Outsourcing ASTM Biodiesel Quality Testing Laboratory Services, R. W. Heiden Associates

Good laboratory data is the heart and soul of a biodiesel manufacturing operation. True, reliable laboratory data costs. You may be able to get along without it sometimes, if your objective is something other than ASTM grade fuel, or if you are willing to take the risk of engine damage in your own off-road vehicle. Customers sometimes provide an honest assessment of fuel quality from their own vantage point, but by then the damage is done and it is too late. Reputations are damaged, and word gets out fast about poor quality, whether or not the claims are substantiated.

The bottom line is that there is no substitute for good data. Good labs are absolutely essential to meet ASTM specifications consistently. Reliable data is the best indicator of process health and consistency.

Outsourcing of laboratory services is an integral part of quality programs. Beware that many labs are staffed with unqualified, inexperienced personnel. Some laboratories may have additional capabilities or qualifications to assist in troubleshooting quality issues, and other non-routine measurement challenges. Those labs that can offer depth can save you considerable money in the long run.

Finding a good, trustworthy laboratory can be a trying experience. Take advantage of our internationally recognized experience in biodiesel laboratory testing. Let us assist you with your outsourcing needs.

What would it cost to build your own biodiesel lab ? This is a question that you should delve into with the help of independent specialists in this area, such as R. W. HEIDEN ASSOCIATES. Setting up a laboratory to meet ASTM specifications is a MAJOR project that requires significant expenditures through the life of the laboratory. Capital costs are high, and can easily exceed $500,000 for instrumentation alone. But that's just the beginning. Instrument repairs AND maintenance are expensive... so, too, are consumables and special laboratory grade chemicals and standards. Costs for specially trained laboratory personnel are also high.

Don't get caught buying into a vendor's promise that "it's easy". True, to carry out some ASTM tests doesn't require a great deal of skill, but getting reliable data consistently OFTEN requires exacting, time consuming, tedious actions that require intelligent chemistry decisions, and detailed knowledge of the instrumental technique to make those decisions, wisely. We can provide training to your personnel to get them to the next level.

There are many short cuts to laboratory technology that are offered by some vendors, but leave the purchaser with frustration, high operational costs, and poor quality fuel. Don't be fooled ! Let us assist in getting you through all this !

We can assist your plant so that unnecessary time isn't spent on the excessive detail of laboratory operation while the urgency of production matters is what counts ! Give us a call or CONTACT US.

What's the real cost of in-house biodiesel fuel testing compared to outsourcing ?

In addition to man-hours, reagents and other consumable costs, consider the overhead expense associated with instruments, facilities, administration and employees, not to mention the initial outlay for capital equipment, maintenance, special training and eventual equipment replacement.

What are the costs of outfitting a new analytical chemistry laboratory for biodiesel production ? Do you want a lab just for ASTM specs compliance ? And that approach leaves little protection from bad lots of incoming material, so what about screening and evaluating incoming chemicals and raw materials ?

Unwanted impurities could spoil your processing equipment and/or diminish ester yields. Both of these conditions necessitate disposal or reprocessing, thereby slowing production output, adding to bottom line processing costs. Clearly, to the enterprising biodiesel firm, such conditions are unwelcome.

So, how can we help reduce those costs and establish and maintain the credibility you need ? Let us assist in striking the balance between in-house and outsourced laboratory data, or if you prefer, we will take care of your needs in our own lab. We can also provide testing while guiding you through the laboratory development process.