour point is an indication of the
X1.4.1 Introduction—This appendix section provides guid- lowest temperature at which a fuel oil is capable of flowing
ance on methods and techniques for the proper sampling of fuel under very low forces. The pour point is prescribed in
oils. As fuel oil specifications become more stringent, and accordance with the conditions of storage and use. Higher pour
contaminants and impurities become more tightly controlled, point fuels are permissible where heated storage and adequate
even greater care needs to be taken in collecting and storing piping facilities are provided. An increase in pour point can
samples for quality assessment. occur when residual fuel oils are subjected to cyclic tempera-
X1.4.2 Sampling, Containers, and Sample Handling Rec- ture variations that can occur in the course of storage or when
ommendations: the fuel is preheated and returned to storage tanks. To predict
X1.4.2.1 Appropriate manual method sampling procedures these properties, Test Method D3245 may be required.
found in Practice D4057, and automatic method sampling is
covered in Practice D4177. (2) Cloud Point (Test Method D2500)—The cloud point
X1.4.2.2 The correct sample volume and appropriate con- defines the temperature at which a cloud or haze of wax
tainer selection are important decisions that can impact test crystals appears in the oil under prescribed test conditions
results. Refer to Practice D4306 for aviation fuel container which generally relates to the temperature at which wax
selection for tests sensitive to trace contamination. Refer to crystals begin to precipitate from the oil in use. It is generally
Practice D5854 for procedures on container selection and observed that cloud point temperature of a fuel oil is higher
sample mixing and handling. than its pour point by several degrees Celsius. Fuel oils stored
X1.4.2.3 For volatility determination of a sample, refer to at, or below, their cloud point temperature can have suspended
Practice D5842 for special precautions recommended for wax crystals that may cause operability problems due to
representative sampling and handling instructions. plugging. Examples are when fuels are pumped through small
openings or passageways, that is, oil-line filters, burner
X1.5 Significance of Test Methods nozzles, and pump strainers. The plugging is reversible when
X1.5.1 The significance of the properties of fuel oil on the fuel is warmed.
which limitations are placed by the specification is as follows: X1.5.1.3 Water and Sediment—Appreciable amounts of
X1.5.1.1 Flash Point—The flash point of a fuel oil is an water and sediment in a fuel oil tend to cause fouling of
indication of the maximum temperature at which it can be facilities for handling it, and to give trouble in burner mecha-
stored and handled without serious fire hazard. The minimum nisms. Sediment may accumulate in storage tanks and on filter
permissible flash point is usually regulated by federal, state, or screens or burner parts, resulting in obstruction to flow of oil
municipal laws and is based on accepted practice in handling from the tank to the burner. Water in distillate fuels can cause
and use. corrosion of tanks and equipment and it can cause emulsions in
X1.5.1.2 Reduced Temperature Properties—The fuel’s residual fuels.
cloud and pour points are good measures for determining low X1.5.1.4 Carbon Residue—The carbon residue of a fuel is a
temperature operability with a batch of fuel oil. It is especially measure of the carbonaceous material left after all the volatile
important to consider these fuel properties if the heating oil components are vaporized in the absence of air. It is a rough
will be subjected to low ambient temperatures at time of use. approximation of the tendency of a fuel to form deposits in

