Fuel Testing Services

[jdcaples]

I've been thinking a lot about diesel fuel, the postings about US fuel quality, cross contamination of Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (15 ppm) with Low Sulphur Diesel (500 ppm) etc, etc.

I know that Used Oil Analysis is popular; one can purchase a kit, take a sample and get a result and some conclusions. Spiffy.

Well, I'm thinking about taking a sample of ULSD from my usual fueling source and sending it to Intertek. I don't want a test from somewhere up the pipeline. I want to know what I'm putting in my tank and I want to take the sample from the nozzle.

I haven't contacted Intertek yet.

My question: Have you ever had fuel tested and if so, by whom?

Of the list of Intertek's diesel fuel tests which tests results would you like to see?

Personally, I want to know if the cetane rating's as bad as everyone commonly says.... I'd also like to see the sulphur content and what kind of contaminations make past those 25 micron dispenser filters that give me such a warm feeling....

Finally, if you know of another business that will perform similar tests on samples gathered from a consumer, please reply. I tried to find a lab in the Seattle area and Intertek's Bellingham lab seems to be the closest. I'm tired of looking.

-Jon

[blade625]

Jon, I would gladly donate some cash to offset some of your expenses.

Along with cetane and sulfer that you have already mentioned, I'd like to test a sample with a specified/measured amount of additive [something like the RL Diesel Catalyst, that I've been using] to see if their claims of increased lubricity and cetane boost are accurate.

[sikwan]

Lubricity for sure because I know nothing.

[jdcaples]

Update: I called Intertek. All customer service reps were busy and I was offered a chance to leave a message.

I elected to contact them via their website, asking for guidance about submitting samples for testing and the cost of purchasing a service which will report sulphur content, cetane value(s) and lubricity.


Lubricity: ASTM D6079
Sulphur: ASTM D7039-04
Cetane Number: ASTM D613
Particulate Contamination: ASTM D6217

Do the tests above have parameters like "not to exceed" or "minimum acceptable" numbers, as well as defining the testing methodology, or if they are just methodologies?

Regardless, if you - the reader - know the answer to that question, or if believe additional tests would be of value, please let me know.

-Jon

[mobileoilchange]

sorry to clog up this thread. but i cant figure out how to start a new one.
but i just wanted to say that, today i serviced a fleet of 7 dodge 2500 pick ups with the cummins 5.9 and the 6.7l ranging from 2004 -2008. all are automatics, all are 4x4, all have snow plows, all are 2 door long beds. i noticed on the over head counsel that the mpg on each of the 6.7l 2007-2008 trucks that the mpg was from 13.5 - 14.3. on the 5.9l 2004-2006 trucks the over head counsel said the mpg was between 13.0 - 15.5 mpg.
remember the 2007-2008 have the dpf. the 2004-2006 dont. and the 2004-2006 have the 5.9 and the 2007 -2008 have the 6.7l

im just compairing this to the spinters 2.7 vs the 3.0 with the dpf

it seems to me that the 6.7 is more fuel efficent per liter, but the dpf is eating some fuel.

just my

[jdcaples]

Update:

I received a phone call from Intertek asking me for some details. I explained that I wanted to have some fuel tested and inquired about the next step.

I was told that they perform all the testing that I cited in my email. I'm going to be receiving an email detailing costs and what I need to do to get my hands on a mail-in test kit.

More as info arrives

-Jon

[jdcaples]

Update: I have not received info from Intertek yet. I've been traveling for work and unable to get any traction on this, but it is still important to me.

-Jon

[Waterworld]

Let us know

[jdcaples]

Update -

I received a quote for the services.


It's obvious to me that their core-operation is business-to-business, not business-to-"average joe-public."

I figured most of their customers would be petroleum manufacturers. If anyone else does this, they should be - as I am - prepared for less than stellar customer service.

For what it's worth, I don't see their business processes - which are geared towards interfacing their bureacracy with another bureacracy - as a barrier to me using them; especially if they are the only lab that'll do the tests and talk to me.

These prices may shock many readers, but they are actually a little cheaper than thought they'd be... however the volume of fuel required for each test - 1 qt - is more than I'd expected.


Then again, I well-understand Professional Services, I barely understand proper lab technique requirements and have an embarrasing lack of understanding chemistry.

If you'd like to hire them yourself, or if you can convince your local filling station to hire them, send me a private message and I'll provide the contact information.


Also, I should say that the services quote has a few problems with it.

For instance, the sales guy's email told me that I can send the samples to Bellingham (90 miles from my house), but the "Sample Shipping Details" lists

INTERTEK
1941 Freeman Avenue
Suite A
Signal Hill, CA 90755

There is too much personal information in its contents for me to post the entire quote.

Here's a snapshot of the more interesting data.

-Jon

[sikwan]

Geez! You could probably put that money into better use.