ASTM D4176-04(2009)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
It has long been the practice to include in fuel specifications a requirement that the fuel be clear and bright and free of visible particulate matter (see Note 1). However, there has been no standard method for making this determination so that practices have differed. This test method provides standard procedures for the test.
Note 1—Clean and bright is sometimes used in place of clear and bright. The meaning is identical.
Procedure 1 provides a rapid pass/fail method for contamination in a distillate fuel. Procedure 2 provides a gross numerical rating of haze appearance, primarily as a communication tool. Other test methods, including Test Methods D 1744, D 2276, D 2709, and D 4860, permit quantitative determinations of contaminants. No relationship has been established between Procedure 2 and various quantitative methods.
Limited laboratory evaluations of samples that have failed this clear and bright test indicate that an experienced tester can detect as little as 40 ppm of free water in the fuel.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers two procedures for estimating the presence of suspended free water and solid particulate contamination in distillate fuels having distillation end points below 400°C and an ASTM color of 5 or less.
1.1.1 Both procedures can be used as field tests at storage temperatures, or as laboratory tests at controlled temperatures.
1.1.2 Procedure 1 provides a rapid pass/fail method for contamination. Procedure 2 provides a gross numerical rating of haze appearance.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 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: D4176 − 04(Reapproved 2009)
Standard Test Method for
Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels
(Visual Inspection Procedures)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4176; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope Distillate Fuels by Centrifuge
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
1.1 This test method covers two procedures for estimating
Petroleum Products
the presence of suspended free water and solid particulate
D4860 Test Method for FreeWater and Particulate Contami-
contamination in distillate fuels having distillation end points
nation in Middle Distillate Fuels (Clear and Bright Nu-
below 400°C and an ASTM color of 5 or less.
merical Rating)
1.1.1 Both procedures can be used as field tests at storage
temperatures, or as laboratory tests at controlled temperatures. 2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
1.1.2 Procedure 1 provides a rapid pass/fail method for Distillate Fuel Bar Chart
contamination. Procedure 2 provides a gross numerical rating Distillate Fuel Haze Rating Standard
of haze appearance.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this 3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
standard. 3.1.1 clear-and-bright (also termed clean-and-bright )—a
condition in which the fuel is free of haze or cloudiness.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1.2 free water—water in excess of that soluble in the fuel
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- at the temperature of the test, and appearing in the fuel as a
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- haze or cloudiness, or as droplets.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.3 particulates—small solid or semisolid particles, some-
times referred to as silt or sediment, that may or may not be
2. Referenced Documents
suspended in the fuel as a result of contamination by air-blown
2.1 ASTM Standards:
dusts, corrosion by-products, fuel instability, or protective-
D1500 Test Method forASTM Color of Petroleum Products
coating deterioration.
(ASTM Color Scale)
D1744 Test Method for Determination of Water in Liquid
4. Summary of Test Method
Petroleum Products by Karl Fischer Reagent (Withdrawn
4.1 In Procedure 1 approximately 900 mL of fuel is placed
2000)
into a clear, glass, 1-L jar and is examined visually for clarity.
D2276 Test Method for Particulate Contaminant in Aviation
The sample is then swirled and examined for visual sediment
Fuel by Line Sampling
or water drops below the vortex.
D2709 Test Method for Water and Sediment in Middle
4.2 In Procedure 2 approximately 900 mL of fuel is placed
into a clear, glass, 1-L jar and is examined visually for clarity.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Fuel clarity is rated by placing a standard bar chart behind the
Petroleum Products and Lubricantsand is the responsibility of Subcommittee
sample and comparing its visual appearance with the standard
D02.14 on Stability and Cleanliness of Liquid Fuels.
haze rating photos. The sample is then swirled and examined
Current edition approved June 1, 2009. Published August 2009. Originally
´1
for visual sediment or water drops below the vortex.
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D4176–04 . DOI:
10.1520/D4176-04R09.
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 Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
the ASTM website. ADJD417601. Original adjunct produced in 1991.
3 5
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
www.astm.org. ADJD417602. Original adjunct produced in 1991.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4176 − 04 (2009)
4.3 When field testing, both Procedures 1 and 2 are per- 7.4 The differences between these haze levels are arbitrary
formed immediately after sampling and at storage temperature and are not intended to represent equivalent increases in
conditions. suspended water content or particulates. It is essential, there-
fore, that only the proper approved photos be used.
