Fuel quality can seriously affect the efficient operation of engines.
By investigating the fuel, Oilcheck can assist the end user to assess
the quality of fuel as delivered from storage.
Testing Levels
|
Level 1
|
A
screening test to determine if there is a problem with the fuel. Used
in case of suspicion of excessive water or contamination with
particulate matter causing performance problems.
|
Level 2
|
In
addition to Schedule 1, Schedule 2 measures bacterial / fungal growth
that may also cause filter blockage and performance problems.
|
Level 3
|
A
quality check for conformance to specification. This Schedule will
provide a definitive conclusion on the fuels fitness for use. The
analysis determines the fuel quality when sourcing causes of
performance problems (low power, smoking, component damage, etc). It
indicates poor fuel quality due to contamination by light or heavy
grade products such as kerosene, petrol, solvents, wax, oil etc..
|
| |
| RECOMMENDED TESTING SCHEDULE |
DIESEL FUEL |
TESTING LEVELS |
| Analysis |
Nata Accredited |
Method |
Explanation |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Level 3 |
| Appearance |
YES |
ASTM D4176 |
A quick indicator of water or dirt contamination in the fuel. |
YES |
YES |
YES |
|
Colour |
YES |
ASTM D1500 |
Diesel is naturally coloured. Changes may indicate ageing or contamination. |
YES |
YES |
YES |
| Particulate Contamination |
YES |
OL1003 |
Particulates contribute to fuel system blockage and faulty injector operation. |
YES |
YES |
YES |
|
Moisture Content |
YES |
ASTM D6304A |
Moisture contributes to fuel system blockage, faulty injector operation and promotes fungal growth. |
YES |
YES |
YES |
| Density |
YES |
ASTM D4052/D1298 |
Density is an indicator of contamination. |
YES |
YES |
YES |
|
Bacteria/Fungal Growth |
|
OL1056 |
Fungal growth contributes to fuel blockages, faulty injector operation and promotes corrosion. |
|
YES |
YES |
| Flash Point Closed Cup |
YES |
ASTM D93 |
Flash point helps indicate type and degree of contamination. |
|
|
YES |
| Distillation Range |
YES |
ASTM D86/D2887 |
Distillation range helps indicate type and degree of contamination. |
|
|
YES |
| Cloud Point |
YES |
ASTM D2500 |
The temperature at which wax crystals form. It is a measure of fuel cold weather properties. |
|
|
YES |
| Calculated Cetane Index |
YES |
ASTM D4737 |
Measures how easily diesel fuel ignites. High index generally indicates smoother combustion with less smoke. |
|
|
YES |
| Biodiesel Content / Infrared Scan |
|
OL1087 |
Measures the amount of biodiesel present, if any, in the fuel. The infrared scan also helps identify any contaminants present. |
|
|
YES |
|
Which tests to use 
Show/Hide Modules
