CONFORMS TO ASTM STANDARDS

D-2699 Research Method

D-2700 Motor Method

D-2885 Test Method for Determination of Octane Number of Spark-Ignition Fuels by On-Line Direct Comparison Techniques

Three ways to find octane number:
-Compression Ratio
-Bracketing
-Falling Level (Known as the Dynamic Level Method in ASTM D-2699 and D-2700)

WHAT IS THE FALLING LEVEL METHOD? 

Determination of octane rating of fuels can be made using the "FALLING LEVEL METHOD", a variant of the standard bracketing method used by many laboratories. A fuel bowl feeding the engine is filled and allowed to empty as the engine runs. As the fuel level decreases, the fuel/air ratio changes producing a change in knock intensity of the engine, passing from a light knock condition through a peak level and back to a light knock. By recording the level of the peak knock intensity and comparing this level to that of the known reference fuels, a simple straight line interpolation will give the octane number of the unknown fuel. 

This method differs from the bracketing method only in that the fuel/air ratio is not adjusted by the operator; this function is accomplished automatically by the falling level of the fuel in the bowl. 
 
 

FEATURES: 

Eliminates errors in recording, transcribing and calculating octane. We believe the method is as good as or better than using the usual bracketing methods and more consistent than rating fuels by the compression ratio method. The computer is more precise and more consistent than an operator in determining the peak knock levels of each fuel especially when tests are run continuously over a full shift when fatigue becomes a factor. 

Unlike the standard compression ratio or bracketing methods the operator is out of the control loop but still has command of the results produced by the system. 
 

ECONOMICAL: 

One computer is used for the entire test lab. The incremental costs for additional engines beyond the first are very small. 

The database generated by this system is tailored to the requirements of each installation at no additional charge. Reports are also customized and can be displayed, printed or sent to other systems. Data is stored permanently and can be transmitted to remote computer systems and or networks. 
 

EASY TO OPERATE: 

All interaction between the computer and the operator is done by simple menus and does not require any prior knowledge of computer operation. Operator training on the system is accomplished in less than a day and in most cases leads to substantially more tests per shift. One operator can comfortably run tests on at least two engines at the same time.