Fuel Testing is the collection and analysis of fuels in storage tanks. When petroleum
Petroleum
Petroleum is a naturally occurring, yellowish-black liquid found in geological formations beneath the Earth's surface. It is commonly refined into various types of fuels. Components of petroleum are separated using a technique called fractional distillation, i.e. separation of a liquid mixture into …
Why test your diesel fuel?
There are many factors that lead to the degradation of diesel fuel. Periodic testing of your fuel will assure its quality to the industry ASTM standard. Should a facility ignore the laws or recommendations to test its fuel, there could be significant consequences.
What types of fuels are tested?
Fuels analyzed include petroleum refined fuels, biofuels, CNG, LPG, coal, pet-coke, and other fuel sources. Fuel testing laboratories support fuel quality control, research and troubleshooting for refineries, pipelines, storage terminals, aviation, automotive and other industries and operations.
What is an Intertek fuel lab?
Fuel testing for quality and performance. Intertek fuel labs test for fuels quality specifications, following ASTM, ISO, and other industry standards. Fuels analyzed include petroleum refined fuels, biofuels, CNG, LPG, coal, pet-coke, and other fuel sources.
When Am I required to test my fuel?
When am I required to test my fuel? According to Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code (527 CMR 1.00), any facility operating an emergency standby power generator is required to conduct an annual fuel quality test to ASTM standards.
Why is fuel testing important?
The correct fuel test package can help identify the root cause of many issues, including: Engine performance concerns. Fuel filter plugging. Excessive engine smoking.
How do you test fuel quality?
0:391:57Checking Fuel Quality - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProgram some samples can also be tested while at the station. Different types of engines mightMoreProgram some samples can also be tested while at the station. Different types of engines might require higher octane plus or premium gasoline testing confirms that samples meet those specifications.
How do you test a fuel sample?
0:111:08Water Detection Fuel Testing Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst you'll need to fill the provided ten milliliter tube with your fuel sample. Tighten the cap onMoreFirst you'll need to fill the provided ten milliliter tube with your fuel sample. Tighten the cap on the tube and shake until the fuel is mixed with a powder. Let the sample stand for five to ten.
What is fuel sampling?
Fuel testing, also known as fuel sampling is an analytical, planned preventative maintenance (PPM) tool to monitor and evaluate your entire fuel system.
What is the quality of fuel?
The quality of a fuel is associated with its fitness for use, the minimum requirements for which are given by its specifications, defined as a set of characteristics and their respective limits, which are required to ensure its good performance in engines.
How do you test diesel fuel quality?
You just require a test vial, a sampling pipette, and an oxidation catalyst. Pipette out 10 millimetres of diesel in the vial, introduce the oxidation catalyst to it. If the fuel is old, it will turn dark within twenty minutes. It is worth mentioning that oxidised diesel leads to tank sludge and filter plugging.
How do you test fuel content of ethanol?
0:008:26How to Test Ethanol Content in Fuel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing an alcohol content tester.MoreUsing an alcohol content tester.
How do you test for ethanol?
Breath testing is the most common test performed on drivers. It uses a conversion factor to estimate the amount of alcohol in the blood. Blood ethanol testing may be ordered to confirm or refute findings and/or ordered as an alternative to breath testing. Urine testing may also be performed as an alternative.
What is car fuel made of?
Gasoline is a fuel made from crude oil and other petroleum liquids. Gasoline is mainly used as an engine fuel in vehicles. Petroleum refineries and blending facilities produce motor gasoline for sale at retail gasoline fueling stations.
How many types of fuel samples are there?
Three different samplesThree different samples The amendments define three types of fuel oil samples, each accompanied by an IMO guideline that establishes an agreed method for sampling while ensuring the safety of personnel and ship.
Why do you sump fuel?
Fuel systems are designed with sumps at the low points in each tank and in the system. Pilots use these sumps to remove water and other contaminants that settle out of the fuel.
How do I ship a fuel sample?
You can ship your diesel fuel, biodiesel, and fuel oil samples via United Parcel Service (UPS), Federal Express or other courier. All samples should be collected in leakproof containers, wrapped with absorbent material and sealed in individual leakproof plastic bags.
How can I test the quality of petrol at home?
