ASTM's Biodiesel Proficiency Testing in cooperation with AOCS (www.aocs.org), provides laboratories who need a statistical quality assurance tool that will enable them to improve and maintain a high level of performance in conducting routine ASTM biodiesel analyses by comparing their results with those of other laboratories worldwide.

As a program participant, you will receive a sample of biodiesel and all the necessary instructions for the test cycle. Your laboratory will perform the tests that you normally conduct within your own facility using the specified ASTM methods cited in the program.

Upon completion of the tests, each laboratory will electronically submit data to ASTM via a secure website. The statistical summary report for each test cycle will be delivered electronically to each participant. Reports contain:

• Coded laboratory test results
• Statistical analyses of test data

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

Each participating lab will receive a one (1) gallon can containing of biodiesel for each of the three test cycles conducted during the year.

TEST PARAMETERS

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.)