Gasoline Testing & Certification
We can perform all of the tests required for the ASTM D4814 specification for gasoline including octane using CFR octane engines. We can also perform all of the tests required to calculate EPA Complex VOC reduction model, which is relevant in EPA-designated ozone nonattainment areas.
Gasoline is a blend of volatile liquids that breaks down over time. Oxidation, or the reaction of the liquid with oxygen, can lead to the formation of solid contaminants. Evaporation can leave a sticky residue, known as “gum” or non-volatile residue. These can cause clogged fuel filters and fuel injectors and can damage fuel pumps and carburetors. Ethanol (alcohol) is commonly blended with gasoline. Gasoline-ethanol blends are particularly likely to absorb moisture and can separate into two phases (a hydrocarbon phase floating on top of a water-alcohol phase, similar to the separation of oil and water). Phase separated gasoline is unusable because the water/alcohol layer will plug filters, cause corrosion and damage engine components and the gasoline layer doesn’t meet octane specifications.
We perform gasoline testing for refineries, pipelines, trucking companies, gas stations, car dealerships, insurance companies, and individual vehicle owners. While we can perform the full slate of testing for formal ASTM D4814 certification, we work with all of our customers to choose the tests that best meet their needs. Contact us today to discuss your own fuel testing options.
The following is a list of the gasoline-related tests that we perform. For additional information about the test method, click on the method number.
- ASTM D86 - Distillation
- ASTM D381 - Gum Content
- ASTM D525 - Oxidation Stability
- ASTM D1319 - FIA Analysis
- ASTM D2622 - Sulfur by XRF
- ASTM D2699 - Research Octane Number
- ASTM D2700 - Motor Octane Number
- ASTM D3606 - Benzene Analysis by GC
- ASTM D4052 - Density & API Gravity
- ASTM D4176 - Free Water & Particulate Contamination
- ASTM D4952 - Doctor Analysis
- ASTM D4814 §5.2.3 - Driveability Index (calculation only; requires D86 & D5845 or D4815)
- ASTM D4814 §X.2 - Vapor Liquid Ratio (Calculation, required D86 & D5191)
- ASTM D4815 - Ethanol & Oxygenates in Gasoline by GC
- ASTM D5191 - Vapor Pressure
- ASTM D5453 - Sulfur Content
- ASTM D6304 - Karl Fischer Water Content
- ASTM D5845 - Gasoline Analysis by Infrared Spectroscopy
- ASTM D6277 - Benzene in Gasoline
- ASTM D5769 - Aromatics in Gasoline by GC
- APL 001 - Gasoline Analysis by Petrospec
- UOP 163 - Hydrogen Sulfide & Mercaptan Sulfur
To learn more about testing gasoline according to industry standards, click on the specification name below.
