Tracerco Targets Fuel Fraud

New device will help combat multi billion dollar global crime.
 

Tracerco, part of the Johnson Matthey group, has developed what it touts to be the world’s first fully portable, lightweight and rugged system to test for tampering in fuel.  Dubbed Nemesis, the company claims it is the only analyser of its kind, and is the latest addition to Tracerco’s range of Product Assurance technologies and is expected to play a significant role in the global fight against fuel adulteration, substitution and smuggling.

Fuel adulteration is a global problem in both the developed world and emerging economies, driven by significant price differentials between subsidised or rebated fuels, non-rebated fuels and industrial solvents. In the UK, the commonest form of abuse is the removal of marker dyes from rebated diesel which is then sold at or near the price of fully taxed fuel.

Tracerco leads the world in the research and development of launder resistant fuel markers. Previously, fuel analysis to detect non launderable markers had to be undertaken at a central laboratory location which can lead to unacceptable delays in subsequent enforcement action. Nemesis represents a bespoke solution to combat this problem. The system’s fuel markers are highly resistant to all known laundering methods and multiple markers can be detected within a single sample.

Nemesis is field portable and provides rapid sample analysis with marker detection down to extremely low levels. Results are available at the touch of a button and presented in a clear and precise quantitative format which eliminates the risk of ambiguous interpretation. Collected data can be transmitted instantly using 3 or 4G technology to a central control, thereby avoiding the potential for tampering or interfering with the results.  

Measuring 50cm by 31cm by 46cm and weighing 22 kgs, Nemesis is fully portable and can be powered from a car battery, making it ideal for use in the remotest of locations. The analyser unit is weatherproof, extremely rugged and doesn’t require a lengthy start up making it ideal for rapid deployment.