Higher cetane
What is cetane and why is it important?
Cetane number is the key measure of diesel fuel combustion quality. The number relates to the ignition delay - the period that occurs between the start of fuel injection and the start of combustion. Good quality combustion occurs with rapid ignition followed by smooth and complete fuel burn: the higher the cetane number, the shorter the ignition delay and the better the quality of combustion.
Conversely, low cetane number fuels are slow to ignite and then burn too rapidly, leading to high rates of pressure rise.
These poor combustion characteristics can give rise to excessive engine noise and vibration, increased exhaust emissions and reduced vehicle performance, with increased engine stress. Excessive smoke and noise are familiar problems associated with diesel vehicles, particularly under cold starting conditions.
Cetane number of 55 minimum
BP Ultimate Diesel has a cetane number of 55 minimum, significantly higher than the standard 51 cetane for diesel fuels in this market. This improved cetane quality means that BP Ultimate Diesel burns more smoothly and completely than ordinary diesel, so it can help deliver improved performance and better fuel economy, and reduce exhaust emissions and engine noise.
BP Ultimate VW Touareg combustion demonstration
We wanted to show scientifically that BP Ultimate Diesel burns better than ordinary diesel. We’ve re-engineered this VW Touareg’s fuel system to enable one bank of cylinders to be fuelled exclusively with BP Ultimate Diesel and the other to be fed solely with ordinary diesel. With our specially prepared Touareg, we can actually monitor the way in which the two different fuels burn inside the engine.See for yourself …
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