Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Hydroprocessing • TEG • ASTM Standards

Cetane Number

Term from Petrochemicals industry explained for recruiters

Cetane Number is a measurement used in the fuel industry to describe how well diesel fuel performs in engines. Think of it like an octane rating for gasoline, but specifically for diesel fuel. A higher Cetane Number means the fuel ignites more quickly and burns more smoothly in diesel engines. This term often appears in job descriptions for positions related to fuel quality testing, petroleum engineering, and diesel engine development. When reviewing resumes, you might see it mentioned in contexts relating to fuel testing, quality control, or engine performance optimization.

Examples in Resumes

Conducted quality assurance tests measuring Cetane Number and other diesel fuel properties

Optimized diesel fuel blending processes to achieve target Cetane Number specifications

Led research team in developing new additives to improve Cetane Number in biodiesel fuels

Typical job title: "Fuel Quality Engineers"

Also try searching for:

Petroleum Engineer Fuel Quality Specialist Diesel Engine Developer Fuel Testing Technician Quality Control Engineer Refinery Process Engineer Fuel Research Scientist

Where to Find Fuel Quality Engineers

Professional Organizations

Industry Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you explain the relationship between Cetane Number and diesel engine performance to non-technical stakeholders?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should demonstrate ability to explain complex fuel concepts in simple terms, using analogies and real-world examples to show how Cetane Number affects engine efficiency and performance.

Q: What strategies would you implement to optimize fuel blending for Cetane Number requirements while managing costs?

Expected Answer: Should discuss balancing quality requirements with economic considerations, demonstrate knowledge of blending processes, and show understanding of industry regulations and market demands.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods do you use to test and measure Cetane Number?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain different testing methods (both engine testing and laboratory methods) and when each is appropriate to use, showing practical experience with quality control procedures.

Q: How do different additives affect Cetane Number?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of common fuel additives, their effects on Cetane Number, and practical experience with fuel improvement processes.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is Cetane Number and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that it's a measure of diesel fuel ignition quality and its basic importance to engine performance, even if detailed technical knowledge is limited.

Q: What are the typical Cetane Number ranges for commercial diesel fuel?

Expected Answer: Should know basic industry standards and be able to explain what numbers are considered acceptable for commercial use, showing basic familiarity with fuel specifications.