A diesel generator built for one fuel market can stall, smoke or wear early on another. For export projects the
fuel at the destination site is a specification item in its own right. This guide lists the fuel properties to
confirm so the engine runs on whatever is pumped locally.
What buyers should know first
Diesel is not one global product. The same engine that is happy on European EN 590 may need care on fuel with
higher sulfur, different cold behaviour, or biodiesel blend. State the expected site fuel in the RFQ,
not just the generator model.
Key fuel properties
| Property | Typical requirement | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sulfur | ≤ 10 ppm (EN 590 Class A) | Protects injection and aftertreatment |
| Cetane number | ≥ 51 (EN 590) | Cold start and combustion quality |
| CFPP | Matched to winter climate | Filter blockage in cold |
| Biodiesel (FAME) | ≤ 7% v/v (B7, EN 590) | Seal and stability limits |
| Water & sediment | ≤ 0.05% | Filter and injector life |
In Europe, road and site diesel follow EN 590; in North America the parallel grade is
ASTM D975 (No. 2-D). Tropical export sites rarely need a low cold-filter plugging point, while
Arctic or high-altitude sites do — so the CFPP must match the destination winter.
Cold weather: CFPP vs cloud point
The cold filter plugging point (CFPP) is what actually predicts whether fuel flows through the
filter in cold weather; cloud point is when wax first shows. Specify CFPP at least as low as the site’s design
minimum temperature. For very cold regions, ask about fuel heating or a winter-grade blend.
Common configuration mistakes
- Assuming the destination fuel matches the home market’s sulfur and biodiesel limits.
- Ignoring CFPP for a cold-climate export, leading to winter filter blockage.
- No primary water separator on sites with variable fuel quality.
Procurement checklist
| Item | Confirm |
|---|---|
| Fuel standard | EN 590 / ASTM D975 / local grade |
| Sulfur & cetane | Within engine OEM limits |
| CFPP | Matched to site winter low |
| Biodiesel limit | Stated blend ceiling |
| Filtration | Primary water separator specified |
Related equipment to compare
Engine choice affects fuel tolerance: Volvo-powered sets and
construction-site generators are common export choices. Read
about our build standards or browse the product list.
Frequently asked questions
Which standard applies?
EN 590 in Europe/Africa/Middle East markets, ASTM D975 in North America; many export sites use EN 590 as the yardstick.
Why does sulfur matter?
High sulfur shortens injector and aftertreatment life and can void engine warranties rated for ≤ 10 ppm.
What is CFPP?
Cold filter plugging point — the temperature at which fuel stops flowing through the filter. Match it to the site winter.
Is biodiesel a problem?
Up to 7% (B7) is normally fine per EN 590, but higher blends need seal and stability checks with the OEM.
Should I add filtration?
On sites with variable fuel quality, a primary water separator is strongly recommended.