Fuel Analysis

Diesel and Biodiesel analysis

Complete analysis for all your biodiesel testing requirements

BS EN 14214 - biodiesel

BS EN 590 - road diesel

In addition to routine testing for the above to satisfy regulatory requirements, we can also provide bespoke analyses of your biodiesel performed to your particular requirements.

Cetane index

By determining the mid boiling point by distillation (IP123) and the density (IP160) of a fuel the cetane index can be calculated (ASTMD976).

This measures the ignition quality of a diesel fuel. The lower the cetane number the more rapid the increase in ignition delay. Diesel fuel should have a cetane number greater than 40.

CFPP

The Cold Filter Plugging Point (IP309) provides information on potential precipitation of paraffin on filters at low temperatures.

The Cold Filter Plugging Point is defined as the temperature (expressed as a multiple of 1oC) at which the fuel, when cooled under the prescribed conditions, either will not flow through the filter or requires more than 60 seconds for 20 ml to pass through.

Cloud & Pour Point

When a fuel cools to low temperatures it can no longer perform its primary functions.

The lowest temperature at which a fluid continues to flow and therefore performs its functions in known as the pour point (measured by IP15).

Just prior to reaching the pour point the fluid becomes cloudy due to the crystallisation of waxy constituents. The temperature at which the cloudy appearance is first seen is known as the cloud point (measured by IP219). Using fuels at temperatures below the cloud point can result in filter plugging and poor performance.

Diesel fuel should have a cloud point of less than -17oC.

Copper Corrosion

Fluids working in an engine will always come into contact with metallic components made from copper or copper alloys. It is therefore essential that the fluids do not promote corrosion of the copper. Many oils and fuels contain sulphur compounds, which can be corrosive to copper.

This (IP154) test is performed to ascertain what levels of corrosion or tarnishing occurs when the fluid comes into contact with copper strips in the laboratory.

Flashpoint

Flashpoint (ASTM D93) is a measure of the fluid’s volatility and flammability, and refers to the minimum temperature at which there is sufficient vapour to cause a flash when a flame is introduced to the fluid’s vapour and air mixture.

For example, contamination with a more volatile fluid will decrease the fluid´s flashpoint.

Diesel fuel should have a flashpoint greater than 52oC.

Sulphur

We analyse for this element using ASTM D5185, employing ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Optical Emission Spectrometry) as illustrated.

Diesel fuel should have a sulphur content of less than 0.1%.

Viscosity

Viscosity measures the time it takes a fluid to flow under a specific temperature over a given distance in a capillary tube. Our Viscosity on Fuels analysis (at 40oC) follows IP 71.

Diesel typically has a viscosity between 1.6 and 5.8 Cst (Centistokes, the units of kinematic viscosity).

Water content

Any significant amount of water in a fuel system can be detrimental to the engine, levels above 1000ppm (0.1%) are considered abnormal.