EAS 177: 2011 
ICS 75.160.20  
© EAS 2011  Edition 2011  
                                                                                                                          Second
 
Automotive diesel — Specification 
 EAS 177:2011 
ii © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
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Violators may be persecuted EAS 177: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  iii
 Contents Page 
Foreword ...................................................................................................................... ...................................... iv  
1  Scope ......................................................................................................................... ............................. 1  
2  Normative re ferences .......................................................................................................... .................. 1  
3  Terms and de finitions ......................................................................................................... .................. 2  
4  Requirements ............................................................................................................................... .......... 3 
4.1  General ....................................................................................................................... ............................ 3  
4.1.1 Approved dyes and markers ..................................................................................................... ........... 3 
4.1.2 Approved a dditiv es ............................................................................................................ ................... 3  
4.1.3 Fatty Acid Methyl  Ester (F AME) ................................................................................................ ........... 3 
4.1.4 Cloud poi nt ................................................................................................................... .......................... 3  
4.2  Specific quality requirements ................................................................................................. ............. 3  
4.3  Precision and dispute ......................................................................................................... .................. 5  
5  Pump la belling ................................................................................................................ ....................... 5  
6  Adulteration .................................................................................................................. ......................... 5  
Annex A (normati ve)  Sampling ................................................................................................. ....................... 6  
A.1 General ....................................................................................................................... ............................ 6  
A.2 Sampling from retail site pumps and commercial site fu el dispensers .......................................... 6  
A.3 Sample containers  and closures ................................................................................................ ......... 6 
A.3.1 Containers .................................................................................................................... .......................... 6  
A.3.2 Closures ...................................................................................................................... ........................... 6  
A.3.4 Safety requi rements ........................................................................................................... ................... 6  
A.3.5 Sampling pr ocedure ............................................................................................................ .................. 7  
A.4 Sampling st atement ............................................................................................................ .................. 8  
Annex B (informative)  Nozzle extensions for sampling automotive gas oil and thei r use ...................... 12  
B.1 General ....................................................................................................................... .......................... 12  
B.2 Extension pieces .............................................................................................................. ................... 12  
B.3 Procedure ..................................................................................................................... ........................ 12  
 
