Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel

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 110mL 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 4 weeks to submit test data with the final statistical summary reports being electronically distributed in approximately 15 business days.

For more information, contact us.

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.

If you have a question about the published results, please email us at ptp@astm.org.  Be sure to include your PTP account number and your report lab ID code. 

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 110mL of test material will be provided to each participant for each test cycle each month.

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: 110 mL
  • Shipping Weight: 1lbs
  • Dimensions: 10x9x1"
  • ECCN: EAR99
  • Harm Code: 2710.19.0505
• Generic SDS

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 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.)