ASTM D7261-14
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining Water Separation Characteristics of Diesel Fuels by Portable Separometer
Standard Test Method for Determining Water Separation Characteristics of Diesel Fuels by Portable Separometer
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a measure of the presence of surfactants in diesel fuels, and can be performed in the field or in a laboratory. Like Test Method D3948 used for jet fuel, this test method can detect traces of some refinery treating chemicals left in fuel. It can also detect surface active substances added to or picked up by the fuel during handling from point of production to point of use.
5.2 Certain additives, which can act as weak surfactants, give a slightly reduced DSEP rating. Other substances which are strong surfactants give much lower DSEP ratings.
5.3 While filter separators have not been common in diesel fuel systems, they could become more prevalent with ULSD containing increased additive content to ensure clean, dry fuels in new engine designs. Weak surfactants, with slightly reduced DSEP ratings, do not affect the ability of filter separators to separate free water from the fuel. Strong surfactants give a much lower DSEP rating and adversely affect the ability of filter separators to separate free water from the fuel.
5.4 Results from this test method do not have a known relationship to the rate of water settling in tanks.
5.5 The Micro-Separometer instrument has a measurement range from 50 to 100. Values obtained outside of those limits are undefined and invalid.
Note 2: In the event a value greater than 100 is obtained, there is a good probability that light transmittance was reduced by material contained in the fuel used to set the 100 reference level. The material was subsequently removed during the coalescing portion of the test, thus, the processed fuel had a higher light transmittance than the fuel sample used to obtain the 100 reference level resulting in the final rating measuring in excess of 100.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a rapid portable means for field and laboratory use to rate the ability of diesel fuels (both neat and those containing additives) to release entrained or emulsified water when passed through fiberglass coalescing material.
1.2 This test method is applicable to diesel fuels such as D975 Grade No. 1 and Grade No. 2 of all sulfur levels, and MIL-F-16884, naval distillate fuel (NATO F-76).
Note 1: This test method is similar to Test Method D3948 which is applicable to aviation turbine fuels.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: D7261 − 14
Standard Test Method for
Determining Water Separation Characteristics of Diesel
Fuels by Portable Separometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7261; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* D4306 Practice for Aviation Fuel Sample Containers for
Tests Affected by Trace Contamination
1.1 This test method covers a rapid portable means for field
D4860 Test Method for FreeWater and Particulate Contami-
and laboratory use to rate the ability of diesel fuels (both neat
nation in Middle Distillate Fuels (Clear and Bright Nu-
and those containing additives) to release entrained or emulsi-
merical Rating)
fied water when passed through fiberglass coalescing material.
D6426 Test Method for Determining Filterability of Middle
1.2 This test method is applicable to diesel fuels such as
Distillate Fuel Oils
D975 Grade No. 1 and Grade No. 2 of all sulfur levels, and
D7224 TestMethodforDeterminingWaterSeparationChar-
MIL-F-16884, naval distillate fuel (NATO F-76).
acteristics of Kerosine-Type Aviation Turbine Fuels Con-
NOTE 1—This test method is similar to Test Method D3948 which is
taining Additives by Portable Separometer
applicable to aviation turbine fuels.
2.2 Military Standard:
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 3
MIL-F-16884 Fuel, Naval Distillate (NATO F-76)
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
3. Terminology
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method that are
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
not shown below, refer to Test Methods D3948 and D7224.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2 Definitions:
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4 4
3.2.1 reference fluid, n—in MSEP and DSEP , [diesel
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
separability] water separability tests a reference fluid base to
which a prescribed quantity of a known surface active agent
2. Referenced Documents
has been added.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.1.1 Discussion—The known surface active agent is typi-
D975 Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils
cally bis-2-ethylhexyl sodium sulfosuccinate, commonly re-
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
ferred to as AOT, dissolved in toluene.
D3948 TestMethodforDeterminingWaterSeparationChar-
3.2.2 surfactant, n—in petroleum fuels, surface active ma-
acteristicsofAviationTurbineFuelsbyPortableSeparom-
terial (or surface active agent) that could disarm (deactivate)
eter
filter separator (coalescing) elements so that free water is not
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
removed from the fuel in actual service.
Petroleum Products
3.2.2.1 Discussion—Technically, surfactants affect the inter-
D4176 Test Method for FreeWater and Particulate Contami-
facial tension between water and fuel which affects the
nation in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
tendency of water to coalesce into droplets.
