Biodiesel Testing — Quality, Compliance & Feedstock Assurance
Biodiesel testing quality screening using accredited appearance, corrosion, residue and contamination checks to verify product cleanliness and stability. AGT Labs provides accredited testing for biodiesel and blended fuels to confirm compliance with EN 14214, ASTM D6751 and regional specifications. Our services cover feedstock verification, production QC, stability testing, contaminants screening and blend confirmation.
We support biodiesel producers, distributors, fuel blenders and regulatory bodies with traceable results, method-matched sample handling and interpretive reporting to help manage production, storage and supply-chain risks.
Who benefits: biodiesel producers, renewable fuel blenders, fuel distributors, regulators, quality managers and engine OEMs.
Service Highlights
- FAME quantitation & blend verification (GC methods) and EN/ASTM conformance testing.
- Oxidative stability, cold-weather performance (CFPP/Cold Soak), water/sediment and glycerol analysis.
- Rapid turnaround for production QC and incident response; full COA and interpretive comments included.
Industries We Serve
- Biodiesel Producers — feedstock validation, QC of batches and certification testing.
- Fuel Blenders & Distributors — blend verification, RIN/qualifying documentation support.
- Transport & Fleet Operators — acceptance testing and storage stability checks.
- Regulators & Certification Bodies — independent testing and dispute resolution.
- Engine OEMs & MROs — compatibility checks and contamination diagnosis.
Common Tests & Reference Methods
Key parameters for biodiesel testing, quality assurance and blend compliance. Contact us for customised panels or regional specification checks.
| Test / Parameter | Reference Method(s) | Instrument / Technique | LOD / Notes | TAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color (Platinum–Cobalt Scale) | ASTM D1209 | Visual | Evaluates clarity and contamination in biodiesel / feedstocks | 24–48 h |
| Color (Automatic Tristimulus) | ASTM D6045 | Automatic Colorimeter | Accurate color measurement for biodiesel transparency and quality | 24–48 h |
| Copper Strip Corrosion | ASTM D130 / D849 / D1838 | Visual | Detects corrosive sulfur or acidic compounds in biodiesel blends | 24–48 h |
| Ramsbottom Carbon Residue | ASTM D524 | Gravimetric | Measures biodiesel tendency to form coke/carbon deposits | 48–72 h |
| Nonvolatile Matter (Halogenated Solvents) | ASTM D2109 | Gravimetric | Determines residue in biodiesel exposed to halogenated contaminants | 48–72 h |
| Nonvolatile Matter (Volatile Solvents) | ASTM D1353 | Gravimetric | Measures residue after evaporation; detects solvent contamination | 48–72 h |
| Odor (Volatile Solvents) | ASTM D1296 | Manual Odor Evaluation | Identifies off-odors caused by oxidation or contamination | 24–48 h |
| Refractive Index | ASTM D1218 | Refractometer | Detects mixing, adulteration, and biodiesel purity variations | 24–48 h |
| Electrical Conductivity | ASTM D2624 / ASTM D1125 | Conductivity Meter | Detects ionic contamination and static-related fuel handling risks | 24–48 h |
| Hydrocarbon Composition | ASTM D2163 | GC-FID | Determines LPG/light-end hydrocarbons in biodiesel blends | 48–72 h |
Laboratory Capabilities & Instrumentation
Analytical Systems
GC-FID / GC-MS — FAME profiling, glycerol and trace contaminants; Rancimat / PetroOXY for oxidative stability; ICP / XRF for sulfur and inorganic contaminants; Karl Fischer for water; automated viscometers and cold-flow test rigs for CFPP/Cold Soak.
Production QA
- Batch acceptance testing and certificate generation (COA).
- Feedstock screening and free glycerol monitoring for process optimisation.
- Antioxidant effectiveness verification and shelf-life studies.
- Support for regulatory documentation and R&D trials.
Sampling, Handling & Chain of Custody
Representative sampling and correct handling are essential for defensible biodiesel testing. We provide sampling kits or accept client-supplied samples with a completed Chain of Custody (CoC).
Containers & Handling
- Use clean glass or metal containers; avoid reactive plastics that may adsorb or leach.
- Minimise headspace for stability-sensitive tests (oxidation).
- Label with batch ID, feedstock type, production date/time and sampler details.
Transport
- Ship samples promptly; for stability studies keep at cool, dark conditions.
- Provide feedstock and process notes (catalyst used, methanol wash steps) to aid interpretation.
- Include CoC; samples recorded on receipt and stored per test requirements.
Download our Sample Submission Guide for container types, labels and shipping instructions.
Quality Assurance, Reporting & Interpretation
Reports include a Certificate of Analysis (COA) with method references, results, units and measurement uncertainty where applicable. Interpretive comments are included for out-of-spec results and production troubleshooting.
- COA Contents: Batch ID, feedstock, test methods, results, units, MU, analyst initials and authorised signatory.
- Data Delivery: PDF COA via secure portal; raw data (CSV/instrument files) available on request.
- Technical Support: Root-cause analysis for off-spec results and recommendations for corrective actions.
Turnaround Times & Test Packages
| Package | Typical Tests | Typical TAT |
|---|---|---|
| Production QC | Color check, conductivity, methanol content, sulfur compound screening, hydrocarbon composition, gum content | 24–48 h |
| Storage Stability | Color stability, gum formation tendency, corrosion check, nonvolatile residue | 48–72 h |
| Compliance Panel | Alcohol and volatile impurity profiling, sulfur speciation, detailed hydrocarbon analysis, hydrocarbon fingerprinting, corrosion rating, refractive index, odor & appearance assessment, electrical conductivity | 48–96 h |
| Expedited | Priority processing of key parameters (color, contamination, methanol, corrosion, sulfur, composition) | <24 h (by arrangement) |
Standards & Accreditation
AGT Labs performs biodiesel testing according to ASTM D1209, ASTM D6045, EN15721, EN14110 and other validated methods. We are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited — full scope and certificates available on request.
FAQs — Biodiesel
What is FAME and why is it tested?
How do you test oxidative stability?
Can you quantify glycerol?
Deliverables & Value-Added Services
- COA with interpretive comments and measurement uncertainty where applicable.
- Blend confirmation and traceable FAME profiling for regulatory and market needs.
- Storage stability studies and custom shelf-life reports.
- Root-cause support for off-spec batches and on-site sampling consulting (by arrangement).
Summary
AGT Labs’ Biodiesel Testing combines accredited methods, production-focused QC and interpretive expertise to help producers and suppliers deliver consistent, compliant biodiesel — minimising operational and regulatory risk.