FAQs

If you have a Credit Account with us, product shipments are normally despatched by the next working day from when your order is placed. If you do not yet have a Credit Account with us, then your order will be despatched upon the receipt of full payment for your order. Lead time on delivery from the point of despatch is typically subject to your location, but all orders placed directly with ECHA are shipped from the UK via UPS couriers and will normally arrive within 2-5 days (although naturally this is completely dependent on your location and local customs policies). If you are in urgent need of product and require a more local despatch point than the UK, you can always source your item(s) from one of our Authorised Distributors who may be situated much closer to you.

All our products are designed, manufactured and packed at our Head Office in Cardiff, United Kingdom.

We are more than happy to tailor packages of analysis to the specific needs of the customer.

A typical package of microbiological analysis for a middle distillate fuel would include a combination of industry standard and in-house tests, including:

– Visual Assessment (ASTM D4176)
– Microscope Examination
– Microbial Content in Fuel (IP 385, IP 613)
– Microbial Content of Particulate/Water
– Water Content of Fuel (IP 438)

We also offer rapid testing and reporting of results by ASTM D7463 test method.

In contrast to other laboratories, our reports provide a written review and interpretation of analytical results – so that you are never left wondering what the results mean.

ECHA can also provide testing of other quality related parameters; for example full or specific specification tests such as water, particulate, FAME or Sulphur content.

Our fully equipped, and professionally staffed microbiology laboratory is situated at our Head Office in Cardiff, UK.

Yes, ECHA can also carry out medium and long-term research and investigations, for example:

• Biocide/preservative efficacy studies for fuels, oils metal working fluids, paints, latexes, and industrial and consumer products.
• Assessments of the vulnerability of materials to microbial attack.
• Efficacy of anti-microbial equipment and prevention strategies.

Yes, the scope of analytical methods used can also be extended to include other non-microbiological tests for analysis of water content, particulates, filterability, and more.

Yes, we can provide support from our office or can attend on-site at refineries, terminals, power stations, offshore platforms, tank farms, ships, airfields and manufacturing facilities worldwide.

Yes, our consultancy reports are comprehensive and easy to read, with clear prioritisation, enabling the straightforward implementation of our recommendations.

We understand that your requirements may be urgent, and we will strive to deliver reports quickly and provide regular updates as projects progress.

If you require straightforward technical advice, feel free to get in touch.  Whether it’s a major project or a minor one, we’re here to help. Our consultancy service is complimented by our laboratory service whenever necessary.

To make sure everyone gets the most out of the Training Course, we suggest keeping each day’s attendance to a maximum of 12 people. If you have more participants, we suggest splitting them into smaller groups on different days for a better training experience.

All of our courses are designed and tailored to your specific requirements, so courses can be as short as half a day, or as long as a few days. Typically, we would always recommend at least 1 day for each group that requires training, and for courses delivered outside the UK we would suggest a minimum of 2 days.

We can offer training at our Head Office in Cardiff, UK or at clients facilities anywhere in the world. Alternatively, we can deliver courses online.

Yes, we can develop new courses to meet our client’s specific needs and requirements.

Typical examples of a Site Survey include:

– Composite sampling of required tanks
– Investigation of fuel quality (on-site testing where required)
– Corrosion risk assessment
– Testing of site effluent to ensure compliance with EA consent limits

All site surveys benefit from the usual laboratory testing and consultancy expertise within ECHA. Each package of site survey and testing will be designed around your specific needs. Surveys can also be conducted as part of a Routine Monitoring service, which will assist in avoiding costly problems caused by microbial contamination and corrosion

Our surveyors possess extensive expertise in fuel quality maintenance, storage tank integrity, and optimal sampling practices. They undergo rigorous training and hold certifications that allow them to operate safely and autonomously across diverse facilities, including fuel terminals, offshore platforms, dockyards, and ships.