FAQ on ASTM D6866 for Biofuel Testing

1. What is the sample volume required for ASTM D6866 testing?

Recommended sample volume is 0.3 mL (300 microliters).

2. What container should be used when sending biofuel samples to your lab?

Recommended container is 1 mL glass micro-sample vial with a crimp top that has a Teflon-lined septum. Plastic vials with snap caps can also be used. You can use vials found at this site.

Please read our submission guidelines for details on the recommended vials and packing materials.

3. How many samples do we need to send?

Beta Analytic has no minimum number of samples required. We provide one report with a unique certificate number for each sample.

For research and development, one measurement is fine. If you are submitting samples for regulatory compliance or tax credits, please consult the governing agencies regarding their required number of samples for testing before you send them to our lab.

4. Do you have the proper facilities to carry out the test? Where should we send the samples?

Testing is done in our ISO 17025-accredited laboratory in Miami, Florida. We have several forwarding facilities around the world but they are not equipped to handle biofuels. Please ship your samples to Miami under the guidelines of “Dangerous Goods in Excepted Quantities” :

Beta Analytic Inc.
4985 SW 74th Court
Miami, Florida 33155
USA

Please use the following customs declaration to prevent shipping clearance delays:

Recommended customs declaration – “Biofuel samples for scientific analysis – NO COMMERCIAL VALUE – Destroyed during analysis”.
Customs and carriage value – 1 USD
Harmonized Tariff Number (HS code) – 280300

5. Why is the ASTM D6866 correction factor not constant?

ASTM adjusts the correction factor periodically to make its D6866 standard more accurate relative to the current global atmospheric carbon measurement.

Page last updated: July 2020