By using such a filter paper, you can easily check petrol quality to know whether it is adulterated or not. Put a few drops of petrol on the paper, if the petrol is pure, it will evaporate without leaving any stain. However, if the petrol is adulterated, it will leave some stains on the paper.
How do you test for gasoline contamination?
0:215:39Fuel Testing Tool How to test Alcohol content / contamination - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipContent now the problem i have many times with vehicles is not so much ethanol content it'sMoreContent now the problem i have many times with vehicles is not so much ethanol content it's contamination. I'm getting fuel that you know it is discolored. It doesn't burn properly in the engine.
What are the different tests for gasoline?
Chemical composition tests – elemental content. ... Viscosity and viscosity index. ... Total acid number and total base number. ... Fuel content in engine oils. ... Soot content in engine oils. ... Determination of the degree of oxidation and nitration. ... Flash point. ... Dropping point.More items...
What are the main properties of gasoline that show its quality?
The important qualities for gasoline are octane number (antiknock), volatility (starting and vapor lock), vapor pressure, and sulfur content (environmental control). Additives are often used to enhance gasoline performance and to provide protection against oxidation and rust formation.
What are heavy distillates?
What Are Heavy Distillates. Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) is a category of fuel oils of a tar-like consistency identified as a “worse case substance”. Also known as bunker fuel or residual fuel oil, HFO is the result or remnant from the distillation and cracking process of crude oil.
What fuel do warships use?
Marine Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) For Ships – Properties, Challenges and Treatment Methods. The basic requirement for any marine engine is to propel a ship or to generate power onboard by using the energy obtained from burning of fuel oil. HFO or heavy fuel oil is the most widely used type of fuels for commercial vessels.
What are the three things to look for in a fuel sample?
One of the first things we learn to do on an aircraft preflight is check the fuel. Using a fuel cup, we draw a sample from each fuel drain or sump, check the color (blue for 100 LL), and check for water and other contaminants.
Fuel Testing
Fuel Testing is a fundamental tool in the preservation of fuel quality by providing early warning of impending problems. Fuelcare provide a range of test kits for engineers to regularly monitor their fuel quality on site, and our modern U.K.
Standard Laboratory Examination
Our standard laboratory examination checks and analyses the extent of microbiological growth in your fuel. This includes:
What is ASTM?
You’ll hear the name ASTM referenced many times within the industry. The American Society for Testing Materials is a broad organization that has developed accepted test standards in virtually every area you can think of, not just fuel. In collaboration with industry leaders, ASTM will develop the testing methods to address a given question.
What Do These Tests Mean?
The specification of fuels like diesel and biodiesel are defined by the results of numbered ASTM tests. Each of these tests measures an important property of the fuel – a property that’s been defined (by the industry) as relevant to the fuel doing what it needs to do. You’ll usually hear the standard referenced by a number and a test name.
Why is fuel testing important?
Fuel testing is crucial to critical mission generator fuel and all facilities that rely on emergency power. FuelCare – The Clean Tank provides testing and record-keeping for a range of facilities.
Why is it important to sample the bottom of the fuel tank?
It is important to sample the bottom of the fuel tank when checking for bacterial contamination. No ASTM specification, however, any presence indicates a need for fuel treatment. Microbes thrive at the interface between the water and diesel. Distillation:
What is the purpose of a semiquantitative test?
Semiquantitative test for bacteria, molds, and fungi, all of which can grow in diesel fuel tanks and damage fuel injectors. Often detected, though not limited to, storage tanks where water contamination is present. It is important to sample the bottom of the fuel tank when checking for bacterial contamination.
What is the purpose of ASTM D-93?
ASTM D-93 Normally specified to meet insurance and fire regulations with regards to a particular fuel , it is also very useful in checking for gasoline or other volatile contamination in diesel fuel.
What is the temperature of diesel fuel?
These ranges vary for different petroleum products. Temperatures outside the norm can indicate contamination, weathering, or off-spec fuel. It is also used in the calculation of the Cetane Index. ASTM min. and max. for 90% recovered = 540-640 deg. F. A typical complete boiling range for #2 diesel fuel is 360-665 deg. F.
What is ASTM D6306?
ASTM D6306 A measure of both soluble and insoluble water present in the sample by an automated coulometric titration . Aspiration of water into the fuel tank during the warm/hot day – cool/cold evening cycle leads to a buildup of water in the fuel and accumulation at the bottom of the tank. Water and Sediment – When the fuel is saturated with moisture, water settles to the bottom along with smoke particles, road dust and bugs.
