Difference Between Fuel Kits and Fuel Analysis Labs

Business owners have many analysis options to determine the quality of the diesel fuel running through their machines, including lab kits you administer on your own, and sending fuel samples in for complete lab analysis. Understanding the different options for analyzing the quality of your fuel could save you headaches in the future.

Self-Test Fuel Kits

Do-it-yourself fuel testing kits are designed to identify water, microbial growth and other contaminants in different types of fuel.

Offered at various price points depending on how detailed their analysis claims to be, these self-tests usually involve taking a fuel sample, shaking it up in a bottle and visually assessing its condition. The kits are used as a general indicator of the health of the fuel in your gas tank. If contaminants are found, more fuel servicing or laboratory analysis may be required.

Fuel Analysis Labs

When you want a more in-depth study at what your tank contains, you should send fuel samples in to a laboratory for more intensive analysis, including tests to ensure your fuel meets governmental regulations. In addition to test results, laboratory staff will often provide actionable consultation and guidance on what steps can be taken to rectify the issue.

Your Fuel is the Lifeblood of Your Business.

Poor fuel quality can cause excessive and unnecessary wear on equipment’s components, valves and more. Water and other contaminants can do irreparable harm to injectors and other parts.

Even small amounts of contaminants can cause lead to trouble such as a loss of power, incomplete combustion, injector failure and excessive emissions, all of which can increase your operating costs.

Modern Tier 3 and Tier 4 compliant engines depend on clean fuel to run efficiently. Machines with optimal fuel run better and perform jobs more efficiently. Ultimately making you more money and costing you less.

Carter Machinery offers fuel analysis packages with differing levels of service to identify contaminants, explain what it means to your equipment, and provide advice and recommendations on the best steps to take to remedy the problem. All levels include 24-hour access to fuel sample reports.