Fuel Chemist
BSc
work
Liverpool
david.browbank@brookesbell.com
Career Summary
David began his career in 1998 as an Analyst at Pattinson Scientific Services
At Pattinson Scientific Services in Newcastle Upon Tyne, David worked from 1998 to 2008, starting as a Food and Water Analyst and later advancing to Section Head of the Water Testing division. From 1998 to 2005, he conducted a variety of testing procedures, including HPLC, GC-FID, IC, and AAS, contributing to public analysis services in the Northeast of England. His role involved training in both traditional wet chemistry techniques and advanced instrumentation while ensuring regulatory compliance. In 2005, he was promoted to Section Head, where he managed the daily operations of the water testing division, oversaw quality control, trained new staff, and ensured timely reporting to senior management while maintaining UKAS accreditation and laboratory efficiency.
Background
In 2008, he transitioned to Lintec Testing Services (now Intertek Lintec), where he developed expertise in testing a wide range of marine fuel oils, including HSFO, VLSFO, ULSFO, and DMA of all grades, ensuring compliance with ISO 8217 standards. Starting as a bench analyst, David performed the full range of ISO 8217 Table 2 analyses, giving him first-hand experience with marine fuel oils. In 2009, David was promoted to Shift Leader, where he led a team of analysts, overseeing the reporting of results and ensuring that all tests were conducted with stringent quality control measures in place."
Promoted to Technical Supervisor in 2010, David took ownership of the lab's Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) system, ensuring it remained compliant with internal and external standards, including ISO 17025 and ISO 9001. His leadership extended to coordinating internal audits on all ISO 8217 table 2 parameters performed by the laboratory, managing COSHH, conducting safety tours, and overseeing staff training records. He contributed significantly to R&D, particularly in developing GC-MS methodologies within the lab for the analysis of fuel samples, while also overseeing the maintenance and improvement of laboratory equipment. David was the lead in several investigative projects including work on the 2018 Houston fuel problems. All problematic fuel issues were directed through David at Lintec whereby he was able to analyse and give feedback on any issues that may have been outside of the scope of the routine tests performed by the lab analysts.
In 2019 David was further promoted to Technical Reporting Specialist and Bunker Quantity Survey Coordinator. In his role as Customer Services Coordinator, David was responsible for checking final test reports, ensuring they met industry standards, and adding technical comments related to ISO 8217 testing and additional analyses. He also managed client inquiries and provided expert advice on technical issues, while coordinating bunker quantity surveys to ensure accurate reporting. His commitment to detail and client satisfaction helped maintain strong relationships with customers and ensured the highest level of service.
David joined Brookes Bell as a Fuel Chemist in August 2024.
Academic Qualifications
BSc in Chemistry with Analytical Chemistry - Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne (Completed part-time while employed)
Previous Employment History
- Intertek Lintec (formerly Lintec Testing Services) - Technical Reporting Specialist & Bunker Quantity Survey Coordinator
Managed technical reporting for marine fuel samples, ensuring compliance with ISO 8217 standards.
Coordinated global bunker quantity surveys, ensuring timely deployment of surveyors and addressing client inquiries.
Oversaw final report approvals, providing expert commentary on marine fuel quality and testing procedures.
Played a key role in technical dispute resolution, particularly in cases involving contamination, and off-spec fuel issues.
Fostered strong client relationships, ensuring all technical reports met industry standards and client expectations.
- Intertek Lintec - Technical Supervisor
Led the QHSE system (ISO 17025, ISO 9001), ensuring laboratory compliance through audits, safety tours, and training.
Managed R&D projects, developing new GC-MS methodologies for fuel analysis and troubleshooting complex testing issues.
Played a role in the 2018 Houston fuel crisis by investigating off-spec fuel problems and providing technical feedback.
Conducted training for lab staff on wet chemistry and instrumental techniques, improving lab efficiency and accuracy.
Contributed to the lab's growth by improving testing accuracy, operational efficiency, and equipment maintenance.
- Intertek Lintec - Shift Leader & Analyst
Led a team of analysts performing ISO 8217 Table 2 analyses on marine fuels (HSFO, VLSFO, ULSFO, DMA).
- Improved laboratory efficiency and accuracy.
- Ensured quality control standards were upheld while maintaining timely delivery of test reports to clients.
- Regularly communicated with clients, addressing technical queries and providing clear, accurate test results.
- Pattinson Scientific Services - Section Head – Water Testing
Managed daily operations of the water testing division, ensuring efficient workflows and timely reporting to senior management.
Maintained UKAS accreditation through rigorous adherence to quality control standards and regulatory compliance.
Led and trained a team of analysts, developing staff proficiency in advanced analytical techniques and ensuring laboratory efficiency.
Oversaw the implementation of new procedures to improve accuracy and streamline testing processes.
Reported results and contributed to the lab's management by ensuring operational compliance with environmental and safety standards.
- Pattinson Scientific Services - Food & Water Analyst
Conducted a variety of testing procedures, including HPLC, GC-FID, IC, and AAS, supporting both public analysis tasks and regulatory compliance for water and food testing.
Developed expertise in both traditional wet chemistry techniques and advanced instrumentation, contributing to the lab’s service to the Northeast of England.
Trained in regulatory compliance, ensuring all tests met environmental and health standards, and maintained the accuracy of test results.
Played a key role in training new staff and maintaining the laboratory’s technical proficiency.
Surveying and Consultancy Experience
- Analytical Techniques: HPLC, GC-FID, IC, AAS, GC-MS
- Laboratory Management: QHSE systems, UKAS accreditation, R&D project management
- Quality Assurance: Internal audits, method validation, health and safety compliance
- Client Relations: Technical reporting, customer query management, survey coordination
- Energy Institute Membership: Active participation in SC-G panel
- SC-G3: Inorganic Analysis
- SC-G5: Sulphur
- SC-G7: Hydrogen
- SC-G8: Ammonia
- SC-G9: Methanol