Intertek Caleb Brett Expands Cutting-Edge Carbon-14 Testing Capabilities to Support Global Sustainability Goals

25 Sep 2024

London, UK:  Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, is proud to announce the expansion of its Carbon-14 (C-14) testing capabilities. This advanced testing service is crucial for verifying the biogenic content of fuels, thereby supporting the growing demand for sustainable fuel solutions and compliance with international standards.

Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon, produced naturally in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. Fossil fuels, having been underground for millions of years, have lost all their C-14 content. This unique property makes C-14 testing the only analytical method capable of accurately distinguishing between fossil-derived and biogenic hydrocarbons. This distinction is vital for industries producing or utilising biofuels, as it ensures products meet specified renewable content requirements.

Intertek Caleb Brett now offers C-14 testing through two robust methods:

• Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC): Available at our UK laboratory (ASTM D6866) and Netherlands laboratory (DIN 51637). This method involves either converting the sample to benzene or direct measurement of specific sample types respectively and measuring light emission from beta decay to determine C-14 content.
• Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS): AMS (D6866) available from partner labs, directly quantifies C-14 concentration by analysing graphite produced from the sample.

These expanded capabilities ensure precise and reliable results, with a maximum total error of just 3%, supporting various applications such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), renewable diesel, and biofuels.

“Our expanded C-14 testing services are a significant step forward in supporting the global shift towards renewable energy,” said Ian Galloway, Executive Vice President at Intertek Caleb Brett. “By providing accurate verification of biogenic content, we help our clients meet stringent regulatory requirements and enhance their market credibility.”

C-14 testing plays a pivotal role in promoting the use of renewable resources and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. It supports the transition to a circular economy by enabling businesses to make informed decisions about their sustainability practices and improving their environmental impact.

Intertek Caleb Brett’s comprehensive suite of services for sustainable fuels includes feedstock testing, research and development support, finished product specification testing, and ISCC auditing and assurance. With laboratories strategically located in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, we ensure expedited turnaround times and compliance with both regional and international standards.

Intertek Caleb Brett is a premier provider of quality and safety solutions, offering advanced testing, inspection, and certification services to various industries globally. With more than 130 years of expertise, we specialize in sectors such as oil, gas, chemicals, and agriculture. Our global network of laboratories and professionals ensures compliance, enhances performance, and reduces risks. We support the entire value chain from crude oil to renewable energy, fostering sustainability and innovation. Our commitment to quality and precision, backed by robust methodologies and stringent quality control, enables us to deliver tailored solutions that help clients navigate complex supply chains and regulatory landscapes with confidence.

For more information, please visit intertek.com/caleb-brett

For Media Information:

Please contact:

Caitlin Connell
Global Marketing Director
Caitlin.connell@intertek.com

For Technical Information:

Please contact:

Liam Mills
Sunbury & Milton Hill Manager
Liam.mills@intertek.com

About Intertek

Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide.

Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers' operations and supply chains.

Intertek is a purpose-led company to Bring Quality, Safety and Sustainability to Life. We provide 24/7 mission-critical quality assurance solutions to our clients to ensure that they can operate with well-functioning supply chains in each of their operations.

Our Customer Promise is: Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently, with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.