D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and
3.2.3 strongsurfactant,n—inpetroleumfuels,surfaceactive
Petroleum Products
material that disarms filter separator elements, allowing water
to pass.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
3.2.3.1 Discussion—Strong surfactants can be refinery pro-
Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
cess chemicals left in the fuel or contaminants introduced
Subcommittee D02.14 on Stability and Cleanliness of Liquid Fuels.
during transportation of the fuel.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2014. Published January 2015. Originally
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D7261 – 13. DOI:
10.1520/D7261-14.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or AvailablefromStandardizationDocumentsOrderDesk,Bldg.4SectionD,700
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on MSEP and DSEP are registered trademarks of EMCEE Electronics, Inc, 520
the ASTM website. Cypress Ave., Venice, FL 34285.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7261 − 14
3.2.4 weak surfactant, n—in petroleum fuels, surface active 5.3 While filter separators have not been common in diesel
material, typically certain types of additives such as static fuel systems, they could become more prevalent with ULSD
dissipator additive, that does not adversely affect the perfor- containing increased additive content to ensure clean, dry fuels
mance of filter separator elements in actual service. in new engine designs. Weak surfactants, with slightly reduced
DSEP ratings, do not affect the ability of filter separators to
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
separate free water from the fuel. Strong surfactants give a
3.3.1 DSEP rating, n—the diesel separability rating of
much lower DSEP rating and adversely affect the ability of
diesel fuel as measured by this test method.
filter separators to separate free water from the fuel.
3.3.1.1 Discussion—DSEP ratings are only valid within the
range of 50 to 100, with ratings at the upper end of the range 5.4 Results from this test method do not have a known
indicating a clean fuel with little or no contamination by relationship to the rate of water settling in tanks.
surfactants, which is expected to show good water-separating
5.5 The Micro-Separometer instrument has a measurement
properties when passed through a filter-separator (coalescing
range from 50 to 100. Values obtained outside of those limits
type filter) in actual service; see 14.1.
are undefined and invalid.
3.3.2 reference fluid base, n—a distillate diesel fuel that has NOTE 2—In the event a value greater than 100 is obtained, there is a
good probability that light transmittance was reduced by material con-
been cleaned in a prescribed manner to remove all surface-
tained in the fuel used to set the 100 reference level. The material was
active contaminants (agents), and having a minimum DSEP
subsequently removed during the coalescing portion of the test, thus, the
rating of 97.
processed fuel had a higher light transmittance than the fuel sample used
3.3.2.1 Discussion—The reference fluid base should be a
to obtain the 100 reference level resulting in the final rating measuring in
excess of 100.
diesel fuel typical of fuels to be tested.
3.4 Abbreviations:
6. Interferences
3.4.1 ac—alternating current
6.1 Any suspended particles, whether solids or water drop-
3.4.2 AOT—Aerosol OT (see 8.1)
lets or haze, in a fuel sample will interfere with this test
3.4.3 C/S—collect sample
method, which utilizes light transmission of a fuel sample after
emulsification with water and subsequent coalescence.
3.4.4 dc—direct current
6.2 Non-hydrocarbon components such as oxygenates, es-
3.4.5 DSEP—diesel separability
5 pecially alcohols, or emulsified water have not been verified
3.4.6 MSEP—Micro-Separometer
for this test method and will likely interfere.
4. Summary of Test Method
7. Apparatus
4.1 A50 mL water/fuel sample emulsion is created in a
6,7
7.1 A Micro-Separometer instrument is used to perform
syringe using a high-speed mixer. The emulsion is then
the test. The unit is portable and self-contained, capable of
expelled from the syringe at a programmed rate through a
operating on an internal rechargeable battery pack or being
standard fiberglass coalescer and the effluent is analyzed for
connected to an ac power source using power cords which are
uncoalesced water by a light transmission measurement.
available for various voltages. Connection to an ac power
4.2 The results are reported on a 0-to-100 scale to the
source will provide power to the unit and affect battery
nearest whole number, however the effective range of the test
recharge. The accessories can be packed in the cover of the
equipment is from 50 to 100. High ratings indicate that water
lockable case. There are two versions of the Micro-
is easily coalesced, implying that the fuel is relatively free of
Separometer: the Mark V Deluxe and the upgraded version,
surfactants.
Mark X.
