Client Login

SmartMix Fuel Authentication & Quality Verification- Know What’s in Your Diesel. Protect Your Business.

Multi-Layer Fuel Authentication

& Diesel Quality Verification

SmartMix Fuel Integrity™ — a comprehensive approach to diesel verification

Why Multi-Layer Authentication?
Modern fuel fraud has become increasingly sophisticated. A single screening test is often insufficient to determine whether diesel has been tampered with, adulterated, or whether official fuel markers have been altered or removed. For this reason, advanced fuel authentication systems utilise multiple analytical layers, with each layer providing an additional level of verification and confidence. When these layers are combined, they provide a comprehensive assessment of fuel authenticity and integrity.
The Three Analytical Layers
Layer 1 — Lateral Flow Device (LFD): Rapid Primary Marker Screening The Lateral Flow Device (LFD) is the first level of authentication and provides a rapid screening test for the presence of the primary fuel marker. This is typically the most common entry-level fuel authentication test performed within the industry.
  • Rapid initial screening
  • Confirms the presence of the primary fuel marker
  • Identifies potential dilution or removal of the marker
  • Ideal for routine inspections and preliminary investigations
Layer 2 — LSX Analysis: Secondary Fuel Marker Authentication LSX Analysis provides a significantly higher level of authentication by examining the second layer of the official fuel marker package. This advanced laboratory analysis helps verify marker integrity and identify attempts to chemically remove or interfere with the official fuel marker.
  • Advanced laboratory authentication
  • Higher confidence than rapid screening
  • Detects marker manipulation
  • Supports supplier verification and compliance investigations
Layer 3 — LQX 1000 Analysis: Paraffin Detection & Fuel Integrity Assessment Unlike the first two layers, which authenticate the fuel marker itself, LQX 1000 evaluates the fuel for the potential presence of paraffin while contributing to the overall assessment of fuel integrity. This analysis assists in identifying potential adulteration and provides further insight into the quality of the diesel.
  • Detects potential paraffin contamination
  • Supports fuel integrity investigations
  • Assists with supplier quality verification
  • Complements the multi-layer authentication process
Independent Fuel Quality Verification
Laboratory Fuel Quality Analysis In addition to the multi-layer authentication process, comprehensive laboratory fuel quality testing provides valuable information on whether the diesel meets the required performance and specification standards. These analyses evaluate the physical and combustion characteristics of the fuel and complement the authentication process. Key Quality Parameters
  • Cetane Index / Number — assesses ignition quality and combustion performance, ensuring the diesel meets the required operating standard.
  • Distillation — evaluates the fuel’s boiling characteristics to confirm refining quality and detect potential contamination or adulteration.
  • Density — verifies the fuel density against the applicable diesel specification and assists in identifying contamination or off-specification fuel.
Laboratory fuel quality analysis should be considered complementary to fuel authentication, providing customers with a complete understanding of both fuel authenticity and fuel quality. Why Multiple Layers Matter
Each analytical layer answers a different question.
Authentication Layer
 Purpose
Layer 1 — LFD Rapid screening for the primary fuel marker
Layer 2 — LSX Authentication of the second-layer fuel marker
Layer 3 — LQX 1000 Paraffin detection and fuel integrity assessment
When used together, these three analytical layers provide a far more comprehensive assessment than a single screening test, enabling organisations to:
  • Verify fuel authenticity with greater confidence
  • Detect potential fuel tampering or adulteration
  • Support supplier quality assurance programmes
  • Strengthen contractual and regulatory compliance
  • Make informed operational and commercial decisions based on independent laboratory evidence
How It Works — Five Simple Steps
From the moment your sample is collected to the delivery of your final report, SmartMix manages the entire process — giving you a single point of contact and complete peace of mind.
±20 MINUTES Results after your sample is received by the laboratory* 150 SAMPLES / DAY Laboratory capacity during a normal working day
1. COLLECT 2. TEST 3. ANALYSE 4. REVIEW 5. REPORT
  1. Collect
Fuel samples are securely collected using recognised sampling procedures or couriered directly to our specialist laboratory from anywhere in South Africa. Where required, chain-of-custody procedures can be implemented to support investigations and traceability.
  1. Test
Once your sample has been received by the laboratory, the complete testing process is typically completed within 10 minutes. Testing may include:
  • Fuel Marker Authentication (LFD & LSX 3000)
  • Paraffin Detection (LQX 1000)
  • Density Testing
  • Distillation Analysis
  • Cetane Number Analysis
  • Cetane Improver Assessment
  1. Analyse
Multiple analytical methods are combined to provide a broader assessment of your diesel’s quality and integrity than would be achieved through a single laboratory test.
  1. Review
Every laboratory result undergoes a technical quality review by qualified technical specialists to ensure the findings are complete, accurate and professionally interpreted before the report is released.
  1. Report
Following technical review, your comprehensive Fuel Integrity & Quality Test Report is typically issued within a further 10 minutes — giving a total laboratory turnaround time of approximately 20 minutes from sample receipt. Your report may include:
  • Sample Reference Information
  • Chain of Custody (where applicable)
  • Testing Methodology
  • Laboratory Results
  • Technical Interpretation
  • Fuel Quality Observations
  • Marker Authentication Findings
  • Recommendations and Supporting Information (where applicable)
High-Volume Testing Capability
Whether you require a single fuel verification or ongoing testing across multiple operations, our specialist laboratory has the capacity to process up to 150 fuel samples during a normal working day, making the service suitable for:
  • Large transport fleets
  • Mining operations
  • Fuel suppliers
  • Agricultural businesses
  • Construction companies
  • Municipalities
  • National fuel quality monitoring programmes
  • Multi-site industrial operations
The SmartMix Difference
One Partner. One Process. Complete Confidence. From sample collection to final reporting, SmartMix coordinates the entire process on your behalf, providing fast, independent laboratory verification backed by professional technical reporting. Through our specialist laboratory partner, SmartMix Fuel Integrity™ provides access to a comprehensive multi-layer authentication process, supported by advanced laboratory analysis and professional technical reporting. Whether you require routine fuel verification, supplier validation, or an in-depth fuel integrity investigation, our multi-layer approach delivers a higher level of confidence in the quality and authenticity of your diesel.

SmartMix Fuel Integrity™

Know What’s in Your Diesel. Protect Your Business.

* Laboratory turnaround times are measured from the time the laboratory receives the fuel sample and exclude courier transit times.