 EAS 177:2011 
iv © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Foreword 
Development of the East African Standards has been necessitated by the need for harmonizing requirements 
governing quality of products and services in the East African Community. It is envisaged that through 
harmonized standardization, trade barriers that are encountered when goods and services are exchanged 
within the Community will be removed.  
In order to achieve this objectiv e, the Community established an East  African Standards Committee mandated 
to develop and issue East African Standards.   
The Committee is composed of representatives of the National Standards Bodies in Partner States, together 
with the representatives from the pr ivate sectors and consumer organizati ons. Draft East African Standards 
are circulated to stakeholders through the National Standards Bodies in the Partner States. The comments 
received are discussed and incorporated before finalization of standards, in accordance with the procedures 
of the Community. 
East African Standards are subject to review, to keep pace with technological advan ces. Users of the East 
African Standards are therefore expected to ensure that they always have the latest versions of the standards 
they are implementing .  
This second edition cancels and replaces the first editi on (EAS 177:2000), which has be en technically revised. 
 AFRICAN STANDARD EAS 177:2011
 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved 1
 Automotive diesel — Specification  
1 Scope 
This East African Standard specifies the requirements and methods of test for automotive gas oil (AGO). 
This standard applies to diesel used for automotive diesel engines, as in heavy commercial vehicles, diesel 
engine vehicles and tractors. It does not cover diesel fuel  used in industrial burners or stationary diesel 
engines. 
2 Normative references 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies. 
ASTM D2500 [IP 309], Standard test method for cloud point of petroleum products  
EN 12662, Liquid petroleum products — Determination of contamination in middle distillates  
EN 12916, Petroleum products — Determination of aromatic  hydrocarbon types in middle distillates — High 
performance liquid chromatography method with refractive index detection  
EN 14078, Liquid petroleum products — Determination of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) content in middle 
distillates — Infrared spectrometry method  
EN 14214, Automotive fuels — Fatty acid methyl esters (F AME) for diesel engines — Requirements and test 
methods  
EN 14274 [IP 508], Methods of test for petroleum and its products — Automotive fuels — Assessment of petrol and diesel quality — Fuel quality monitoring system (FQMS) 
EN 14331, Liquid petroleum products Separation and characterisa tion of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from 
middle distillates Liquid chro matography (LC)/gas ch romatography (GC) method  
ISO 2049, Petroleum products — Determination of colour (ASTM scale)  
ISO 2160, Petroleum products — Corrosiveness to copper — Copper strip test 
ISO 2719, Determination of flash point — Pensky-Martens closed cup method 
ISO 3015, Petroleum products — Determination of cloud point  
ISO 3104, Petroleum products — Transparent and opaque liqui ds — Determination of kinematic viscosity and 
calculation of dynamic viscosity  
ISO 3170, Petroleum liquids — Manual sampling  
ISO 3171, Petroleum liquids — Automatic pipeline sampling  EAS 177:2011 
2 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 ISO 3675, Crude petroleum and liquid petroleum products — Laboratory determination of density — 
Hydrometer method  
ISO 3733, Petroleum products and bituminous materials — Determination of water — Distillation method  
ISO 3735, Crude petroleum and fuel oils — Determi nation of sediment — Extraction method 
ISO 4259, Petroleum products — Determination and application of  precision data in relation to methods of test  
ISO 4264, Petroleum products — Distillate fuels — Calculation of cetane index 
ISO 5165, Petroleum products — Determination of the igniti on quality of diesel fuels — Cetane engine method  
ISO 6245, Petroleum products — Determination of ash  
ISO 6615, Petroleum products — Determination of carbon residue — Conradson method  
ISO 6619, Petroleum products and lubricants — Neutralizat ion number — Potentiometric titration method  
ISO 7537, Petroleum products — Determination of acid number — Semi-micro colour-indicator titration 
method  
ISO 10370, Petroleum products — Determination of carbon residue (micro method)  
ISO 12156-1, Diesel fuels — Assessment of lubricity by HFRR  
ISO 12185, Crude petroleum and petroleum products — Determination of density — Oscillating U-tube 
method  
ISO 12205, Petroleum products — Determination of t he oxidation stability of distillate fuels  
ISO 12937, Petroleum products — Determination of water — Coulometric Karl Fisher titration method  
ISO 13759, Petroleum products — Determination of alkyl ni trate in diesel fuels — Spectrometric method  
ISO 20846, Petroleum products — Determination of sulfur content of automotive fuels — Ultraviolet 
fluorescence method 
ISO 20847, Petroleum products — Determination of sulfur c ontent of automotive fuels — Energy dispersive X-
ray fluorescence spectrometry  
ISO 20884, Petroleum products — Determination of sulfur  content of automotive fuels — Wavelength-
dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry  
US ISO 17020, General criteria for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection  
US ISO 3405, Petroleum products — Determination of distillation characteristics at atmospheric pressure  
 
3 Terms and definitions 
For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions shall apply. 
3.1 
automotive gas-oil, automotive diesel oil 
gas-oil that has been specially formulated for use in m edium and high-speed diesel engines, mostly used in 
the transportation market EAS 177: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  3
 3.2 
ullage  
empty capacity left in a fixed volume samp le receiver/container above the liquid surface 
4 Requirements 
4.1 General 
4.1.1 Approved dyes and markers 
The use of dyes or markers is allowed. It should howeve r be noted that these are as  approved by the authority 
responsible for fuels in the country an d that they shall serve the purpose for which they  are intended and, shall 
not deter any parameters of diesel out of the specified ranges as indicated under Table 1. 
4.1.2 Approved additives In order to improve the performance quality, the use of  additives is allowed. Suitable fuel additives without 
known harmful side-effects are recommended in the a ppropriate amount, to help avoid deterioration of 
driveability and emissions control durability. Other technical means with equivalent effect may also be used. 
4.1.3 Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) 
Diesel fuel may contain up to 5 % (V/V) of FAME complying with EN 14214. 
NOTE A suitable method for the separation and i dentification of FAME is given in EN 14331. 
4.1.4 Cloud point  Cloud point shall be reported in accordance with ISO 3015.
 
