Fuels analysis is a very important aspect of machinery maintenance. Testing fuel for suitability before use is essential. Even though fuel related machinery problems are caused by only a small percentage of all the fuels which are supplied, the importance of regular fuel testing should not be underestimated.
Testing fuels prior to use can identify potential causes for fuel filter plugging, smoke, loss of power, poor injection performance, malfunctioning throttle position sensors and sticking valves.
Our laboratories test to international industry and regulatory standards, including ISO 8217, MARPOL Annex VI, SolasCh.II-2, Reg. 4 and other specifications.

Our capabilities include:

Parameter	Method
Acid Number	ASTM D 664
Appearance	Visual
Ash	ISO 6245 / ASTM D 482
Asphaltenes	IP 143
Carbon residue: Micro method on 10 % volume distillation residue	ASTM D 4530/ISO 10370
CCAI	Calculation
Cetane Index	ASTM D 976/ISO 4624
Chemical species in marine fuel oil	ASTM D7845
Cloud Point	ASTM D 2500/ISO 3015
4-Cumyl Phenol	GC MS
Density	ASTM D 4052 / ISO 12185/ISO 3675
Erucic Acid Value	DIN EN 14104
Flash Point	ASTM D 93/ISO 2719
Flocculation Behaviour	In-house
Kinematic Viscosity @40°C/50°C	ASTM D 445/ISO 3104
Lubricity	ASTM D 6079/ISO 12156-1
Micro Carbon Residue	ASTM D 4530/ISO 10370
n-Heptane Insolubles	ASTM D3279
Oxidation Stability	ASTM D 2274/ISO 12205
Particulate Contamination	ASTM D6217
Pour Point	ASTM D 97/ISO 3016
p-Value	SMS 1600
Reserve Stability	ASTM D7061
Sediment & Water	ASTM D1796
Strong Acid Number	ASTM D974
Sulphur	ASTM D 4294/ISO 8754
Toluene Equivalence	Exxon 79-004
Total Sediment/Potential; Accelerated; Existent	ISO 10307/ASTM D 4870
Vanadium/Sodium/ Aluminium/ Silicon/ Calcium/ Zinc/ Phosphorus/ Nickel/Iron	IP 501

Residue and Heavy Fuel Oil

Before using a certain fuel in your engine, the fuel quality should be established by analysing a small sample in a reliable and well-reputed laboratory. This will help to optimize consumption, ensure regulatory compliance and select an appropriate purification process to improve the fuel oil quality. Furthermore, it contributes to preventing engine downtime and avoiding expensive dry-docking of the vessel.
When choosing a laboratory the selection should be based on expertise, the quality of data analysis and recommendations as well as the analysis speed, all of which at reasonable cost. Here in TRIBOCARE we fulfil all these requirements.
TRIBOCARE is fully equipped with state-of-the-art premium brand instruments to test bunker fuel samples in accordance with ISO 8217. In addition, we have the means to carry out screening tests to check the fuel for chemical contaminants and impurities.We are committed to providing accurate results, always within 48 hours and at reasonable cost.

Low and Ultra-low Sulphur Gasoil

Marine diesel engines are categorized as low-speed, medium-speed and high-speed. These three engine types require different fuels. Low-speed engines can be fuelled with residual fuels containing high Sulphur levels whereas medium-speed engine fuel requirements vary according to the engine design. Highspeed engines are sensitive to the fuel quality and run on clear distillate fuel with low Sulphur content. The application of diesel with less than 500 ppm Sulphur can cause wear to the pump in engines of earlier generations due to the reduced lubrication properties of low and ultra-low Sulphur fuels.
The ISO 8217 standard specifies a lubricity limit for distillate fuels with less than 500 ppm Sulphur.
TRIBOCARE’s laboratory is fully equipped for testing low and ultra-low Sulphur gasoil. Bunker fuel oil quality testing supports the world's shipping industry, helping reduce the risk of engine problems and failures. Intertek bunker fuel inspection and testing services help ensure the fuel quality and quantity.
Bunker fuel testing and inspection capabilities are located in the major Bunkering centers of Singapore and Fujairah.
Bunker fuel sample shipment is easily arranged through our logistics team.