4.3 A test can be performed in 5 min to 10 min.
NOTE 3—An extensive study was performed to verify that the Mark X
Micro-Separometer gives equivalent results to the Mark V Deluxe
Micro-Separometer. See Research Report RR:D02-1647.
5. Significance and Use
7.1.1 The Emcee Model 1140 Micro-Separometer Mark V
5.1 This test method provides a measure of the presence of
Deluxe and associated control panel are shown in Fig. 1.
surfactants in diesel fuels, and can be performed in the field or
in a laboratory. Like Test Method D3948 used for jet fuel, this
NOTE 4—Of the lettered (A-G) push buttons on the Mark V Deluxe,
test method can detect traces of some refinery treating chemi-
cals left in fuel. It can also detect surface active substances
The sole source of supply of the apparatus (Model 1140 Micro-Separometer,
added to or picked up by the fuel during handling from point
Mark V Deluxe and Mark X) known to the committee at this time is EMCEE
of production to point of use.
Electronics, Inc., 520 CypressAve.,Venice, FL34285 www.emcee-electronics.com.
If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM
5.2 Certain additives, which can act as weak surfactants,
International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a
give a slightly reduced DSEP rating. Other substances which 1
meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
are strong surfactants give much lower DSEP ratings. The Model 1140 Micro-Separometers Mark III and Mark V Standard versions
may also be used, but they are no longer supported by the manufacturer. For
operating procedures using these instruments, the user is referred to Test Method
D3948–87.
5 8
Micro-Separometer is a trademark of EMCEE Electronics, Inc, 520 Cypress Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
Ave., Venice, FL 34285. be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1647.
D7261 − 14
FIG. 1 Micro-Separometer Mark V Deluxe and Associated Control Panel
only the D push button is applicable to this test method.
8.3.4 DCell Coalescer, (E) an expendable, pre-calibrated
aluminum coalescer cell with a tapered end to fit the syringe. It
7.1.2 The Emcee Model 1140 Micro-Separometer Mark X
is labeled in a white background with black lettering:
and associated control panel are shown in Fig. 2. Table 1 lists
DCELL®, DIESEL FUEL, D7261
the manual and audio operating characteristics of the instru-
8.3.4.1 In order for a coalescer to be acceptable for this test
ment.
method, it shall have been manufactured using 2-grades of
NOTE 5—Of the lettered push buttons that select the test mode, only the
fiberglass and have passed factory calibration tests for air flow
DIESEL push button is applicable to this test method.
and leakage.
7.1.3 Both the Mark V Deluxe and Mark X Micro-
8.3.5 Disposable Plastic Pipet Tip (F)—Used with an auto-
Separometers have the emulsifier located on the right side of
matic 50 µL hand pipet (Fig. 3, G).
the raised panel and the syringe drive mechanism on the left
8.3.6 Container (H)—A clean container of double-distilled
side. The control panel containing the operating controls (push
water (8.7).
buttons) is mounted on the fixed panel in the left side of the
8.4 Reference Fluid Base—A surfactant-free, clean, distil-
case. A circuit breaker located on the control panel provides
late diesel fuel which is used to verify proper operation and is
protection for the ac power circuit. The turbidimeter is located
prepared in the manner described in Annex A1 (see 3.3.2).
underthemaincontrolpanelandconsistsofawellinwhichthe
(Warning—Flammable. Vapor harmful.)
sample vial is placed, a light source, and a photocell.
8.5 Reference Fluid—(Warning—Flammable. Vapor harm-
7.2 Beaker, Catch Pan, or Plastic Container—(Supplied
ful.) A fluid used for checking the operational performance of
with each Micro-Separometer) used to receive the waste fuel
the Micro-Separometer instrument), consisting of increasing
during the coalescence period of the test.
concentrations (0 mL⁄L to 1.6 mL/L) of dispersing agent
7.3 Pipet—An automatic 50-µL hand pipet (supplied with
added to the reference fluid base. The DSEP ratings for this
each Micro-Separometer) designed to accept a disposable
range of concentrations appear in Table 2. The reference fluids
plastic tip.
are prepared and tested as described in Sections 12 and 13.
8.6 Toluene, ACS reagent grade. (Warning—Flammable.
8. Reagents and Materials
Vapor harmful.)
8.1 Aerosol OT, (AOT), solid (100 % dry) bis-2-ethylhexyl
8.7 Water,clean,double-distilledandsurfactant-free:D1193
sodium sulfosuccinate.
