Ready to submit biofuel samples for biogenic content testing?
1. Decide on the turnaround time then submit a form.
How fast do you need the results?
Standard Service – results are reported in 7 business days or less
Priority Service – 4 business days or less
Fill out the correct submission form
Use our “Biofuels, Lubricants and Liquids with High Petrochemical Content” form.
2. Prepare the required sample size and containers
Sample Size Required
Maximum Allowable Sample Volume – 1 mL (1 cc) per sample
DO NOT send more than we require.
Samples in excess of the maximum allowable volume will NOT be analyzed and the disposal of the sample will be at the client’s cost (US$500 per sample disposal fee).
Unless otherwise instructed, we will subsample the submitted material in a quantity reasonable for the analytical method. If there are any special instructions to ensure the subsample best represents the client’s interests, please discuss with the laboratory prior to analysis. Since the laboratory cannot be experts in all manufacturing processes and products, the responsibility for analysis of a representative subsample lies with the client/submitter.
Beta Analytic doesn’t accept samples with artificial isotopes.
Required Containers & Packaging Materials
1 mL glass micro-sample vial with a crimp top that has a Teflon-lined septum. The vial should only be ¼ – ½ full. See Beta’s infographic.
Other examples of vials you may use are found here. Please make sure that the seal of your vials are tight and that the vials are wrapped properly to prevent breakage during shipment.
Please make sure the vials have chemically non-reactive seals, e.g. made of a silicone disk with one or two teflon faces. If you use low-volume screw top vials like the amber one above, make sure they have a non-reactive cap liner made from silicone and teflon or some other chemically non-reactive material.
Do not use vials that have caps lined with a piece of cardboard with an Aluminum-foil face on one side. The cardboard side is glued to the cap. These are not suitable for fuels or other volatile liquids as the vapors can dissolve the glue and contaminate the sample during shipment. The clear snap caps are also not typically recommended for fuels.
NOTE: If the sample contains VOCs, the vial should be full (no head space).
If you would like to use vermiculite as packing material, we recommend using coarse-grade vermiculite or other material with paper-based filling.
Please use Coarse Vermiculite as packing material.
3. Ship samples directly to Miami
Samples need to be shipped directly to the lab in Miami because Beta’s international forwarding facilities are not equipped to handle biofuels. Please send to:
Beta Analytic Inc.
4985 SW 74th Court
Miami, Florida 33155
USA
To prevent shipping clearance delays, please use our 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
Hazardous substances with International Air Transport Association (IATA) Excepted Quantity Codes E1, E2, E4 or E5 and those in Packing Groups II and III qualify for De Minimis shipping. To ship as De Minimis to our Miami office, the sample volume must not exceed 1 mL and the packaging must follow the guidelines in the Dangerous Goods Regulations, being sufficiently absorbent in case of leakage and sturdy enough to prevent breakage. No special labeling is required for De Minimis shipping. For detailed information, please consult the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
When sending samples directly to the US, please make sure that the shipping company you choose takes full responsibility to clear the package with US customs. You are welcome to contact us for shipping advice.
Beta is not responsible for the clearance or transportation costs of international shipments. Shipments arranged through a freight forwarder must be sent under DDP terms. The shipper is responsible for handling the administrative requirements to release the shipment.
We will email you to confirm the safe arrival of your samples in Miami and to quote a delivery date for the results. Our quoted turnaround time starts following the day we receive your samples in Miami, excluding weekends. Samples received after the 3 PM EST cut-off time are logged on the next business day.
For reliable, accurate and fast biogenic testing solutions, choose Beta Analytic.
Page last updated: February 2024