Fuel Testing & Analysis

CommTank provides fuel oil testing and analysis to ASTM standards. We provide timely fuel information and analysis, accurate results, and onsite fuel oil sampling. Customers in our service area with mission critical systems use our company to sample and test their fuel oil to keep their operations running smoothly.  Client benefits include competitive costs for a range of quality services performed by CommTank professionals.

Area facilities that require fuel quality testing

• Medical
• Emergency / First Response
• Senior Care / Assisted Living
• Data Centers
• Airports
• Communication
• Transportation
• Energy

We recommend our fuel oil customers set up an annual product testing program, especially if their facility is legally required to meet Massachusetts Fire Code requirements or NFPA 110 standards or if they require compliance to meet the Joint Commissions accreditation standards. Our experience and expertise ensure that we don’t confuse the fuel testing process by providing multiple packages. We provide the information and testing needed to ensure good fuel quality and to keep you compliant.

Types of fuel we test

• Diesel Fuel
• Fuel Oil
• Biodiesel

• Minimal Sample Sizes for fuel:  2 Liter
• Sample Container:  Glass or Metal (provided by CommTank)

Fuel Sampling

CommTank provides onsite fuel sampling services. A technician will collect a representative composite sample using ASTM D4047, take notes, photographs, and label each sample.  We then transport the sample back to our laboratory in a timely manner and ensure it is kept cool so that it is representative of the fuel in your storage tank.

Samples can be taken from aboveground or underground fuel oil tanks, tanker trucks or boat fuel tanks. A custom made sampler may be used depending upon the specific application.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is testing my fuel important?
There are many factors that lead to the degradation of diesel fuel. Periodic testing of your fuel will assure its quality to the industry ASTM standard. Should a facility ignore the laws or recommendations to test its fuel, there could be significant consequences. In the event of an emergency, contaminated fuel could cause a backup generator failure. Situations like these could be life threatening so taking care in their prevention is very important.

When am I required to test my fuel?
According to Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code (527 CMR 1.00), any facility operating an emergency standby power generator is required to conduct an annual fuel quality test to ASTM standards. Additionally, any facility with accreditation by the Joint Commission or seeking accreditation must comply with their standards. The Joint Commission follows National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 99 guidelines for regulation of medical facilities and NFPA 110. NFPA 110 specifies regulations and testing requirements for emergency generators. To ensure all of your diesel powered equipment will function properly, we recommend an annual fuel quality test even if your facility does not fall under these categories.

What fuel testing services do you provide?
We test diesel fuel to ASTM standards. The ASTM provides the industry standard test methods for diesel fuel and is often cited in regulations such as the NFPA 110. Our test package which includes ASTM D1796, D93, D6217, D7978, D2500, and D97 provides a comprehensive and accurate look into the quality of your fuel.

How are samples transported to your lab?
For fuel testing services, most labs will send a sample retrieval kit for you to figure out on your own. At CommTank, we will send a technician to your facility to take samples from various points in your tank. This will ensure samples are taken correctly and will provide results that reflect the health of all fuel in your tank.  Additionally, we transport and test your fuel at our facility, so no untrained personnel will be handling test samples.

What should I do if my fuel is found to be below standard quality?
If your fuel fails a test, there are a few options for your next step to bringing it up to quality. We provide fuel filtering and polishing services that can extend the lifespan of your fuel and bring it back up to an acceptable level. Alternatively, if your fuel is found to be contaminated beyond recovery, it should be pumped out, properly disposed of, and replaced for the safe use of the machinery it is powering.