Type IV reagent water, re-distilled. In practice, re-distillation
8.2 Dispersing Agent—Toluene solution (Warning—
of commercial distilled water has proven to be satisfactory.
Flammable. Vapor harmful.) containing 1 mg of Aerosol OT
8.7.1 Useofwaterotherthandouble-distilledwater(suchas
per milliliter of toluene.
tap water) will render test results invalid.
8.3 Expendable Materials needed to perform the test are
9 9. Hazards
shown in Fig. 3 and consist of the following:
8.3.1 Syringe Plug, (A)—A plastic plug used to stopper the 9.1 The primary hazard in this test method is the flamma-
bility of the fuels that are tested. Take suitable precautions to
syringe during the clean and emulsion cycles.
8.3.2 Syringe, (Barrel (B) and Plunger (C))—A disposable avoid sparks, flames or sources of ignition.
50 mL plastic syringe.
9.2 Minimize worker exposure to breathing fuel vapors.
8.3.3 Vials, (D), 25 mm outside diameter vial premarked for
10. Preparation of Apparatus
proper alignment in the turbidimeter well.
10.1 Locate the instrument on a clean workbench in an area
where the temperature is between 18 °C and 29 °C and does
A new syringe, pipet tip, test sample vial, syringe plug, DCell coalescer
not vary more than 63 °C.
(trademarked) and double distilled water are used in each test. These expendable
materials are available from Emcee Electronics, Inc. in a kit, termed the DCell
Micro-Separometer Six Pack (trademarked), containing supplies for six tests (
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7261 − 13 D7261 − 14
Standard Test Method for
Determining Water Separation Characteristics of Diesel
Fuels by Portable Separometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7261; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers a rapid portable means for field and laboratory use to rate the ability of diesel fuels (both neat and
those containing additives) to release entrained or emulsified water when passed through fiberglass coalescing material.
1.2 This test method is applicable to diesel fuels such as D975 Grade No. 1 and Grade No. 2 of all sulfur levels, and
MIL-F-16884, naval distillate fuel (NATO F-76).
NOTE 1—This test method is similar to Test Method D3948 which is applicable to aviation turbine fuels.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D975 Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D3948 Test Method for Determining Water Separation Characteristics of Aviation Turbine Fuels by Portable Separometer
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
D4176 Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
D4306 Practice for Aviation Fuel Sample Containers for Tests Affected by Trace Contamination
D4860 Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Middle Distillate Fuels (Clear and Bright Numerical
Rating)
D6426 Test Method for Determining Filterability of Middle Distillate Fuel Oils
D7224 Test Method for Determining Water Separation Characteristics of Kerosine-Type Aviation Turbine Fuels Containing
Additives by Portable Separometer
2.2 Military Standard:
MIL-F-16884 Fuel, Naval Distillate (NATO F-76)
3. Terminology
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method that are not shown below, refer to Test Methods D3948 and D7224.
3.2 Definitions:
4 4
3.2.1 reference fluid, n—in MSEP and DSEP , [diesel separability] water separability tests,tests a reference fluid base to which
a prescribed quantity of a known surface active agent has been added.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee D02.14 on Stability and Cleanliness of Liquid Fuels.
Current edition approved May 1, 2013Dec. 1, 2014. Published May 2013January 2015. Originally approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 20122013 as
D7261 – 12.D7261 – 13. DOI: 10.1520/D7261-13.10.1520/D7261-14.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
MSEP and DSEP are registered trademarks of EMCEE Electronics, Inc, 520 Cypress Ave., Venice, FL 34285.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7261 − 14
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
The known surface active agent is typically bis-2-ethylhexyl sodium sulfosuccinate, commonly referred to as AOT, dissolved in
toluene.
3.2.2 surfactant, n—in petroleum fuels, surface active material (or surface active agent) that could disarm (deactivate) filter
separator (coalescing) elements so that free water is not removed from the fuel in actual service.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
Technically, surfactants affect the interfacial tension between water and fuel which affects the tendency of water to coalesce into
droplets.
3.2.3 strong surfactant, n—in petroleum fuels, surface active material that disarms filter separator elements, allowing water to
pass.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
Strong surfactants can be refinery process chemicals left in the fuel or contaminants introduced during transportation of the fuel.