What is the maximum amount of insoluble water in diesel fuel?
It is particularly useful in isolating foreign material in the fuel such as tank bottoms. ASTM maximum for #2 diesel fuel =0.05%.
Facilities that require fuel quality testing
We recommend our clients set up an annual testing program, especially if their facility is legally required to meet Massachusetts Fire Code requirements or NFPA 110 standards or if they require compliance to meet the Joint Commissions accreditation standards. At CommTank, we don’t confuse the fuel testing process by providing multiple packages.
Types of fuel we test
Shows concentrated levels of water and sediment to determine fuel quality.
Fuel Sampling
CommTank provides onsite fuel sampling services. A technician will collect a representative composite sample using ASTM D4047, take notes, photographs, and label each sample. We then transport the sample back to our laboratory in a timely manner and ensure it is kept cool so that it is representative of the fuel in your storage tank.
What is gasoline?from agriculture.mo.gov
Gasoline. Gasoline is a complex mixture of relatively volatile hydrocarbons that vary widely in their physical and chemical properties. The fuel quality program inspects and tests all grades of automotive gasoline, gasoline-ethanol blends, E-85 ethanol, aviation gasoline and racing fuels. The fuel properties must be balanced to give satisfactory ...
What is the pour point of diesel fuel?from agriculture.mo.gov
There are no pour point specifications for diesel fuel; however, pour point temperatures of 8 °F to 15 °F below the cloud points of fuels are most common. In practice, occasionally there are fuels that meet these minimum specifications and cause performance problems in very cold weather. For this reason many marketers "winterize" their No. 2-D diesel by blending kerosene or No.1-D diesel, which typically has a much lower cloud point than No. 2. Some marketers may also add anti-gel additives, which will reduce the pour point and cold temperature filter plugging. The additives normally do not reduce the cloud point temperature. The Low Temperature Flow Test method is designed for predicting the cold behavior properties for the fuels with chemical additives.
Why is gasoline more volatile in winter?from agriculture.mo.gov
To assure that fuels have the proper volatility characteristics, refineries adjust gasoline seasonally. During the cold, winter months, fuel will be more volatile. This helps good "cold" start and warm-up performance. During the hot summer months, the fuel tends to be less volatile. This will help to minimize the incidence of vapor lock and hot driveability problems.
Why is alcohol added to gasoline?from agriculture.mo.gov
Alcohol in gasoline is normally added to enhance its octane rating. There are many types of alcohols, but currently only ethanol is added to gasoline.
What is the oxygen content of ethanol?from agriculture.mo.gov
Fuel ethanol blended to 10 percent volume meets the 3.7 percent total oxygen specification for motor fuels and in some cases the Environmental Protection Agency has allowed up to an additional 2.0 percent volume Methyl tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) at 4.1 percent total oxygen. A total oxygen content in excess of this limit will result in rapidly progressive deterioration of performance and may result in some small increase in evaporative emissions for conventional vehicles. Oxygenates which are not blended to their proper proportion in a fuel may leave that fuel substandard on its octane rating. Missouri marketers of ethanol-blended fuels are educated in blending with the proper base gasoline. Therefore, the maximum total oxygen content is rarely exceeded.
What happens if you separate alcohol from gasoline?from agriculture.mo.gov
If separation should occur the alcohol deficient gasoline will be left at a reduced octane level. This separation of water/alcohol and fuel may occur in storage or in the tank of the consumer’s vehicle, with associated problems.
What is the AKI of a motor fuel?from agriculture.mo.gov
The AKI of a motor fuel is the average of the Research Octane Number (RON) and Motor Octane Number (MON) or (R+M)/2. This is also the number displayed on the black and yellow octane decal posted on the gasoline pump. Optimum performance and fuel economy is achieved when the AKI is adequate for the engine in which it is combusted. There is no advantage in using gasoline with a higher AKI than the engine requires to operate knock-free.
Trust the leading fuel testing lab and research laboratory
Sterling Performance is a fuel testing lab specifically equipped to address all your fuel testing and qualification needs, regardless of industry.
Fuel Lab Test Services
Sterling Performance can provide a comprehensive range of Fuel testing services to address your Fuel testing needs.