4.2 Specific quality requirements  
When tested by the methods indicated in Table 1, automotive  diesel fuel shall be in accordance with the limits 
specified in Table 1. EAS 177:2011 
4 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Table 1 — Specific quality requirements 
Property Unit Limits Test method a)  
Minimum Maximum 
Cetane number b)  51.0 — ISO 5165 
Cetane index  48.0 — ISO 4264 
Density at 15 ° C c) kg/m3 820 870 ISO 3675 
ISO 12185 
ASTM colour  — 3.5 ISO 2049 
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 
d), e)  % (m/m) — 11 EN 12916 
Sulfur content f) mg/kg — 500 ISO 20846; ISO 20847 
ISO 20884 
Flash point °C Above 55 — ISO 2719 
Carbon residue g) (on 10 % 
distillation residue) % (m/m) — 0.2 ISO 10370 
ISO 6615 
Ash content % (m/m) — 0.01 ISO 6245 
Water content mg/kg — 200 ISO 12937 
Copper strip corrosion (3 h at 50 
°C) rating Class 1 ISO 2160 
Oxidation stability g/m3 — 25 ISO 12205 
Lubricity, corrected wear scar diameter (wsd 1.4) at 60 °C μm — 460 ISO 12156-1 
Viscosity at 40 °C mm2/s 1.60 5.50 ISO 3104 
Cold filter plugging point (CFPP) °C, max — 12 ASTM D2500 [IP 309] 
Sediment % m/m — 0.01 ISO 3735 
Neutralization value:     
Strong acid No., KOH mg/g Nil ISO 6619 
Total acid No., KOH mg/g 0.5  
Distillation h) 
 
Distillation at 10oC 
Distillation at 50oC 
Distillation at 90oC  
 200 260 320   
242 290 350  US ISO 3405 
% (V/V) recovered at 250 °C % (V/V)  <65  
% (V/V) recovered at 350 °C % (V/V) 85   
95 % (V/V) recovered at Final Boiling point °C 
°C  
350 360 
385  
Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) 
content j) % (V/V) — 5 ISO 
En 14214 
Initial boiling point  160 190  EAS 177: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  5
 a) See also 4.3.1 
b) See also 4.3.4 
c) See also 4.3.2 
d) For the purposes of this East African Standard, polycyclic  aromatic hydrocarbons are defined as the total aromatic 
hydrocarbon content less the mono-aromatic hydrocarbon content, both as determined by EN 12916. 
e) EN 12916 is not able to distinguish between polycyclic arom atic hydrocarbons and fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). 
FAME, if present in diesel fuel s, will overestimate the value fo r polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. 
f) See also 4.3.3 
g) See also note below table 
h) For the calculation of the cetane index the 10 %, 50 % and 90 % (V/V) recovery points are also needed. 
j) FAME shall meet the requirements of EN 14214. 
NOTE The limiting value for the carbon residue given in Table 1 is based on product prio r to addition of ignition 
improver, if used. If a value exceeding the limit is obtained on finished fuel in the market, ISO 13759 shall be used as an 
indicator of the presence of a nitrate- containing compound. If an ignition improver is thus proved present, the limit value 
for the carbon residue of the product under test cannot be applied. The use of additives does not exempt the 
manufacturer from meeting the requirement of maximum 0.30 % (m/m) of carbon residue prior to addition of additives. 
 
