Fuel Tank Sampling Best Practices

When it comes to fuel analysis, the accuracy of the results is only as good as the quality of the sample provided. This means that improperly collected samples can lead to misleading results, missed contamination issues, or costly equipment failures. Taking a clean, representative fuel sample from the right location(s) is crucial for getting accurate test results. Here are some best practices to help ensure you're collecting samples that will give you reliable, actionable insights.

Safety First

Fuel is flammable and can be harmful if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes. Always wear gloves, eye protection, and flame-resistant clothing if needed. Work in a well-ventilated area and follow all site-specific safety protocols.

Start with the Correct Sampling Equipment & Supplies

Proper sampling requires quality collection equipment and containment free submersibles. Always use equipment made from high-grade materials that comply with ASTMD 4057:2000, ISO 5555:2001, or an equivalent. Eurofins TestOil customers use the sampling containers we supply.

Tools/Equipment

• Multi-Level Sampler

• Grounding Clamp and Cable
• Winder with Depth Gauge
• Recovery Chains/Lines
  
  

Supplies/Consumables

• Towels and Rags
• 32 Oz Bottle
• 1 Gallon Container
• Bottle Labels

Sample from the Right Locations

In order to obtain the best possible results, samples should be taken at multiple levels within an active tank.

1. 
   The bottom level is where water, sludge, and microbial growth is typically found.
   2. The middle of the tank provides a good picture of the progression of unwanted material rising from the bottom.
   3. The top portion of the tank should represent the most recent fill and the cleanest fuel in the tank.

Tank size, hold times, burn off, fuel type, suction location and circulation practices must be considered when deciding where to collect fuel samples.

Minimize Contamination

Avoid touching the inside of the sample bottle or cap. Immediately seal the container after filling it to reduce exposure to air and airborne particles. Label the sample clearly with the date, time, tank ID, sampling point (top, middle, bottom), and your initials.

Store and Ship Properly

If you're not sending the sample to the lab immediately, store it in a cool, dark place and keep it upright to prevent leakage. Don't leave samples in hot environments (like a vehicle cab) where temperatures can accelerate fuel degradation.

Document Everything

Good recordkeeping is essential. Include any observations you make during sampling—fuel odor, color, presence of visible particulates, or water. This additional information can be helpful when diagnosing fuel issues.

Guidelines for Long-Term Storage of ULSD

• Proper Sampling: Accurate data collection is key to identifying issues early and building good trend data.
• Contamination Control: Maintaining low contamination potential extends filter life and protects equipment. Adhere to proper tank inspection intervals as this will also lower contamination potential.
• Moisture Control: Keeping moisture level to a minimum reduces the possibility for microbial growth and limits internal corrosion.
• Frequencies: Full testing on an annual basis is the standard. Periodic heath checks or spot testing for issues or new deliveries is also best practices for long term fuel storage.
• Sampling Locations: Be sure to use the same method and procedures for sampling each time. This will ensure consistent data and accurate results.

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                By following these best practices, you’re not just helping the lab deliver more accurate results—you’re protecting your equipment, improving reliability, and getting the most value from your analysis investment.

                James King, Eurofins TestOil Business Development Manager for the Transportation Sector advised, "The reliability of your company's assets can be compromised by degraded fuel. Routine testing isn't an expense; it's the most critical insurance for operational readiness.”

                Eurofins TestOil offers Sampling Field Services with sampling incorporating these best practices and collected on-site and on schedule.

                For more information on working with Eurofins TestOil for fuel analysis, oil analysis or training, fill out the form below; visit https://testoil.com/company/contact-us/; call 216-251-2510; or email sales@testoil.com.

About Eurofins TestOil

With more than 30 years of experience in the oil analysis industry, Eurofins TestOil focuses exclusively on assisting industrial facilities with reducing maintenance costs and avoiding unexpected downtime through oil and fuel analysis program implementation. As industry experts in diagnosing oil-related issues in equipment such as turbines, hydraulics, gearboxes, pumps, compressors and diesel generators, Eurofins TestOil provides customers with same-day turnaround on routine oil analysis testing.  For more information on partnering with Eurofins TestOil on oil analysis programs or training opportunities visit https://testoil.com. Contact: Al Yates 216-251-2510; sales@testoil.com. 

About Eurofins – the global leader in bio-analysis

Eurofins is Testing for Life. Eurofins is the global leader in food, environment, pharmaceutical and cosmetic product testing, and in discovery pharmacology, forensics, advanced material sciences and agroscience Contract Research services. Eurofins is also a market leader in certain testing and laboratory services for genomics, and in the support of clinical studies, as well as in BioPharma Contract Development and Manufacturing. The Group also has a rapidly developing presence in highly specialised and molecular clinical diagnostic testing and in-vitro diagnostic products.

With over 61,000 staff across a network of 940 laboratories in 59 countries, Eurofins’ companies offer a portfolio of over 200,000 analytical methods. Eurofins Shares are listed on Euronext Paris Stock Exchange.