The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) has established various specifications used to characterize diesel fuel oils (ASTM D975) and provide a framework for definition and reference. However, these are the minimum requirements necessary to assure reasonable operation under typical conditions. When operational application, location and ambient specific characteristics are being considered, additional properties are identified and must be specifically measured and evaluated by appropriate testing and analysis.
DFS - Diesel Fuel Specification Verification
Diesel fuel specification testing verifies the product’s physical properties meet ASTM and OEM requirements. These tests are also used in identifying product deficiencies and in determining the root cause of fuel related problems.
DFS - Diesel Fuel Specification - ASTM D975
| TEST | METHOD |
| Ash Content | ASTM D482 |
| Carbon Residue, 10% Residue | ASTM D524 |
| Cetane Index (CALC.) | ASTM D4737 / D976 |
| Cloud Point | ASTM D2500 |
| Copper Corrosion, Strip | ASTM D130 |
| Density @ 15°C | ASTM D1298 |
| Distillation | ASTM D86 |
| Flash Point (PMCC) | ASTM D93 |
| Sediment & Water (BS & W) | ASTM D1796 / D2709 |
| Sulfur Content | ASTM D4294 / D5453 |
| Viscosity @ 40°C | ASTM D445 |
Minimum Sample Needed - 32 Oz.
DLTS - Long Term Storage
Fuels stored for more than six months are subject to aging degradation – oxidative products, condensation buildup, microbiological growth – and should be periodically tested to ensure reliable, satisfactory performance if used in systems than do not run continually.
DLTS - Long Term Stored Properties (ONLY)
| TEST | METHOD |
| Accelerated Stability | DUPONT F20-61 |
| Microorganism Culture | Test Kit |
| Particle Contamination | ASTM D5452 |
| Sediment & Water (BS & W) | ASTM D1796 / D2709 |
| Trace Metals, ppm | ASTM D7111 - Trace metals by ICP |
Minimum Sample Needed - 16 Oz.
DFQ - Quality Assurance
Quality testing monitors new deliveries and bulk storage tanks for continued stability and contamination. As fuel ages, chemical oxidation creates particulate formation and deposits or sediment are generated. Comprehensive testing determines when a fuel needs purification, fortification of antioxidant additives the addition of microbiological controls. This package is recommended for “center level” samples when the long-term storage properties of the “bottom level” samples are being tested
DFQ -Quality Assurance Package
| TEST | METHOD |
| Centane Index (CALC.) | ASTM D4737 / D976 |
| Cloud Point | ASTM D2500 |
| Density @ 15°C | ASTM D1298 |
| Distillation | ASTM D86 |
| Flash Point (PMCC) | ASTM D93 |
| Sediment & Water (BS & W) | ASTM D1796 / D2709 |
| Sulfur Content | ASTM D4294 / D5453 |
Minimum Sample Needed - 16 Oz.
DFC - Diesel Fuel Bottom / Clearance
Variable sampling points will optimize the detection and control of contaminants and the overall assessment of the fuel’s characteristics. While it’s important to know when water, dirt, oxides (rust), and other debris have settled to the bottom of a storage tank, a bottom sample alone may not be representative of the overall tank condition. Take both bottom samples and a center (mid-fuel level) samples for better accuracy.
DFC Bottom / Clearance Sample
Monitoring tanks for gross contamination: Diesel & Gas Turbine Fuels
| TEST | METHOD |
| Microorganism Culture | Test Kit |
| Sediment & Water (BS & W) | ASTM D1796 |
| Trace Metals, ppm | ASTM D7111 - Trace metals by ICP |
Minimum Sample Needed - 8 Oz.