OTS TankCare is marketing a sampling kit containing sterile sample bottles, test guides and all the equipment required to enable fuel distributors and customers to carry out their own quality checks on deliveries and out- going fuel stocks, as and whenever they choose.

It is intended that the kits would be used in conjunction with a planned maintenance programme. The main advantage is that full service tests can be scheduled more efficiently, reducing costs and enabling the client to set up a quality control procedure according to site specific requirements.

“Normally we recommend full service testing for Derv and Gas Oil tanks on a quarterly basis,“ explains TankCare operations manager, Darrin Francis. “For clients who are prepared to undertake their own interim tests we can offer an alternative Tier 2 service.”

The fuel quality test kit includes a filter patch which is used to capture a visual indication of the level of contamination within the sample. A client opting for the Tier 2 service will start with a full service test to set the baseline. The test results are entered onto a website database. As interim readings are logged, the client will be able to observe trends and any anomalies. The results are then validated by a follow up full service test on a six monthly cycle. Clients can choose to test as many times as they like with the benefit of building up more accurate results at the start and finish.

The fuel quality test sampling kit:
Designed to cover requirements for two fuel grades, each kit contains six sterile sample bottles, a syringe and one micron filter patch for visual indication of the levels of contamination. Other items include gloves, a spill matt, and instructions.

All the components are secured in a rugged polycarbonate holder together with hi-resolution images for use in comparison of what clean fuel should look like as a guide. Also included is a pre-addressed ‘postal’ container for returning the samples to the TankCare, test laboratory. Alternatively, arrangements can be made for the samples to be collected by a courier service. Samples will be analysed within 24 hours and the results logged and reported back to client.