4.4 When lab testing, both Procedures 1 and 2 are per-
7.5 Temperature Sensing Device (TSD), capable of moni-
formed after the sample has equilibrated at the test temperature
of interest. toring the observed test temperature to within an accuracy of
60.5°C (61°F) for use in laboratory tests that require mea-
5. Significance and Use surements to be made at a specific temperature.
7.6 Temperature-Controlled Bath, of suitable dimensions
5.1 It has long been the practice to include in fuel specifi-
and capable of controlling the sample container temperature
cations a requirement that the fuel be clear and bright and free
within 60.5°C (61°F) of the desired temperature for labora-
of visible particulate matter (see Note 1). However, there has
tory tests that require measurements to be made at a specific
been no standard method for making this determination so that
temperature.
practices have differed. This test method provides standard
procedures for the test.
8. Sampling
NOTE 1—Clean and bright is sometimes used in place of clear and
8.1 Sampling shall be consistent with the procedures of
bright. The meaning is identical.
Practice D4057.
5.2 Procedure 1 provides a rapid pass/fail method for
8.2 Draw the sample directly into the sample container
contamination in a distillate fuel. Procedure 2 provides a gross
using the following procedure:
numerical rating of haze appearance, primarily as a communi-
8.2.1 Be sure the sampling valve is free of loose solid
cationtool.Othertestmethods,includingTestMethodsD1744,
contaminants. If rust or other loose encrustations are present,
D2276, D2709, and D4860, permit quantitative determinations
remove with a cloth; then flush the sampling valve prior to
of contaminants. No relationship has been established between
taking the actual sample.
Procedure 2 and various quantitative methods.
8.2.2 Rinse a clean test container thoroughly with the fuel
5.3 Limited laboratory evaluations of samples that have
being sampled. (Warning—Flammable. See Annex A1.1.)
failed this clear and bright test indicate that an experienced
8.2.3 Draw approximately 900 mLof fuel into the container
tester can detect as little as 40 ppm of free water in the fuel.
as rapidly as possible. Use a full flush rather than permitting
the fuel sample to trickle out.
6. Interferences
9. Sample Preparation
6.1 Whenafuelistestedatlowtemperaturesatorbelowthe
cloudpointtemperatureofthefuel,smallamountsofsolidwax
9.1 Field Testing—Both Procedures 1 and 2 are to be
particles may be confused with a water-induced haze or
performed immediately after drawing the sample. Record the
cloudiness.
approximate sample storage temperature and the approximate
ambient temperature at which the test is performed.
6.2 If an attempt is made to use the test with fuels darker
than a color rating of 5 in Test Method D1500, the presence of
9.2 Laboratory Testing:
free water or particulate could be obscured and missed by the
9.2.1 Do not subsample or transfer the sample to a second-
viewer.
ary container. Perform the test with the sample drawn in the
original sample container.
7. Apparatus
9.2.2 Replace the sample container’s closure with an air
tight closure through which a calibrated temperature sensing
7.1 Cylindrical Container, clear-glass, capable of holding
device is immersed in the sample. Allow the sample container
1.0 6 0.1 L of
...
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.
An American National Standard Designation: D 4176 – 04 (Reapproved 2009)
Designation:D4176–02
Standard Test Method for
Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels
(Visual Inspection Procedures)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4176; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers two procedures for estimating the presence of suspended free water and solid particulate
contamination in distillate fuels having distillation end points below 400°C and an ASTM color of 5 or less.
1.1.1 Both procedures can be used as field tests at storage temperatures, or as laboratory tests at controlled temperatures.
1.1.2 Procedure 1 provides a rapid pass/fail method for contamination. Procedure 2 provides a gross numerical rating of haze
appearance.
1.2The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 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:
D 1500 Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)
D 1744 Standard Test Method for Determination of Water in Liquid Petroleum Products by Karl Fischer Reagent
D 2276 Test Method for Particulate Contaminant in Aviation Fuel by Line Sampling
D 2709 Test Method for Water and Sediment in Middle Distillate Fuels by Centrifuge
D 4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
D 4860 Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Mid-dle Distillate Fuels (Clear and Bright Numerical
Rating)
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
Distillate Fuel Bar Chart
Distillate Fuel Haze Rating Standard
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 clear-and-bright (also termed clean-and-bright )—a condition in which the fuel is free of haze or cloudiness.
3.1.2 free water—water in excess of that soluble in the fuel at the temperature of the test, and appearing in the fuel as a haze
or cloudiness, or as droplets.
