The Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) Proficiency Testing Program will provide laboratories with a statistical quality assurance tool, enabling them to compare, improve, and maintain, a high level of performance in the use of ASTM sulfur measurement tests on commercial ultra-low sulfur diesel fuels containing 15ppm or less with other laboratories worldwide. US-EPA and CARB labs will be invited to participate.

The objectives of the program are twofold, namely; 1) to gain experience in measuring the sulfur concentration at the ultra-low levels present in ULSD, and 2) to compare your performance with other participating labs using specific ASTM tests for the determination of sulfur.

As a program participant you will receive a 107ml sample of an ULSD monthly along with a notice on how to access the trials electronic report forms and test instructions. Your laboratory will perform the tests that you normally conduct within your own facility using the specified ASTM program tests and/or your performance based measurement methods (as approved by the EPA).

Samples, test instructions and data report forms are distributed electronically to each participant on the date samples are distributed. Labs have approximately 8 weeks to submit test data with the final statistical summary reports being electronically distributed in approximately 25 business days.

For more information, contact us.

WHY SHOULD YOUR LABORATORY PARTICIPATE?

ASTM's Proficiency Test Program provides you with:

• A useful and meaningful statistical quality assurance tool to monitor the strengths and weaknesses of your laboratory's performance in conducting testing.
• The resource you need to satisfy proficiency testing elements of laboratory accreditation.
• A periodic comparison of test results with other participating laboratories.

TEST MATERIALS

Twelve (12) samples of Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel containing not more than 15 ppm sulfur will be distributed during the course of the year. A 107ml of test material will be provided to each participant for each test cycle each month.

TEST PARAMETERS (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

D2622 Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Petroleum Products by Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

D5453 Standard Test Methods for Determination of Total Sulfur in Light Hydrocarbons, Motor Fuels and Oils by Ultraviolet Fluorescence

D7039 Standard Test Method for Sulfur in Gasoline and Diesel Fuel by Monochromatic Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Flourescence Spectrometry

Other Methods used by participants for Ultra-Low Sulfur - Determination - (PROTOCOL used must be provided with data submitted)

Participation is not contingent upon performing all program tests.

DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLES

Test samples are prepared and distributed for ASTM International by Clark Labs in Jefferson Hills, PA. Program registration fees include the cost of shipping the test samples to U.S. participants or, for international participants, to a third-party shipping agent located in the U.S.

IMPORTANT for International participants: You have the following options for receipt of samples:

• Ship through a third party shipping agent - Provide ASTM International with the complete contact information of a designated Shipping Agent located in the U.S. who will be responsible for shipping samples from the U.S. to your facility. Participants are responsible for making financial and shipping arrangements directly with the shipping agent.
• Please be advised that when samples are shipped, an e-mail is sent only to the contact of record on your ASTM PTP account. It is the customer’s responsibility to advise their designated shipper that the sample has been shipped.
• We cannot permit shipping agents to pick up samples at our distributors’ warehouses.
• Ship directly from the sample distributor via UPS, DHL, or FEDEX - Provide ASTM International with your shipping account number to cover shipping charges. Check that your carrier will deliver the test materials to your location. Materials classified as Hazardous may have restrictions.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Participation is on an annual fee basis and open to all laboratories. Registration fees must be paid in advance to participate. Testing must be performed within the participant's laboratory facilities. A laboratory does not need to perform all the program tests to participate.

ABOUT ASTM INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE D02 ON PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND LUBRICANTS

Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants, consisting of over 1,500 members and developer of nearly 670 ASTM International standards, provides the technical direction for the program. Test information generated through the program is utilized by Committee D02 to determine if modifications to ASTM International methods or new methods are warranted and to analytically review program test results. (All data and related information generated from the program is coded to maintain lab confidentiality.)