Spanish Air Force CLOMA Tender: ASTM D86 Automatic Distillation Tester for Defense Fuel Laboratories

Automatic petroleum distillation tester for ASTM D86 compliance

In July 2026, the Spanish Air Force Logistics Center (CLOMA) issued a public tender for the supply of an automatic petroleum product distiller, compliant with ASTM D86 standards. The equipment was destined for the COCAM laboratory at Albacete Air Base, following initial acceptance testing at CLOMA’s central laboratory in Madrid.

This tender — with a budget of €38,430 (approx. USD 41,600) — highlights a recurring pattern in government and defense sector procurement: the need for reliable, ASTM-compliant distillation testing equipment at a fraction of the budget allocated by public tenders.

At LabVV Scientific, we manufacture the A2000 Automatic Petroleum Distillation Tester, fully compliant with ASTM D86, at a price point that aligns with exactly this type of procurement.

Understanding the CLOMA Procurement Process

CLOMA (Centro Logístico de Material Aéreo) is the Spanish Air Force’s central logistics center responsible for procuring and maintaining equipment across all air bases. Their tender process follows EU public procurement regulations (Directive 2014/24/EU), which means:

• Tenders are published on the official EU TED portal and Spanish BOE (Boletín Oficial del Estado)
• Bidders must demonstrate technical compliance with the specified standards
• Price is a significant but not sole evaluation criterion — technical capability and after-sales support are weighted heavily
• Equipment must pass acceptance testing at CLOMA’s central laboratory before deployment to end-user bases

This two-stage delivery requirement — first to Madrid for validation, then to Albacete Air Base for permanent installation — is common in defense procurement and should be factored into your proposal timeline.

What the CLOMA Tender Required

The Spanish Air Force’s technical specifications called for:

• ✅ Automatic petroleum product distiller for ASTM D86 testing
• ✅ Suitable for gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and other light to middle distillates
• ✅ Digital temperature control and automated data recording
• ✅ Compliance with UNE-EN ISO 3405 (equivalent to ASTM D86)
• ✅ Delivery, installation, and commissioning at CLOMA central laboratory
• ✅ Subsequent transfer and re-installation at COCAM laboratory, Albacete Air Base

Budget allocation: €38,429.75 (excluding tax) / €46,500 (including tax).

Why Government and Defense Labs Choose ASTM D86 Distillation

Military aviation and ground vehicle fleets operate on JP-8, diesel, and gasoline that must meet stringent fuel quality specifications. Distillation testing (ASTM D86) is a primary method for verifying:

• Volatility characteristics — ensuring proper engine start and performance across temperature ranges
• Fuel composition — detecting contamination or improper blending
• Specification compliance — meeting DEF STAN, MIL-SPEC, and NATO fuel standards

Government laboratories — from air force logistics centers to naval fuel depots and army vehicle testing facilities — require instruments that are accurate, repeatable, and easy to certify. The A2000 meets these requirements while offering significant cost advantages over traditional suppliers.

LabVV A2000: Built for ASTM D86 Compliance

The LabVV A2000 Automatic Petroleum Distillation Tester is designed specifically for laboratories that need reliable, automated ASTM D86 testing without the premium price tag of established brands.

Technical specifications relevant to the CLOMA requirement:

• Fully automatic operation — one-button start, unattended testing
• Temperature range: ambient to 400°C
• Built-in refrigeration for low-boiling-point samples (gasoline, solvents)
• Automatic barometric pressure correction
• Real-time distillation curve display and data logging
• ASTM D86, ISO 3405, IP 123 compliant
• Integrated thermal printer for test reports
• RS-232/LIMS connectivity for data management
• Compact benchtop design — suitable for mobile or fixed laboratories

Government Procurement: A Recurring Opportunity

The CLOMA tender is not an isolated case. Defense and government laboratories worldwide regularly procure petroleum testing instruments through public tender processes. Common patterns include:

Our core product line — flash point testers, distillation testers, kinematic viscometers, pour point testers, and sulfur analyzers — directly addresses the most frequently tendered equipment categories in petroleum testing.

How to Respond to Government Tenders for Petroleum Testing Equipment

If you’re a distributor or procurement specialist responding to tenders like the CLOMA distiller requirement, here are key considerations:

1. Verify ASTM compliance — Ensure the offered instrument meets the exact standard cited in the tender (e.g., ASTM D86, not just “equivalent”)
2. Include calibration certificates — Government buyers require traceable calibration documentation
3. Factor in installation and training — Many tenders include commissioning and operator training as deliverables
4. Highlight total cost of ownership — Our instruments offer competitive pricing without compromising on compliance or reliability
5. Consider local partnerships — For EU tenders, having an in-region distributor simplifies logistics and after-sales support

Our Core Product Range for Defense & Government Laboratories

LabVV Scientific manufactures the following ASTM-compliant instruments frequently specified in government and defense tenders:

Similar Government Tenders to Watch

Beyond the CLOMA distiller tender, several other active government and defense procurement opportunities are relevant to our product range:

• 🇶🇦 QatarEnergy — Laboratory instrument servicing, calibration, and repair for Mesaieed operations (tender LT26100500)
• 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia — Multiple new petroleum testing laboratories established in 2026, actively procuring ASTM-standard equipment
• 🇰🇼 Kuwait — Laboratory equipment supply for Shuwaikh Power Station and other government facilities
• 🇧🇭 Bahrain — Laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance services (Ministry of Works)

Related Reading

• Flash Point Testing: Methods, Standards & Equipment — Complete Guide
• Oil Particle Counter Guide: How to Choose the Best Instrument
• Data Center Oil Testing: Complete Guide to Equipment Oil Analysis