PTP Program

Fuel Ethanol

2025 Annual Fee:
$1,203.00

Schedule: April, August, December
Sample amount distributed each test cycle: 1 Liter
Register for Multiple Programs
A2LA Accredited Symbol

Accredited Proficiency Testing Provider*

This program is accredited in accordance with the recognized International Standard ISO/IEC 17043: 2010 Conformity Assessment - General Requirements for Proficiency Testing, by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. Certificate Number: 4209.01

List of Programs and Scopes

About The Program

ASTM's Fuel Ethanol Proficiency Testing Program 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 tests by comparing their results with other laboratories worldwide.

As a program participant, you will receive a one liter sample supply of commercial grade ethanol. This ethanol will be a denatured fuel ethanol intended to be blended with gasolines at 1-10 volume % for use as a spark-ignition automotive engine fuel. You will also receive detailed test instructions for each test cycle and the appropriate data reporting email links essential to on-line data entry of your data for each trail.

NOTE: Participation is not contingent upon performing all program tests.

Upon completion of testing, each laboratory submits their own data on-line, electronically to ASTM for use in generating electronic statistical summary reports that contain:

  • Coded laboratory test results
  • Statistical analyses of test data
  • Charts plotting test results versus laboratory code

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.

Should you have an issue with your published results, please write to ptp@astm.org with your lab number and account number.

Test Materials

Each participating lab will receive a one (1) liter sample can containing a D4806 commercial grade ethanol each test cycle for testing.

Test Parameters

ABNT NBR 9866 , D1613, D7795

Acidity

ABNT NBR 10894 

Chloride & Sulfate

D1688 (per D4806)

Copper Content

ABNT NBR 15639 

Density

D5501

Ethanol/Methanol

ABNT NBR 8644 

Gum

D7319, D7328

Inorganic Chloride

ABNT NBR 11331 

Iron & Copper

ABNT NBR 18091, D6423

pHe

D381

Solvent Washed Gum

D4052

Specific Gravity

D7319, D7328

Sulfate Content

D5453, D7039, ABNT NBR 16549-1&2 

Sulfur

ABNT NBR 15531, ABNT NBR 15888   

Water Content 

D7923, E203, E1064

Water

NOTE: List of Methods Subject to Change. 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.
    • You are responsible for additional fees charged-back to our distributor for any reason relative to your sample shipment including, but not limited to, fees for fuel surcharges, missing/invalid account numbers, dangerous goods, remote area delivery, and multiple delivery attempts.
  • Product Shipment Specs
    • Quantity: 1x1 L
    • Shipping Weight: 7lbs
    • Dimensions: 8x8x15"
    • ECCN: EAR99
    • Harm Code: 2207.20.0000
  • Generic SDS

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, Liquid Fuels, And Lubricants

About ASTM International COMMITTEE D02 ON PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, LIQUID FUELS AND LUBRICANTS 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.)