| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tracerco
FAQs
 Who
is Tracerco?
Tracerco is a division of Johnson Matthey Plc, a large
FTSE 100, world leading company specialising in chemicals,
catalysts and technology. Tracerco began operating in 1959
and are focussed entirely on delivering solutions throughout
the hydrocarbon chain – from crude oil through to
consumer fuels.
Who do I speak to about a potential application?
Although all Tracerco employees are able to assist our customers
with issues, any potential tagging or tracing project enquiry
should be sent through to Matt Darwood, Tracerco’s
Fuel Tagging Commercial Manager. Please call +44 1642 375450
or email here.
Why Choose Tracerco?
First of all, Tracerco has a pedigree second to none in
this field and are able to deliver fully bespoke solutions
to our customers on a global basis. With over 150 highly
trained scientists and technicians and full global coverage,
Tracerco are the partners for you. Secondly, although Tracerco
is part of a much larger organisation, we know that each
programme and project is different and that is why we design
the tagging programme with you, not for you.
 Technology
FAQs
What is a TRACERCO™ Taggant?
A TRACERCO™ Taggant is a combination of a unique
tracer (see below) and an analytical platform (see below)
that is designed by Tracerco to specifically meet the requirements
of our customers to mark or tag a specific hydrocarbon fluid.
What is a “tracer”/”marker”/”tag”?
A tracer, marker or tag is a unique molecule that is added
to a specific fluid (such as fuels, solvents or crude oil)
at ultra low levels (ppm to ppb levels) to enable it to
be identified in the wider supply chain. Tracerco has an
extensive range of tracers that are inert, covert and highly
stable in the fluid and working environment.
What is an “Analytical Platform”?
Tracerco has developed over a number of years different
methods for detecting our tracers in the supply chain to
meet our customer’s requirements. We have developed
technology that allows our tracers to be detected using
laboratory equipment which has been tuned specifically for
our tracer, or detected in the field using vehicular based
analytical equipment or hand held fully portable analysers.
Our solution is tailored to meet our customer’s requirement;
some choose to combine two platforms for extra security.
Do the TRACERCO™ Taggants change my product?
Absolutely not, the TRACERCO™ Taggants are
designed to be totally inert in the hydrocarbon they are
added to and are covert (invisible).
 What
is the lifespan of the TRACERCO™ Taggant in my product?
The TRACERCO™ Taggant is designed to be stable
for the lifespan of the product in its working environment.
Can you provide quantitative analysis?
Our TRACERCO™ Taggant is designed to provide
both qualitative (is my product adulterated?) and quantitative
(how much is my product adulterated?) results to our customers.
What level of quantification can be detected?
This depends on the customer’s requirements, but we
are able with accuracy and reliability to identify down
to 2% of product adulteration.
Glossary
Adulteration
To make a product impure by the addition of a foreign or
lower quality fluid, for example when industrial solvents
are added to gasoline to stretch the volume.
Brand Protection
When a company wants to ensure its product is pure and not
adulterated by inferior material so that its customer can
be sure it is purchasing the correct quality material.
Bunkering
Another term for the wholesale theft of crude oil from pipelines,
rail tankers and ships.
Covert
Invisible to the naked eye.
Overt
Visible to the naked eye.
Biofuels
Hydrocarbons that can be used along with or instead of conventional
fuels, which are derived from renewable plants, crops or
animal fats.
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