Comprehensive Fuel Quality Analysis and Maintenance Solutions
At Wright Fuels, we offer a range of services designed to ensure the quality and reliability of your stored fuels. From mobile analysis centers to rapid testing and reporting, our team of experts is dedicated to delivering accurate results and actionable insights, all while saving you time and money.
Depending on your needs, we can provide the folllowing analysis services
ISO4406 Particle Count (ASTM D7619)
High levels of particle contamination can cause filters to block and increase engine wear, leading to mechanical breakdowns and costly downtime. We use test method ASTM D7619, to analyse the cleanliness of your fuel against current ISO 4406 specifications.
Cleanliness is a term used to describe the relative quantity of solid contaminant particles in any given system which is large enough to cause a seizure or fracture which is irreversible. You can gauge a fluid’s cleanliness by referring to a number of internationally-agreed standards.
The most common standard used to rate cleanliness is the ISO 4406.
Water Content Analysis (KF Titration)
The effects of water contamination can be disastrous and can ultimately lead to catastrophic failure of a machine.
When water comes into contact with iron or steel surfaces, a chemical reaction takes place producing a red/brown oxide (rust). Rust particles are very abrasive and can go on to expose fresh metal surfaces which can also rust. Water droplets can also impact any metal surface in the form of a high-pressure, needle-like jet which can cause surface fatigue.
Using coulometric Karl Fischer titration, we can ensure the water levels in your fuel are within safe operating limits
Flash Point (ASTM D3828)
Flash point testing is a procedure designed to determine whether a sampled mixture of vapour and air is flammable. It can also determine the temperature at which flammability occurs in a sample. The lowest temperature at which its vapours ignite from an ignition source is the flash point of a material.
Flash point analysis can be extremely useful in determining if your fuel has become contaminated with another substance. This could reduce performance of the application or could increase the risks associated with fuel storage.
We use ASTM D3828 to determine if your fuel meets relevant specifications.
Bio (F.A.M.E) Content (ASTM D8274)
Fatty acid methyl esters (F.A.M.E) are a type of fatty acid ester that are derived by transesterification of fats with methanol. The molecules in biodiesel are primarily F.A.M.E, usually obtained from vegetable oils by transesterification.
One of the reasons for F.A.M.E use in biodiesel instead of free fatty acids is to nullify any corrosion that free fatty acids would cause to the metals of engines, production facilities, storage tanks and so forth.
We use test method ASTM D8274 to analyse what percentage of your fuel consists of F.A.M.E.
Density at 15°C (ASTM D7777)
Fuel density is an important quality parameter of diesel fuel. It is used for the description of the product and to calculate further fuel characteristics.
Throughout the past 170 years of fuel history, common practices in measurement have become standardised differently in different regions. Because density greatly depends on temperature, it is required to report density values at a convenient temperature. Density is most commonly reported at a temperature of 15°C
We test method ASTM D7777 to determine if your fuel meets the relevant specifications.
Microbial Contamination
Usually, fuel can stay in a usable condition under storage for up to a year, after which it may begin to develop sediments, bacteria and fungi.
Water that forms in fuel tanks due to condensation (when the tanks heat up during the day and cool down at night, for example), creates the perfect petri dish for these bacteria. One of the most common microorganisms that can grow under these circumstances is the diesel bug, which will deteriorate your fuel and create a sludge capable of damaging your engine.
We can determine if your fuel is affected by microbial contamination.
Our Services Include
Fuel Quality Monitoring Programmes
Fuel quality monitoring programs help to protect the quality of fuel supplied to businesses and end-users.
Regular testing of your fuel helps to avoid problems with increased engine wear, schedule disruptions, downtime and costly repairs. Our expert knowledge and fast turnaround of fuel analysis results allow you to take rapid action to solve a problem should it arise, ensuring a reliable service to your end users.
Contact us to find out how we can help you to implement a fuel quality monitoring program for your business.
Breakdown Investigations
Fuel contamination can occur at any point along the supply chain. If you suffer from mechanical breakdown caused by fuel contamination, you should identify the source as well as the type of contamination.
By sampling different points of your fuel supply chain, we can help to narrow down where the issue lies. By identifying the source of the contamination, we can help you to reduce the risk of further breakdowns.
Get in touch if you need help investigating the source of fuel contamination and what steps you should take to rectify the situation.