Fuel Quality Inspection Protocol
The fuel quality inspection frequency for a mobile fuel station is determined by regulatory requirements, operational risks, and environmental conditions, typically combining routine checks and targeted assessments.
Weekly Routine Inspections
- Critical indicators: water contamination, sediment presence, fuel clarity
- Portable tools: water-detection strips, visual sample inspection
- Temperature fluctuation monitoring
- Basic fuel degradation checks
Standard practice for all mobile fuel operations
Pre-Delivery Inspections
- Conducted 2-3 times weekly during refueling
- Certificate of Analysis (CoA) verification (ASTM D975/D4814)
- On-site hydrometer tests for fuel density
- Grade confirmation and dilution checks
Monthly Comprehensive Tests
- Third-party laboratory analysis
- Advanced parameters: octane/cetane numbers, volatility
- Additive level verification (detergents, anti-gelling agents)
- Diesel oxidation stability tests
- Gasoline Reid vapor pressure (RVP) checks
EPA (U.S.) or EU REACH minimum requirement
Seasonal Adjustments
- Humid climates: biweekly water checks during rainy seasons
- Cold regions: twice-monthly diesel anti-gel additive tests in winter
- Temperature-specific fuel blend verification
- Storage condition adjustments
Post-Incident Checks
- Triggered by spills, downtime, or equipment failures
- Full tank cleaning verification
- Complete fuel re-testing protocol
- Mandatory before operations resume
This layered approach—weekly checks, pre-delivery verifications, monthly lab analyses, and adaptive seasonal adjustments—ensures mobile fuel stations maintain fuel integrity despite their dynamic operating environment.