4.3 Precision and dispute 
4.3.1 All test methods referred to in this East African Standard include a precision statement. In cases of 
dispute, the procedures for resolv ing the dispute and interpretation of the results based on test method 
precision, described in ISO 4259, shall be used. 
4.3.2 In cases of dispute concerning density, ISO 3675 shall be used. 
4.3.3 In cases of dispute concerning sulfur content, ISO 20847 is unsuitable as an arbitration method. 
4.3.4 For the determination of cetane number alternative me thods may also be used in cases of dispute, 
provided that these methods originate from a recogniz ed method series, and have a valid precision statement, 
derived in accordance with ISO 4259, which demonstrates precision at least equal to that of the referenced 
method. The test result, when using an alternative method, shall also have a demonstrable relationship to the 
result obtained when using the referenced method. 
5 Pump labelling 
Information to belabelled on dispensing pumps used for delivering automotive diesel fuel, and the dimensions 
of the mark shall be in accordance with the requirements of legal metrology regulations for the marking of pumps for automotive diesel fuel.  
6 Adulteration 
The product shall be not contaminated with other pet roleum products such as kerosene and petrol.  EAS 177:2011 
6 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Annex A 
(normative) 
 
Sampling 
A.1 General 
Samples shall be taken as described in ISO 3170 or IS O 3171 and/or in accordance with the requirements of 
legal regulations for the sampling of automotive diesel fuel.  
In view of the sensitivity of some of the test methods  referred to in this East African Standard, particular 
attention shall be paid to compliance with any guidance on sampling containers which is included in the test 
method standard. 
A.2 Sampling from retail site pumps and commercial site fuel dispensers 
This clause specifies a procedure for drawing, from fuel dispensers, samples of diesel fuel to be used for the assessment 
of automotive fuel quality in accordance with EN 14274. This standard does not cover the sampling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
 
