|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
ASTM International Offers New Interlaboratory Crosscheck Program for Fuel-grade Ethanol |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
Come join us at these upcoming events: June 3-6 June 3-6 June 3 - 6 June 18-21 July 22-25 July 22-26 |
|
 |
|
|
|
ASTM International Offers New Interlaboratory Crosscheck Program for Fuel-grade Ethanol
Laboratories that participate in the program will be given a liter of commercial-grade fuel ethanol that is compliant with the ASTM D4806 specification along with test instructions and data report sheets. (During every test trial a different fuel ethanol will be distributed.) They will then use this sample to perform tests following specified ASTM methods. Once labs have completed testing, they will submit their results online to ASTM. Within 25 working days of the data submission deadline, each laboratory that submitted test data will receive a report containing coded laboratory test results with which it can compare its own test results and calculated statistical parameters with other laboratories worldwide. While the program was developed to help laboratories assess their ability to accurately test ethanol, participation in it can also be used to demonstrate testing aptitude to prospects and customers as well as to display their proficiency in the specific analysis required to meet accreditation requirements. The test parameters covered through the program will be ASTM standard tests for acidity, copper content, ethanol/methanol, inorganic chloride and sulfate content, pH, solvent washed gum, specific gravity, sulfur and water content. According to ASTM, however, participation in the program is not contingent on performing all of these tests. The 2007 test cycle will start later this year with tests being conducted in August and December at a cost of $384 per laboratory. In order to participate in the 2007 tests, laboratories must be registered by June 30. Starting in 2008, tests will be held in April, August and December; the cost for participating in the 2008 tests is $576 per laboratory. The fuel-grade ethanol program is one of a number of Interlaboratory Crosscheck Programs that ASTM offers to laboratories, including one for another renewable fuel—biodiesel. In 2006 alone, more than 2,200 laboratories around the world participated in the different programs ASTM offers for petroleum products and lubricants. To learn more about the new fuel-grade ethanol Interlaboratory Crosscheck Program or to obtain a registration form, go to the program’s page at astm.org. |
15
Inverness Way East • Englewood, CO 80112-5776 • USA |
This August, ASTM International Proficiency Testing Center will offer a new Interlaboratory Crosscheck Program for fuel-grade ethanol. The program, which has been developed in cooperation with the Renewable Fuels Association, a national trade association representing the U.S. ethanol industry, is designed to help laboratories improve and maintain a high level of performance when conducting routine ASTM ethanol specification tests. 