What are the SGS Seal of Quality testing requirements?
SGS will perform testing for the below parameters, to ensure the quality of the fuel provided by each fuel station:
- Research octane number and motor octane number:Measures how well gasoline resists engine knocking, which can damage the engine
- Cetane number:Measures how easily diesel ignites. Higher numbers improve performance, reduce noise and emissions, and aid cold starts
- Density:Denser fuel provides more energy, improving efficiency and engine power, while lower density reduces emissions but may increase fuel consumption. Deviation from the quality requirement may signal fuel contamination
- Sulfur content:Higher sulfur levels increase harmful emissions and reduce the efficiency of catalytic converters
- Aromatic content:Refers to compounds like benzene in gasoline. High aromatic content affects both engine performance and environmental health, as these compounds can be harmful and are known carcinogens
- Water:Water in fuel, often from poor storage or condensation, can cause corrosion, clog filters and damage the engine
- Microbial contamination:Microbes in fuel can create deposits that clog filters and damage engines
- Distillation:This shows how fuel evaporates at different temperatures, affecting engine start-up and emissions
- Flash point in diesel:Used as a safety classification property. Lower flash point is usually caused by contamination with gasoline and poses a safety risk during operation and handling. It can cause higher combustion temperatures, potentially damaging the diesel particulate filter
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs):Harmful chemicals in diesel that can increase emissions, pose health risks and cause engine deposits if fuel quality standards are not met
- Cold filter plugging point:Indicates the lowest temperature at which diesel can flow through a filter. Important for ensuring engine operation in cold conditions
- Vapor pressure in gasoline:Needs to be adjusted for different seasons to keep fuel stable and efficient