WARNING: The use of this standard may involve hazardous mate rials, operations and equipment. This standard does 
not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standar d 
to establish appropriate safety  and health practices and determi ne the applicability of regulato ry limitations prior to use.  
A.3 Sample containers and closures 
A.3.1 Containers 
These shall be unused metallic containers of approximately one- litre capacity, constructed from lead-free material, with 
packing glands or welded joints, able to withstand normal in ternal pressures encountered during normal operations. The 
containers shall be equipped with an exte rnal fitting to enable them to be seal ed. The container shall not have been 
treated with a petroleum-based rust-preventative.   
NOTE Lead solder may be used for the attachment of external fittings.  
A.3.2 Closures 
These shall be able to retain the integrity of the sample. Insert disks may additionally be used to close the container outlet.  
Suitable closures include screw caps fitted with a washer resi stant to the product being sampled. Cork or rubber washers 
shall not be used.  
A.3.4 Safety requirements 
A.3.4.1  The following minimum safety requirements shall be read  in conjunction with the requirements for safety as 
given in ISO 3170 and, in addition, any national or lo cal safety, environmental and transportation regulations.  
A.3.4.2  Personnel drawing the samples shall be made aware of the potential hazards and be given instructions in 
safety precautions to be observed.  EAS 177: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  7
 A.3.4.3  Care shall be taken to avoid breathing petroleum vapours during the sampling. Protective gloves of 
hydrocarbon-insoluble materials, eye, mouth and nose protection and clothing suit able to provide protection against all 
known hazards associated with the product shall be worn.  
A.3.4.4  In order to avoid static electricity risks, special precautions shall be taken during the sampling operation.  
A.3.4.4.1  Sampling shall not be carried out dur ing periods of atmospheric electr ical disturbance or thunderstorms.  
A.3.4.4.2  Foot wear and/or clothing capable of causing sparks shall not be worn in areas where flammable vapours 
are likely to be present. 
A.3.4.4.3 In order to earth any static charge on their person, the person taking the samples shall touch some part of the 
fuel dispensing structure immediately bef ore carrying out any sampling operation.  
A.3.4.5  Samples shall not be taken during the supplying of t he tank to which the pump to be sampled is connected.  
A.3.4.6  Samples shall be clearly labelled to identify that they contain diesel.  
A.3.4.7  Samples shall be transported in accordance with national or local regulations regarding the transport of 
flammable products.  
A.3.4.8  Samples shall be stored in accordance with national and local regulations.  
A.3.5 Sampling procedure 
A.3.5.1 Using a cotton cloth carefully clean the parts of the delivery pipe nozzle that may come into contact with the 
sample container and/or the product being sampled.  
A.3.5.2 Prior to drawing the samples, run at least four litres of the product through the nozzle into a suitable container.  
NOTE This may be either a plastic or metal container approved for use with the product being sampled. Plastic containers should  
not be used for long- term sample storage unless it has been demonstrated that the plastic is suitable (i.e. compatible with th e sample) 
so that the integrity of the sample is not compromised. The use of containers made of non- linear polyethylene may lead to samp le 
contamination and/ or sample container failure. 
The flushings shall either be re moved from the site in the container and di sposed of in a safe manner, or returned to 
storage on the site.  
A.3.5.3  Inspect the sample container (see A.3.1) for clean liness and line-up the required number of containers 
alongside the fuel dis penser to be sampled.  
A.3.5.4  Record the reading on the outlet meter display.  
A.3.5.5 Insert the nozzle of the outlet into the samp le container (see NOTE ). Activate the filling 
mechanism and run product into the container in such a way as to prevent splashing, minimise foaming and 
light end loss and at such a rate to enable air to exhaust from the container without product issuing from the 
container. 
A.3.5.6 Fill the container with a maximum of  one litre of product, using the outlet meter display as a guide. A 
minimum of 5 % ullage in the container shall be left to allow for expansion 
A.3.5.7 Immediately after filling, close the container usi ng an appropriate closure (see A.3.2). Check for leaks 
by inverting the container and holding in an inverted position for 30 s. If a leak is observed replace with a new 
closure and recheck for leaks. If the leaking continues dispose of the cont ainer and its contents in accordance 
with local regulations. Resample using a new container and closure. 
A.3.5.8 Clearly label the sample container with the following information. 
• place EAS 177:2011 
8 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 • date and time of sampling; 
• Product and its grade; 
• Sample Identification Code. 
NOTE This is the minimum information required and other information can may be included with reference to the 
relevant ISO standards.(ISO 3171 and 3170) 
A.3.5.9  Seal the sample container in such a manner that the closure and sample label cannot be 
removed without breaking the seal. 
A.3.5.10  Repeat A.3.5.3 to A.3.5.9 as many times as necessary to comply with any additional national 
requirements. 
A.3.5.11 Complete a sampling statement in duplicate. 
One copy of the sampling statement shall accompany the analysis sample, the other shall be given to the site 
representative. 
NOTE An example of a suitable sampling statement is given in annex A. 
A.3.6 Appointed organisations 
A.3.6.1 Competent and gazetted persons carrying out the sampling operation shall be accredited with US 
ISO 17020 or appointed by a Government Body. 
A.3.6.2 A list of organisations qualified to draw samples shall be compiled and maintained by the national 
standardization body of the Partner State or its nominated alternate. 
A.4 Sampling statement 
 
 Samples have been drawn in accordance with EAS 177 
  
The undersigned: (Surname, forename, title, complete address and, where applicable: identity card or 
department card number) 
   
 
  
 EAS 177: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  9
  
Representative of: (Company/body, complete address) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Representative of: (Company/body, complete address) 
 
 
 
 
 
 Responsible for and authorized to: (Company, body, complete address) 
 
 
 
The undersigned has taken samples in the following outlet pump(s): (Brand, other identification data: such as 
station number, name, complete address)  
 
 
Operated by: (Surname, forename, complete address)  
 
 
 
Acting as 1)) : (Service Station licensee / employee / manager / pump attendant) 
                                                      
1) If samples have been drawn from an unmanned 'autom atic service station'  this will not apply.  EAS 177:2011 
10 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Pump 
Identification  
 Type and quality of the 
supplied product  
 Sample 
volume  
 Sample Identification Code 2) 
(to be stated on the container label)  
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
 
Comments: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………..  
 
