Gasoline Testing — Quality, Performance & Compliance
AGT Labs performs a comprehensive suite of gasoline testing to ensure product quality, regulatory compliance and fuel performance. Our work covers Color,Corrosivity, Deposit Potential, Nonvolatile Residue, Electrical Conductivity, Refractive Index using validated ASTM and regulatory methods.
We support fuel suppliers, terminals, retail networks, OEMs and regulators with precise, traceable data and actionable interpretation.
Who benefits: refiners, fuel distributors, petrol station operators, automotive OEMs, regulatory agencies and forensic investigators.
Service Highlights
- Nonvolatile Matter (Volatile solvents) by ASTM methods, blending check and antidetonation performance.
- Volatility screening for seasonally appropriate blends and storage stability.
- Detailed compositional profiling is carried out using accredited GC-based techniques to identify and quantify hydrocarbon families, trace contaminants and sulfur-bearing species.
Industries We Serve
- Fuel Blenders & Terminals — verification of blend uniformity and detection of off-spec components through GC-based compositional profiling.
- Oil Marketing Companies — routine quality checks during storage, transportation and distribution to ensure product integrity.
- Retail & Forecourt Operators — contamination screening (solvents, diesel carryover, residues) to address customer complaints or performance issues.
Gasoline Test Matrix
Commonly-requested gasoline testing for quality control, regulatory compliance and troubleshooting.
| Test / Parameter | Reference / Method | Technique / Instrument | Notes / TAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color (Visual) | ASTM D1209 | Visual comparison | Checks gasoline clarity and detects contamination. 24–48 h. |
| Color (Automatic Tristimulus) | ASTM D6045 | Automatic colorimeter | Precise color grading for gasoline oxidation and cleanliness. 24–48 h. |
| Copper Strip Corrosion | ASTM D130 / D849 / D1838 | Visual corrosion rating | Indicates corrosive sulfur presence in gasoline. 24–48 h. |
| Carbon Residue | ASTM D524 | Ramsbottom / gravimetric | Measures deposit-forming tendency in gasoline fractions. 48–72 h. |
| Odor Assessment | ASTM D1296 | Manual odor check | Detects abnormal gasoline odors from degradation or contamination. 24–48 h. |
| Refractive Index | ASTM D1218 | Refractometer | Identifies adulteration and compositional changes in gasoline. 24–48 h. |
| Electrical Conductivity | ASTM D2624 / ASTM D1125 | Conductivity meter | Evaluates antistatic properties and ionic contamination. 24–48 h. |
| Light Hydrocarbon Composition | ASTM D2163 | GC-FID | Profiles LPG/light-end hydrocarbons affecting volatility. 48–72 h. |
| Sulfur Compounds (Speciated) | ASTM D5623 | GC-PFPD | Breakdown of sulfur species for gasoline corrosion control. 48–72 h. |
| Detailed Hydrocarbon Analysis (DHA) | ASTM D8150 | GC-FID | Gasoline-range hydrocarbon fingerprinting (light naphtha). 48–72 h. |
| Gum Content | ASTM D381 | Gravimetric | Indicates gum-forming tendencies from oxidation or contaminants. 24–48 h. |
Laboratory Capabilities & Instrumentation
Analytical Systems
GC-MS/FID for compositional profiling and oxygenate quantitation, octane CFR engines, XRF/UV-F for sulfur, headspace and RVP equipment, Karl Fischer for water, and ICP for trace metals.
Quality & Compliance Services
- Regulatory compliance testing and certificate-ready reporting.
- Blend verification and octane management support.
- Forensic investigation support: contamination source identification and chain-of-custody reporting.
- On-site sampling support and SOP development.
Sampling, Handling & Chain of Custody
Representative sampling at tank, truck or rail car is essential. For ethanol blends sample mixing and temperature are important to avoid phase separation artifacts.
Sampling Tips
- Obtain composite samples from multiple points when possible for large tanks.
- Record temperature and blend (e.g., E10, E85) at time of sampling.
- Ship sealed; avoid headspace changes and contamination from containers.
Volumes & Storage
- Typical sample 100–500 mL depending on panel and retention needs.
- Store in clean, dry containers; avoid plasticizers for sensitive analytes if possible.
- Keep a retained sample for dispute or re-analysis.
Quality Assurance, Reporting & Interpretation
Reports provide numeric results, spec comparisons and concise interpretation for dispatch or compliance. For investigations we include chain-of-custody and evidence-ready documentation.
Turnaround Times & Test Packages
| Package | Typical Tests | Typical TAT |
|---|---|---|
| Production QC | Density, color, copper strip corrosion, gum content, odor, conductivity | 24–48 h |
| Light Ends & Volatility Screening | Hydrocarbon composition (light ends), refractive index, appearance checks | 24–48 h |
| Sulfur & Corrosion Control | Speciated sulfur compounds, copper strip corrosion, H₂S vapor assessment | 48–72 h |
| DHA / Hydrocarbon Profiling | Detailed hydrocarbon analysis (DHA), LPG/light-end composition | 48–72 h |
Standards & Accreditation
Gasoline testing follows ASTM, EN and local regulatory methods (e.g., ASTM D524, D1125, D2163, D381). AGT Labs is ISO/IEC 17025-aligned; certificates and method scope available on request.
FAQs — Gasoline Testing
How is octane reported?
Can you test ethanol blends?
Do you handle legal/forensic cases?
Deliverables & Value-Added Services
- COA with spec comparison and interpretive summary.
- Trend analysis and routine QC programs for terminals and retailers.
- Forensic reporting suitable for disputes and regulatory action.
- On-site sampling support and SOP development.
Summary
AGT Labs’ Gasoline Testing delivers rapid, regulatory-grade analysis for product quality, blend control and forensic needs — helping suppliers and operators maintain performance, safety and compliance.