Fuel Sampling & Testing for Optimal Quality and Efficiency

Through regular fuel sampling and fuel testing, our expert team detects contamination early and implements the necessary corrections to safeguard the longevity and performance of your fuel storage systems.

 
 
 

Fuel Sampling & Testing Services at OTS

Maintaining fuel quality is essential to the reliability and performance of fuel storage systems. Fuel sampling and fuel testing are structured processes used to assess the condition, stability, and cleanliness of stored fuel.

Fuel sampling involves collecting representative samples from different levels within a tank, while fuel testing analyses those samples to detect water contamination, microbial growth, particulates, sulphur levels, and indicators of chemical degradation. Together, they provide a clear picture of fuel condition and system risk.

Fuel sampling & testing

Why Fuel Sampling and Fuel Testing Matters

Fuel sampling & testing provides actionable insight into the condition of stored fuel and the health of associated storage systems. While contamination is not always visible, even low levels of water, bacteria, or particulates can compromise long-term reliability.

By turning fuel condition into measurable data, fuel testing enables informed decision-making and long-term asset protection.

Key benefits of regular fuel sampling and testing:

  • Detect stability issues before they affect performance

  • Extent the lifespan of your fuel storage and dispensing systems

  • Reduce the risk of injector wear, filter blockages and corrosion

  • Support planned maintenance rather than reactive repairs

  • Protect standby generators and critical infrastructure systems

  • Demonstrate responsible fuel management during audits

Our Fuel Testing & Sampling Procedures

  • Fuel Sampling

    Structured Fuel Sampling

    Fuel samples are taken from representative tank levels, typically from the bottom and middle of the tank, where contamination and sediment are most likely to accumulate. This structured fuel sampling approach ensures accurate and meaningful fuel testing results.

  • Fuel Testing

    Comprehensive Fuel Testing Analysis

    Our fuel testing procedures assess entrained and suspended water, particulates, microbial contamination, sulphur content, and FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester). These indicators reveal fuel degradation, instability, or contamination risk before operational performance is affected.

  • Compliance

    Benchmarking Against Standards

    Fuel test results are benchmarked against BS EN590 where applicable. This allows us to assess whether stored fuel meets recognised quality specifications and determine whether corrective action is required.

  • Fuel Quality

    Treatment & Corrective Action

    Where fuel testing identifies contamination or instability, OTS provides practical corrective solutions. This may include fuel polishing to restore fuel quality through filtration and conditioning. If fuel is deemed non-recoverable, we can carry out safe fuel uplift and compliant disposal to protect equipment and maintain environmental standards.

Diesel Bug

What is Diesel Bug?

Diesel bug refers to microbial contamination, including bacteria, fungi, and yeast that thrive at the water-fuel interface in diesel storage systems. Over time, these microbes can form a sludge, compromising fuel integrity and leading to clogged filters, corroded tanks, and reduced engine efficiency.

Testing for Diesel Bug

At OTS Group, our advanced fuel sampling and fuel testing services incorporate specialised tests to detect and identify microbial contamination. By employing state-of-the-art equipment and adhering to industry-standard practices, we ensure an accurate diagnosis of Diesel Bug.

What happens if contamination is found?

If fuel testing highlights contamination, OTS provides integrated solutions such as fuel polishing, tank cleaning, or safe uplift and disposal to restore compliance and protect your operations.

For more information on Diesel Bug and other challenges of storing diesel, read our article here.

Why Choose OTS for Fuel Sampling & Testing?

When it comes to fuel sampling and fuel testing, technical accuracy and practical experience are essential. OTS delivers structured testing aligned with recognised industry standards.

  • Our fuel sampling and fuel testing services align with BS 5410-3:2023 and BS EN590 benchmarking standards, ensuring results are reliable and defensible. Testing follows recognised best practice and provides documented evidence for compliance and audit purposes.

  • We don’t rely on visual checks alone. Our fuel testing procedures detect entrained water, microbial growth, particulates, sulphur, and FAME content to provide a clear assessment of fuel condition.

  • Every fuel testing service is supported by structured reporting. Where contamination or degradation is identified, we provide practical next steps, including fuel polishing, tank cleaning, or safe uplift and disposal.

  • Fuel sampling and fuel testing sit within a broader suite of OTS services. This allows inspection findings to transition directly into corrective action, reducing downtime and protecting long-term asset performance.

Fuel Sampling & Testing FAQs

  • Testing frequency depends on tank usage, fuel type, and operational risk. Many operators adopt quarterly or biannual fuel testing, particularly for backup systems or critical infrastructure. OTS can recommend a suitable testing schedule based on your storage conditions.

  • Yes. Biodiesel and blended fuels containing FAME are more susceptible to oxidation, microbial growth, and water absorption during storage. As a result, biodiesel systems often benefit from more frequent fuel sampling and fuel testing, particularly where fuel is stored for extended periods or used in backup systems. Routine testing helps identify degradation early and determine whether treatment, polishing, or corrective action is required.

  • Yes. Early identification of contamination through fuel testing allows corrective measures such as fuel polishing or tank cleaning before damage occurs. This significantly reduces the risk of filter blockages, corrosion, and injector wear.

Book your fuel sampling & testing today

Safeguard your operations with our fuel testing and sampling services, designed to keep your systems safe, efficient, and compliant. Contact us today to discover how we can support the longevity and performance of your operations.

 
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