Aviation Fuel Testing — Ensuring Safety, Reliability, and Compliance
Fuel used in aviation are among the most tightly specified petroleum products.The parameters such as color, corrosivity, sulfur compounds, hydrocarbon composition, electrical conductivity, residue formation, and impurity levels directly affect performance and handling safety. AGT Labs performs ISO/IEC 17025-accredited analyses for Jet A, Jet A-1, Avgas, and SAF blends using recognized ASTM, EN, IP methods.
To verify conformity to client or regulatory specifications, investigate contamination pathways, and support root-cause analysis for fuel-related events. Our laboratory can traceable calibration with low-level detection (ICP-MS, GC-MS, JFTOT) and documented QA/QC to deliver defensible results and clear technical interpretation.
The ones who benefit are airlines, MROs, fuel blenders and distributors, airport fuel farms, defense programs, refineries, and SAF producers.
Service Highlights
- Accredited scope covering core aviation fuel methods (color, copper corrosion, sulfur species, electrical conductivity, hydrocarbon composition (GC-FID)).
- Rapid, traceable turnaround: standard 24–72 hours with expedited lanes for urgent incidents.
- Clear COA reporting with method references, units, measurement uncertainty (where applicable) and interpretive comments.
Industries We Serve
- Airlines & Fleet Operators — routine batch verification and off-spec troubleshooting.
- Airport Fuel Farms & Into-Plane Services — receipt checks, hydrant quality monitoring, filtration validation.
- Refineries & Blenders — certification of Jet A / Avgas production runs and blend validation.
- MRO Facilities — component cleanliness, flush verification, contamination investigation.
Detailed Test Matrix
Common test parameters, reference methods, typical instrumentation and notes. Contact us for custom methods or bundled packages.
| Test / Parameter | Reference Method(s) | Instrument / Technique | LOD / Notes | TAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color (Platinum–Cobalt Scale) | ASTM D1209 | Visual | Color assessment of clear hydrocarbon liquids | 24–48 h |
| Color (Automatic Tristimulus) | ASTM D6045 | Automatic Colorimeter | Precision color measurement for base oil clarity | 24–48 h |
| Copper Strip Corrosion | ASTM D130 / D849 / D1838 | Visual | Detects corrosive sulfur compounds; base oil purity indicator | 24–48 h |
| Ramsbottom Carbon Residue | ASTM D524 | Gravimetric | Determines coke-forming tendencies of petroleum products | 48–72 h |
| Nonvolatile Matter (Halogenated Solvents) | ASTM D2109 | Gravimetric | Residue determination in solvent-contaminated base oils | 48–72 h |
| Nonvolatile Matter (Volatile Solvents) | ASTM D1353 | Gravimetric | Determines residue after evaporation | 48–72 h |
| Odor of Volatile Solvents | ASTM D1296 | Manual Odor Evaluation | Qualitative odor characterization for hydrocarbon purity | 24–48 h |
| Refractive Index | ASTM D1218 | Refractometer | Identifies hydrocarbon type and detects mixing | 24–48 h |
| Electrical Conductivity | ASTM D2624 / ASTM D1125 | Conductivity Meter | ESD-sensitive applications; detects contamination | 24–48 h |
| Hydrocarbon Composition | ASTM D2163 | GC-FID | Detailed light-end hydrocarbon profiling | 48–72 h |
| Sulfur Compounds | ASTM D5623 | GC-PFPD | Speciated sulfur analysis for high-purity base stocks | 48–72 h |
| Detailed Hydrocarbon Analysis | ASTM D8150 | GC-FID | DHA of naphtha-range hydrocarbons | 48–72 h |
| Gum Content | ASTM D381 | Gravimetric | Determines tendency to form deposits | 24–48 h |
Laboratory Capabilities & Instrumentation
Analytical Systems
Reliable aviation fuel testing with accredited methods for appearance, odor, corrosion response, volatility profile, gum tendency and residue cleanliness.”
Quality Systems
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation with full aviation fuel scope.
- Calibration traceable to national standards with documented schedules.
- Measurement uncertainty assessed and reported where required.
- CRMs and proficiency testing ensure ongoing comparability.
Sampling, Handling & Chain of Custody
Reliable decisions begin with representative samples. We supply kits, or we accept client-collected samples with a completed Chain of Custody.
Containers & Handling
- Prefer clean amber glass or aviation-grade aluminum; minimize headspace and tighten caps.
- Avoid plastics that may leach additives or absorb hydrocarbons.
- Label clearly with ID, product, sampling point, date/time and sampler.
Transport
- Comply with IATA/ICAO rules for fuel transport; use certified couriers.
- Temperature-controlled return shipping for viability-sensitive samples.
- Include CoC; all samples are logged on receipt with condition recorded.
Quality Assurance, Reporting & Interpretation
Deliverables include a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with method references, results, units, measurement uncertainty where applicable, and interpretive comments. For out-of-spec results we provide practical next-step guidance.
Turnaround Times & Test Packages
| Package | Typical Tests | Typical TAT |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Aviation Fuel QC Panel | Color, Tristimulus Color, Electrical Conductivity, Odor Evaluation | 24–48 h |
| Jet Fuel Compositional Panel | Hydrocarbon Composition, Sulfur Compounds by GC-PFPD , Detailed Hydrocarbon Analysis – DHA | 48–72 h |
| AvGas / Jet Fuel Purity & Stability Panel | Copper Strip Corrosion , Nonvolatile Residue, Gum Content | 48–72 h |
| Contamination / Fuel Quality Screening | Corrosion Assessment , Electrical Conductivity Hydrocarbon Composition Odor | 3–5 days |
Standards & Accreditation
Methods include ASTM (ASTM D1218 , ASTM D1353 , ASTM D6045 , ASTM D524 , ASTM D1125 , ASTM D381). Full certificate and scope available on request.
FAQs — Aviation Fuel
What container should I use for aviation fuel?
Can you test SAF blends?
Do you provide sampling kits?
Deliverables & Value-Added Services
- COA with interpretive comments and measurement uncertainty.
- Raw data and instrument outputs on request.
- Post-remediation verification & clearance sampling.
- On-site sampling support and technical consultation (by arrangement).
Summary
AGT Labs’ Aviation Fuel Testing delivers accredited, method-driven results with rapid turnaround and experienced interpretation — supporting safe, reliable operations across the aviation supply chain.