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 
 
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 
 
……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 
 
Name and signature of the person drawing the samples:  
 
 
                                                      
2) The Sample Identification Code should consist of:  
• year/month/day/ and a unique ident ification number for the sample (for example 2007/02/28/xxxxxxx/03)  
• the company or department res ponsible for the sampling operat ion provides the unique identifi cation number for the sample.  EAS 177: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  11
  
Date:  
 
 
Name and signature of the m anager of the service station3): 
 
 
 
                                                      
 
3) If samples have been drawn from an unmanned 'automat ic service station' this will not apply. 
 EAS 177:2011 
12 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 Annex B 
(informative) 
 
Nozzle extensions for sampling auto motive gas oil and their use  
B.1 General 
The preferred method of sampling volatile products, such as  automotive gas oil, into an open-top container is 
by submerged filling. Ho wever, the normal nozzles, are not of suffi cient length to reach t he bottom of a sample 
container. In addition, to prevent overf illing, fuel dispenser nozzles are fitted with cut-off devices that will stop 
the supply of fuel when the end of the nozzle is immersed in a liquid. (The cutting-off of the airflow into the 
sensing port activates the sa fety cut-off device.) Theref ore to enable submerged filling an extension piece, of 
sufficient length to reach the bottom of the sample container and allow air to flow into the sensor port of the 
cut-off safety device, is used. 
B.2 Extension pieces 
To meet with the principles of B.1 the extension piece can either be: 
a) fitted with an air pipe that will allow air to flow into the sensing port or,  
b) loosely fitting, allowing air to flow down the gap between the nozzle and the extension piece and into 
the sensing port. 
The extension pieces are made of a conducting material to  prevent the build-up of static electricity and for this 
copper piping has been found to be suitable. 
The diameter of the nozzle extensi on will depend on the type of nozzle fixed to the fuel outlet and its other 
dimensions will depend on the depth of the sample container to be filled. 
A 'V-shaped' opening is cut in the base of the extension piec e to allow the free flow of AGO when it is resting 
on the bottom of the sample container, see Figure B.1. 
Two examples of suitable designs for extension piec es are shown in Figure B.1. Figure B.2 shows an 
assembly for sampling using a nozzle extension. 
B.3 Procedure 
Check that the extension piece is clean and flush with product in accordance with A.3.5.2. After following the 
procedure up to A.3.5.4, place the extension piece into the sample container in an upright position. Insert the nozzle 
into the extension piece. If the 'air pipe' type is used, ensure that the air pipe is engaged into the sensing port. 
Activate the filling mechanism. 
If a loosely fitting extension piece is used, keep the flow rate to a minimum in order to prevent AGO issuing from 
around the nozzle due to turbulent flow. 
Since the safety cut-off device has been deactivated, take great care not to overfill the container. After filling the 
sample container with a maximum of three litres, proceed in accordance with A.3.5.7. 
 
 EAS 177: 2011 
© EAC 2011 – All rights reserved  13
 
 
 
a) Nozzle fitted with extension piece with air pipe   b) Nozzle fitted with extension piece without air pipe  
 
Key 
A    Nozzle  
B     Extension piece  
C    Safety cut-off sensing port  
D    Air flow to safety cut-off sensing port  
 
Figure B.1 — Examples of suitable designs for extension pieces 
 EAS 177:2011 
14 © EAC 2011 – All rights reserved
 
 
 
Figure B.2 — Assembly for sampling with a loose fitting nozzle extension  
 EAS 177:2011
 
© EAC 2011– All rights reserved