5
 D396 – 09a
vaporizing burners, such as pot-type and sleeve-type burners, heavier grades of industrial and bunker fuel oils, viscosity is of
where the fuel is vaporized in an air-deficient atmosphere. major importance, so that adequate preheating facilities can be
X1.[Link] To obtain measurable values of carbon residue in provided to permit them to be pumped to the burner and to
the lighter distillate fuel oils, it is necessary to distill the oil to provide good atomization. However, it is equally important
remove 90 % of it in accordance with Section 9 of Test Method that the maximum viscosity under the existing conditions be
D524, and then determine the carbon residue concentrated in such that the oil can be pumped satisfactorily from the storage
the remaining 10 % bottoms. tank to the preheater.
X1.5.1.5 Ash—The amount of ash is the quantity of non- X1.5.1.8 Density—Density alone is of little significance as
combustible material in an oil. Excessive amounts can indicate an indication of the burning characteristics of fuel oil. How-
the presence of materials that cause high wear of burner pumps ever, when used in conjunction with other properties, it is of
and valves, and contribute to deposits on boiler heating value in mass-volume relationships and in calculating the
surfaces. specific energy (heating value) of an oil.
X1.5.1.6 Distillation—The distillation test shows the vola- X1.5.1.9 Corrosion—The corrosion test serves to indicate
tility of a fuel and the ease with which it can be vaporized. The the presence or absence of materials that could corrode copper,
test is of greater significance for oils that are to be burned in brass, and bronze components of the fuel system. This property
vaporizing type burners than for the atomizing type. For is specified only for Nos. 1 and 2 distillate fuel oils.
example, the maximum 10 % and 90 % distilled temperatures X1.5.1.10 Limited sulfur content of fuel oil can be required
are specified for grade No. 1 fuel. The limiting 10 % value for special uses in connection with heat treatment, nonferrous
ensures easy starting in vaporizing type burners and the 90 % metal, glass, and ceramic furnaces or to meet federal, state, or
limit excludes heavier fractions that would be difficult to local legislation or regulations.
vaporize. X1.5.1.11 Nitrogen—Nitrogen oxide emission regulations
(1) The limits specified for grade No. 2 heating oil define a have been imposed on certain combustion facilities as a
product that is acceptable for burners of the atomizing type in function of fuel nitrogen content. For purposes of these
household heating installations. Distillation limits are not regulations, distillate fuels, low nitrogen residual fuels, and
specified for fuel oils of grades Nos. 4, 5, and 6. high nitrogen residual fuels have been defined by their nitrogen
X1.5.1.7 Viscosity Limits for Grades Nos. 1 and 2—The content. Installations are required to meet different emission
viscosity of an oil is a measure of its resistance to flow. In fuel standards according to the classification of the fuel being used.
oil it is highly significant since it indicates both the relative When regulations require such a distinction to be made, fuel
ease with which the oil will flow or can be pumped, and the nitrogen specifications can be needed in the contractual agree-
ease of atomization. ment between the purchaser and the supplier.
(1) Viscosity limits for No. 1 and No. 2 grades are specified
to help maintain uniform fuel flow in appliances with gravity X1.6 Other
flow, and to provide satisfactory atomization and constant flow X1.6.1 Microbial Contamination—Refer to Guide D6469
rate through the small nozzles of household burners. For the for a discussion of this form of contamination.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Subcommittee D02.E0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D396–09) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Oct. 1, 2009.)

(1) Added Test Method D7039 to Referenced Documents and (3) Revised Table 1.
7.1.10. (4) Added Table 2.
(2) Revised 7.1.10.

Subcommittee D02.E0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D396–08c) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved April 1, 2009.)

(1) Added Test Method D6749 and Test Method D6892 to the
Referenced Documents and 7.1.2.

Subcommittee D02.E0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D396–08b) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Dec. 1, 2008.)

(1) Modified biodiesel blend definition to remove reference to

diesel fuel.

6
 D396 – 09a

Subcommittee D02.E0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D396–08a) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Oct. 1, 2008.)

(1) Added Specification D6751 and EN 14078. (3) Modified Section 4 on General Requirements to include
(2) Added Section 3 on Terminology. biodiesel blends up to B5.

Subcommittee D02.E0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D396–08) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Sept. 1, 2008.)

(1) Modified 7.1.6. Simulated Distillation D2887, including original Footnote D.

(2) Modified Table 1 to remove second set of values for

Subcommittee D02.E0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D396–07) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Jan. 15, 2008.)

(1) Change upper viscosity limit for Grades No. 1 S500, No. 1
S5000, No. 2 S500, and No. 2 S5000 in Table 1.

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