3.1.2solid particulates—small solid or semisolid particles, sometimes referred to as silt or sediment, present in a fuel as a result
of contamination by air-blown dusts, corrosion by-products, fuel instability, or protective-coating deterioration.
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the responsibility of Subcommittee D02.14 on Stability
and Cleanliness of Liquid Fuels.
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 2002. Published April 2002. Originally published as D4176–82. Last previous edition D4176–93 (1997).
´1
Current edition approved June 1, 2009. Published August 2009. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as D 4176–04 .
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
, Vol 05.01.volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Discontinued; see 2000 Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01.
Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.02.
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No. . Original adjunct produced in 1991.
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Request Adjunct No. ADJD417601.
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No. . Original adjunct produced in 1991.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D4176–04 (2009)
3.1.3 clear-and-bright (also termed “clean-and-bright”)—a condition in which the fuel contains no visible water drops or
particulates, and is free of haze or cloudiness. particulates—small solid or semisolid particles, sometimes referred to as silt or
sediment, that may or may not be suspended in the fuel as a result of contamination by air-blown dusts, corrosion by-products,
fuel instability, or protective-coating deterioration.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 In Procedure 1 approximately 900 mL of fuel is placed into a clear, glass, one litre 1-L jar and is examined visually for
clarity. The sample is then swirled and examined for visual sediment or water drops below the vortex.
4.2 InProcedure2approximately900mLoffuelisplacedintoaclear,glass,onelitre1-Ljarandisexaminedvisuallyforclarity.
Fuel clarity is rated by placing a standard bar chart behind the sample and comparing its visual appearance with the standard haze
rating photos. The sample is then swirled and examined for visual sediment or water drops below the vortex.
4.3 When field testing, both Procedures 1 and 2 are performed immediately after sampling and at storage temperature
conditions.
4.4 When lab testing, both Procedures 1 and 2 are performed after the sample has equilibrated at the test temperature of interest.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Ithaslongbeenthepracticetoincludeinfuelspecificationsarequirementthatthefuelbe clear and bright and free of visible
particulate matter (see Note 1). However, there has been no standard method for making this determination so that practices have
differed. This test method provides standard procedures for the test.
NOTE 1—Clean and bright is sometimes used in place of clear and bright. The meaning is identical.
5.2 Procedure 1 provides a rapid pass/fail method for contamination in a distillate fuel. Procedure 2 provides a gross numerical
rating of haze appearance, primarily as a communication tool. Other Test Methods,test methods, including Test Methods D 1744,
D 2276, D 2709, and D 4860, permit quantitative determinations of contaminants. No relationship has been established between
Procedure 2 and various quantitative methods.
5.3 Limited laboratory evaluations of samples that have failed this clear and bright test indicate that an experienced tester can
detect as little as 40 ppm of free water in the fuel.
6. Interferences
6.1 When a fuel is tested at low temperatures at or below the cloud point temperature of the fuel, small amounts of solid wax
particles may be confused with a water-induced haze or cloudiness.
6.2 If an attempt is made to use the test with fuels darker than a color rating of 5 in Test Method D 1500, the presence of free
water or particulate could be obscured and missed by the viewer.
7. Apparatus
7.1 Cylindrical, containerCylindrical Container, clear-glass, capable of holding 1.0 6 0.1 L of fuel and having a diameter of
100 6 10 mm.
7.2A paper card (bar chart),
7.2 Paper Card (Bar Chart), laminated in clear plastic, having five parallel lines of different widths and meeting the following
description:
7.2.1 Characteristics of card stockCard Stock—, white paper 120 mm by 180 mm long.
7.2.2 Line color, widthColor, Width, and spacingSpacing—, five black lines of increasing widths, commencing with a line 0.6
mm wide, the second line 1.6 mm wide, and each succeeding line 1.6 mm wider to a maximum of 6.4 mm.
7.2.3 The lines shall be numbered from 1 through 5, with the thinnest line being No. 1.
7.3 A series of standard photographs of the bar chart through samples of differing haze levels, numbered from 1 through 6.
Photograph No. 1 is the clearest, while No. 6 represents the densest haze.
7.4 The differences between these haze levels are arbitrary and are not intended to represent equivalent increases in suspended
water content or particulates. It is essential, therefore, that only the proper approved photos be used.
7.5 Temperature Sensing Device (TSD), capable of monitoring the observed test temperature to within an accuracy of 60.5°C
(61°F) for use in laboratory tests that require measurements to be made at a specific temperature.
7.6 Temperature-Controlled Bath, of suitable dimensions and capable of con
...
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