It can improve the cetane number of diesel oil, also improve the combustion performance and shorten the ignition time, reduce the ignition point to improve the power performance of locomotive under hot conditions, it is very obvious for the fuel saving.
Used in diesel fuel, especially in secondary processing diesel to increase its cetane number. The addition effect varies depending on the base oil, generally adding 0.1–0.3% 2-Ethylhexy nitrate can increase the cetane number by 2–9 units. It can also be used as an organic solvent.
1. High Efficiency
Low Dosage, High Effect: It only requires an addition of 0.05% - 0.3% (by volume) to increase the cetane number of diesel fuel by 3 - 9 units. This is its core technical advantage, offering extremely high cost-effectiveness.
Mechanism of Action: The O-NO₂ bond in the 2-EHN molecule has relatively low bond energy. Under the high-temperature conditions of the diesel engine''s compression stroke, it decomposes easily, generating a large number of highly active free radicals (e.g., •OH, •NO₂). These radicals initiate and accelerate the chain combustion reaction of the main diesel fuel, significantly shortening the ignition delay period, resulting in smoother and more complete combustion.
2. Versatility and Compatibility
Effective for Various Diesel Base Oils: 2-EHN effectively increases the cetane number of straight-run diesel, catalytic cracker light cycle oil (LCO), hydrocracked diesel, and others. It is particularly effective for secondary-processed, lower-quality diesel components.
Compatibility with Other Additives: It is fully compatible with other common diesel additives such as lubricity improvers, anti-static agents, cold flow improvers (pour point depressants), metal deactivators, and antioxidants, with no adverse interactions.
3. Improvement of Overall Engine Performance
Improved Cold Starts: Significantly reduces start-up time in low-temperature environments and minimizes white smoke emission.
Reduced Noise and Vibration: Lessens engine noise and vibration caused by harsh combustion (knock).
Increased Power Output: Optimizes the combustion process, leading to a slight increase in engine power output.
Reduced Emissions: Promotes more complete combustion, effectively reducing emissions of carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM, soot). Although the molecule contains nitrogen, its impact on nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions is negligible or slightly positive within the recommended dosage range.
4. Contribution to Fuel Economy
Through combustion optimization, it typically contributes to a 1% - 3% improvement in fuel consumption, with the specific effect depending on engine operating conditions and base fuel quality.
Core Application: As a Diesel Cetane Number Improver
Automotive Diesel: Added to diesel fuel at refineries or terminals to increase the cetane number, resulting in smoother combustion, improved cold starts, and reduced emissions.
Marine/Railway Diesel: Used in marine gas oil (MGO) and locomotive diesel to optimize combustion, reduce carbon deposits, and lower maintenance requirements.
Non-Road Diesel: Used in diesel for construction machinery, agricultural equipment, etc., to enhance reliability and emission performance under harsh operating conditions.
Diesel for Cold Climates: Combined with pour point depressants, it significantly improves low-temperature startability.
Blending Low-Cost Diesel: Used to substantially increase the cetane number of inferior components like catalytic cracker light cycle oil (LCO), enabling their economical blending into qualified commercial diesel.
Biodiesel Blends: Optimizes the combustion performance and low-temperature properties of biodiesel blends (e.g., B5, B20).
