Fuels Testing Analysis Services
Advanced analysis for biodiesel, HVO and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Understanding the chemistry of renewable fuels
Biodiesel, hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) are produced from a wide range of biological feedstocks. As a result, they contain many overlapping compounds with different volatilities and polarities. For many laboratories this complexity creates challenges in discovery, separation and identification.
Our fuels testing service provides independent, high-resolution analysis to help you understand what is really in your fuel sample, whether you need characterisation, comparison or authentication.
Our service offers:
Access to GCxGC-TOF-MS on demand
Independent interpretation and visualisation
Cost-effective alternative
Fast turnaround of complex samples
What our clients say
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"Working with Emissions Analytics has been a game-changer for our organization. They have consistently produced high quality data to the required timeline. Their analytical expertise has meant that they’ve been able to customise their reporting, to suit our organizations specific needs. They have been exceptionally accommodating of our (often tight) sampling schedule and have responded promptly to any queries raised. Thanks to their support, we’ve been able to make rapid progress in several key areas. I would therefore highly recommend Emissions Analytics to any business working in the sustainable or emerging fuels sector.”
- Mark Douthwaite, Research Project Manager, Green Fuels Research.
Our advantage: Two-dimensional gas chromatography
Many laboratories use traditional one-dimensional GC or GC-MS, which is suitable for routine analysis. However, when fuels contain large numbers of overlapping compounds, traditional GC can struggle to separate and identify them.
Two-dimensional GC provides:
Much greater compound separation
Improved discovery of unknown or unexpected components
Clearer visualisation of sample complexity
A faster route to understanding feedstock variability or contamination
Our system uses GCxGC coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry, the same technique demonstrated on our “One- and Two-Dimensional GC” page. This allows us to reveal compounds that standard methods may not separate cleanly, saving laboratories the time and effort of running multiple tests.
This is particularly valuable for renewable fuels where composition varies significantly with feedstock, processing route and blending.
What we test
We analyse renewable fuels and bio-derived blends including:
Biodiesel (FAME)
Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO)
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Experimental or pre-commercial fuel samples
Feedstock variability and batch-to-batch comparisons
We can also support early-stage development and R&D programmes.
Types of testing we offer
1. Laboratory testing
Our laboratory analysis includes:
High-resolution two-dimensional GC
Detailed compound separation and identification
Insight into feedstock-related differences
Discovery of unexpected or trace components
Comparative analysis across samples or batches
This is ideal for authentication, product development, disputes, contamination questions and studies requiring deeper chemical insight.
2. Real-world fuels testing (linked to PEMS overview)
Building on our experience in real-world emissions testing, we can also support:
Evaluation of fuels under real operating conditions
Impact on tailpipe emissions when used in different powertrains
Comparison of renewable fuels vs fossil equivalents
Off-cycle or in-use effects in light and heavy-duty engines
This combined approach gives clients a complete picture from chemical structure to real-world performance.
Learn more about Emissions Analytics’ real-world testing services (link to PEMS overview)
We can test any of these standards.
How our approach helps laboratories
For many labs, comprehensive two-dimensional GC analysis is only required occasionally. The low frequency of need means the investment in equipment and training is difficult to justify.
Talk to us about your sample
If you have a fuel that needs deeper analysis, clarification, or authentication, our team will help you determine whether GCxGC-TOF-MS is the right tool.