The automated Ignition Quality Tester (IQT™), with patented air assisted fuel injection system, is a combustion-based analytical instrument, which enables the determination of the ignition quality of diesel fuels in a rapid, quiet and cost-effective manner. The ignition delay and derived cetane number of diesel and alternative fuels (including cetane improved diesel fuels) can be efficiently and accurately measured, in a matter of minutes. Based on the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) constant volume combustion apparatus (CVCA) technology, the IQT™ also has the potential for use in refinery on-line operations. The IQT™ is CE and Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved (CSA Special Acceptance Program, electrical equipment).