3.2.4 weak surfactant, n—in petroleum fuels, surface active material, typically certain types of additives such as static dissipator
additive, that does not adversely affect the performance of filter separator elements in actual service.
3.3 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.3.1 DSEP rating, n—the diesel separability rating of diesel fuel as measured by this test method.
3.3.1.1 Discussion—
DSEP ratings are only valid within the range of 50 to 100, with ratings at the upper end of the range indicating a clean fuel with
little or no contamination by surfactants, which is expected to show good water-separating properties when passed through a
filter-separator (coalescing type filter) in actual service; see 14.1.
3.3.2 reference fluid base, n—a distillate diesel fuel that has been cleaned in a prescribed manner to remove all surface-active
contaminants (agents), and having a minimum DSEP rating of 97.
3.3.2.1 Discussion—
The reference fluid base should be a diesel fuel typical of fuels to be tested.
3.4 Abbreviations:
3.4.1 ac—alternating current
3.4.2 AOT—Aerosol OT (see 8.1)
3.4.3 C/S—collect sample
3.4.4 dc—direct current
3.4.5 DSEP—diesel separability
3.4.6 MSEP—Micro-Separometer
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A50 mL water/fuel sample emulsion is created in a syringe using a high-speed mixer. The emulsion is then expelled from
the syringe at a programmed rate through a standard fiberglass coalescer and the effluent is analyzed for uncoalesced water by a
light transmission measurement.
4.2 The results are reported on a 0-to-100 scale to the nearest whole number, however the effective range of the test equipment
is from 50 to 100. High ratings indicate that water is easily coalesced, implying that the fuel is relatively free of surfactants.
4.3 A test can be performed in 5 5 min to 10 min.
5 2
Micro-Separometer is a trademark of EMCEE Electronics, Inc, 520 Cypress Ave., Venice, FL 34285.
D7261 − 14
FIG. 1 Micro-Separometer Mark V Deluxe and Associated Control Panel
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides a measure of the presence of surfactants in diesel fuels, and can be performed in the field or in
a laboratory. Like Test Method D3948 used for jet fuel, this test method can detect traces of some refinery treating chemicals left
in fuel. It can also detect surface active substances added to or picked up by the fuel during handling from point of production to
point of use.
5.2 Certain additives, which can act as weak surfactants, give a slightly reduced DSEP rating. Other substances which are strong
surfactants give much lower DSEP ratings.
5.3 While filter separators have not been common in diesel fuel systems, they could become more prevalent with ULSD
containing increased additive content to ensure clean, dry fuels in new engine designs. Weak surfactants, with slightly reduced
DSEP ratings, do not affect the ability of filter separators to separate free water from the fuel. Strong surfactants give a much lower
DSEP rating and adversely affect the ability of filter separators to separate free water from the fuel.
5.4 Results from this test method do not have a known relationship to the rate of water settling in tanks.
5.5 The Micro-Separometer instrument has a measurement range from 50 to 100. Values obtained outside of those limits are
undefined and invalid.
NOTE 2—In the event a value greater than 100 is obtained, there is a good probability that light transmittance was reduced by material contained in
the fuel used to set the 100 reference level. The material was subsequently removed during the coalescing portion of the test, thus, the processed fuel
had a higher light transmittance than the fuel sample used to obtain the 100 reference level resulting in the final rating measuring in excess of 100.
6. Interferences
6.1 Any suspended particles, whether solids or water droplets or haze, in a fuel sample will interfere with this test method,
which utilizes light transmission of a fuel sample after emulsification with water and subsequent coalescence.
6.2 Non-hydrocarbon components such as oxygenates, especially alcohols, or emulsified water have not been verified for this
test method and will likely interfere.
7. Apparatus
6,7
7.1 A Micro-Separometer instrument is used to perform the test. The unit is portable and self-contained, capable of operating
on an internal rechargeable battery pack or being connected to an ac power source using power cords which are available for
various voltages. Connection to an ac power source will provide power to the unit and affect battery recharge. The accessories can
be packed in the cover of the lockable case. There are two versions of the Micro-Separometer: the Mark V Deluxe and the upgraded
version, Mark X.
NOTE 3—An extensive study was performed to verify that the Mark X Micro-Separometer gives equivalent results to the Mark V Deluxe
Micro-Separometer. See Research Report RR:D02-1647.
