Diesel Fuel Testing & Analysis

• Potential uses: Routine fuel testing; spot-checking contamination; verification of fuel properties; checking for contamination of bulk fuel deliveries
• Problems addressed: Starting, power, low temperatures, noise, fuel economy, gross contamination, abrasive wear, filter plugging, or corrosion
• Tests included: Bottom Solids and Water, ISO Particle Count, % Water by KF, Clear & Bright Fuel Test (Visual Check), and Distillation**
• Recommended frequency: 2x per year or more frequently if fuel quality or cleanliness is below standard

**outsourced in the U.S.

• Potential uses: Verification of condition of diesel fuel in storage; basic assessment of fuel contamination
• Problems addressed: Starting, power, low temperatures, noise, fuel economy, gross contamination, abrasive wear, filter plugging, corrosion, bacterial growth, cross-contamination with oils/coolants/detergents
• Tests included: Bottom Solids and Water, ISO Particle Count, Sediment Photo, % Water by KF, Clear & Bright Fuel Test (Visual Check), ICP Spectrometry, Bacteria/Yeast/Mold, and Distillation**
• Recommended Frequency: Whichever comes first: 4x per year (quarterly) or after a full bulk inventory turn (cycle)

**outsourced in the U.S.

• Potential uses: Seasonal validation of diesel fuel; routine testing of emergency generators
• Problems addressed: Starting, power, low temperatures, noise, fuel economy, gross contamination, gross contamination, corrosion, verification of ULSD
• Tests included: Bottom Solids and Water, % Water by KF, Clear & Bright Fuel Test (Visual Check), Viscosity @40C, Cloud Point**, Distillation**, Density**, Cetane Index (Calculation from Distillation and Density)
• Recommended frequency: Triggered by significant weather changes (rapid temperature swings, dust storms, heavy rain/snow, etc.) or during seasonal change-over (summer vs winter)

**outsourced in the U.S.

• Potential uses: Confirm adherence to following specifications: Caterpillar, Komatsu, Cummins, ASTM D975, Worldwide Fuel Charter, Canadian General Standards Board (GGSB)
• Problems addressed: Starting, power, low temperatures, noise, fuel economy, gross contamination, abrasive wear, filter plugging, corrosion, pump wear, cross-contamination with oils/coolants/detergents, verification of ULSD
• Tests included: Bottom Solids and Water, Viscosity @40C, ISO Particle Count, % Water by KF, Clear & Bright Fuel Test (Visual Check), ICP Spectrometry, Flash Point (Closed Cup), Cloud Point**, Sulfur**, Active Sulfur (Copper Corrosion), Distillation**, Density**, Cetane Index (Calculation from Distillation and Density)
• Recommended frequency: Event-triggered or depends on cleanliness compliance
• NOTE: Exact specifications may require additional tests. Contact us for more information.

**outsourced in the U.S.

• Potential uses: For troubleshooting specific issues or to confirm if diesel fuel in long term storage is acceptable for continued usage
• Problems addressed: Starting, power, low temperatures, noise, fuel economy, gross contamination, corrosion, verification of ULSD, fuel stability
• Tests included: Bottom Solids and Water, Viscosity @40C, ISO Particle Count, Sediment Photo, % Water by KF, Clear & Bright Fuel Test (Visual Check), ICP Spectrometry, Bacteria/Yeast/Mold, Cloud Point**, Sulfur**, Active Sulfur (Copper Corrosion), Distillation**, Density**, Cetane Index (Calculation from Distillation and Density)
• Recommended frequency: 2x annually

**outsourced in the U.S.

Diesel fuel is considered a regulated substance in both Canada and the United States, and is therefore subject to various regulations. Diesel fuel CANNOT be shipped via AIR. Diesel shipped via ground must be shipped in an approved container:

• CANADA – metal containers
• USA – metal or reinforced plastic containers

Contact our Order Desk if you need to order the right container to ship your diesel fuel sample.

Here are some general guidelines for testing diesel fuel.

Fuel Deliveries

• Routine testing – every shipment  (Certificate of Analysis)

Bulk Tanks / Fuel Islands

• Routine Testing – every 2 weeks (based on fuel consumption)
• Seasonal Fuel Testing – every 3 months
• Long Term Storage Testing – contact Fluid Life

Individual Machines

• Troubleshooting – As needed
• Fuel Specification Compliance – contact Fluid Life

Investigation of Issues

This document provides best practice workflows for the investigation of diesel engine fuel issues which may be related to the fuel or filter.

In this webinar, Marc Pinkerton, Senior Account Manager for Fluid Life, discusses diesel fuel quality and cleanliness. Topics include:

• Diesel Fuel Quality and Characteristics
• Diesel Fuel Cleanliness and Contamination
• Mitigation and Contamination Control Strategies
• Diesel Fuel Monitoring