7.1.1 The Emcee Model 1140 Micro-Separometer Mark V Deluxe and associated control panel are shown in Fig. 1.
NOTE 4—Of the lettered (A-G) push buttons on the Mark V Deluxe, only the D push button is applicable to this test method.
7.1.2 The Emcee Model 1140 Micro-Separometer Mark X and associated control panel are shown in Fig. 2. Table 1 lists the
manual and audio operating characteristics of the instrument.
NOTE 5—Of the lettered push buttons that select the test mode, only the DIESEL push button is applicable to this test method.
The sole source of supply of the apparatus (Model 1140 Micro-Separometer, Mark V Deluxe and Mark X) known to the committee at this time is EMCEE Electronics,
Inc., 520 Cypress Ave., Venice, FL 34285 www.emcee-electronics.com. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International
Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
The Model 1140 Micro-Separometers Mark III and Mark V Standard versions may also be used, but they are no longer supported by the manufacturer. For operating
procedures using these instruments, the user is referred to Test Method D3948–87.
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1647.
D7261 − 14
FIG. 2 Micro-Separometer Mark X and Control Panel
TABLE 1 Manual and Audio Operating Characteristics of the Emcee Model 1140 Micro-Separometer Instrument for
Mode D/Diesel Operation
Available Test Mode(s) Function Mark V Deluxe Mark X
Test Mode - Select Mode D
Depress D push button Diesel push button
Syringe Drive Not required Not required
Speed Selection Not required Not required
Clean Cycle
Depress START push button CLEAN 1
CLEAN 2
Initiate Automatic Test Sequence
Depress START push button RUN push button
Cancel Automatic Sequence
Depress RESET push button RESET push button
1st Meter Read
1st Meter Adjust Depress ARROW push buttons Not required
2nd Meter Read
2nd Meter Adjust Depress ARROW push buttons Not required
Collect Sample Short Tone and C/S Short Tone and C/S
Annunciator Lamp Illuminates Annunciator Lamp Illuminates
3rd Meter Read
Record Measurement Pulsed Tone Sounds 5 s into 3rd Meter Read Steady tone
7.1.3 Both the Mark V Deluxe and Mark X Micro-Separometers have the emulsifier located on the right side of the raised panel
and the syringe drive mechanism on the left side. The control panel containing the operating controls (push buttons) is mounted
on the fixed panel in the left side of the case. A circuit breaker located on the control panel provides protection for the ac power
circuit. The turbidimeter is located under the main control panel and consists of a well in which the sample vial is placed, a light
source, and a photocell.
7.2 Beaker, Catch Pan, or Plastic Container—(Supplied with each Micro-Separometer) used to receive the waste fuel during
the coalescence period of the test.
7.3 Pipet—An automatic 50-μL hand pipet (supplied with each Micro-Separometer) designed to accept a disposable plastic tip.
8. Reagents and Materials
8.1 Aerosol OT, (AOT), solid (100 % dry) bis-2-ethylhexyl sodium sulfosuccinate.
8.2 Dispersing Agent—Toluene solution (Warning—Flammable. Vapor harmful.) containing 1 mg of Aerosol OT per milliliter
of toluene.
8.3 Expendable Materials needed to perform the test are shown in Fig. 3 and consist of the following:
8.3.1 Syringe Plug, (A)—A plastic plug used to stopper the syringe during the clean and emulsion cycles.
8.3.2 Syringe, (Barrel (B) and Plunger (C))—A disposable 50 mL plastic syringe.
8.3.3 Vials, (D), 25-mm25 mm outside diameter vial premarked for proper alignment in the turbidimeter well.
8.3.4 DCell Coalescer, (E) an expendable, pre-calibrated aluminum coalescer cell with a tapered end to fit the syringe. It is
labeled in a white background with black lettering:
DCELL®, DIESEL FUEL, D7261
A new syringe, pipet tip, test sample vial, syringe plug, DCell coalescer (trademarked) and double distilled water are used in each test. These expendable materials are
available from Emcee Electronics, Inc. in a kit, termed the DCell Micro-Separometer Six Pack (trademarked), containing supplies for six tests (Fig. 4).
The term “DCell” and logo are registered trademarks of EMCEE Electronics, Inc, 520 Cypress Ave., Venice, FL 34285.
D7261 − 14
FIG. 3 Test Supplies and Small Parts
FIG. 4 Six Pack and Test Accessories
8.3.4.1 In order for a coalescer to be acceptable for this test method, it shall have been manufactured using
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