ASTM D3948-99a
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining Water Separation Characteristics of Aviation Turbine Fuels by Portable Separometer
Standard Test Method for Determining Water Separation Characteristics of Aviation Turbine Fuels by Portable Separometer
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides a rapid portable means for field and laboratory use to rate the ability of aviation turbine fuels to release entrained or emulsified water when passed through fiberglass coalescing material.
1.2 The procedure section of this test method contains two different modes of test equipment operation. The primary difference between the modes of operation is the rate of fuel flow through the fiberglass coalescing material. Test method selection is dependent on the particular fuel to be tested.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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. For specific hazard statements, see Notes 4, 5, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, and Annex A1.
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An American National Standards
Designation: D 3948 – 99a
Standard Test Method for
Determining Water Separation Characteristics of Aviation
Turbine Fuels by Portable Separometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3948; 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 (e) 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 MIL-T-5624 (Grade MIL JP 4 and MIL JP 5) Turbine Fuel,
Aviation Grade JP 4 and JP 5/JP 8 ST
1.1 This test method provides a rapid portable means for
MIL-T-38219 (Grade MIL JP 7), Turbine Fuel, Low Vola-
field and laboratory use to rate the ability of aviation turbine
tility, JP-7
fuels to release entrained or emulsified water when passed
MIL-T-83133 (Grade MIL JP 8) Turbine Fuel, Aviation,
through fiberglass coalescing material.
Kerosene Type, Grade JP 85 and NATO F 34 and F 35
1.2 The procedure section of this test method contains two
different modes of test equipment operation. The primary
3. Terminology
difference between the modes of operation is the rate of fuel
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
flow through the fiberglass coalescing material. Test method
3.1.1 micro separometer rating (MSEP)—a numerical value
selection is dependent on the particular fuel to be tested.
indicating the ease of separating emulsified water from fuel by
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
coalescence as affected by the presence of surface active
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
materials (surfactants).
only.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—MSEP ratings obtained using Test A
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and Test B are termed MSEP-A and MSEP-B, respectively. The
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
MSEP rating is comparable to the Water Separometer Index,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Modified (WSIM) and the Minisonic Separometer Surfactants
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
(MSS) of Test Method D 2550 and field Test Method D 3602,
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
respectively.
statements, see 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, and 10.3.
3.1.1.2 Discussion—The results of precision programs with
2. Referenced Documents the Micro-Separometer and its correlation with other rating
methods (Test Methods D 2550 and D 3602) are discussed in
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Appendix X3.
D 1655 Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels
3.1.2 reference fluids—fuels that have been, as a minimum,
D 2550 Test Method for Water Separation Characteristics of
clay treated and, as required, subjected to a water wash process
Aviation Turbine Fuels
and passed through a filter separator; and to which prescribed
D 3602 Test Method for Water Separation Characteristics of
quantities of a known surface active agent (typically bis-2-
Aviation Turbine Fuels
ethylhexyl sodium sulfosuccinate in toluene) have been added.
D 4306 Practice for Aviation Fuel Sample Containers for
Tests Affected by Trace Contamination
4. Summary of Test Method
2.2 Military Standards:
4.1 A 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 fiber-glass
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
coalescer and the effluent is analyzed for uncoalesced water by
D02.J0 on Aviation Fuels.
a light transmission measurement. The results are reported on
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1999. Published January 2000. Originally
a 0-to-100 scale to the nearest whole number. High ratings
published as D 3948–80. Last previous edition D 3948–99.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.02.
4 5
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700 A report of the data and conclusions are on file at ASTM Headquarters. Request
Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS. RR:D02-1050.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D 3948 – 99a
indicate the water is easily coalesced, implying that the fuel is 6. Apparatus
6,7
relatively free of surfactant materials. A test can be performed
6.1 A Micro-Separometer is used to perform the test. The
in 5 to 10 min.
unit is completely portable and self-contained, capable of
operating on an internal rechargeable battery pack or being
5. Significance and Use
connected to an a-c power source using power cords which are
available for various voltages. Connection to an a-c power
5.1 This test method provides a measure of the presence of
source will provide power to the unit and effect battery
surfactants in aviation turbine fuels. Like Test Methods D 2550
recharge. The accessories as well as the expendable materials
and D 3602, this test method can detect carryover traces of
for six tests can be packed in the cover of the lockable case.
refinery treating residues in fuel as produced. They can also
6.2 The Micro-Separometer Mark V Deluxe and associated
detect surface active substances added to or picked up by the
control panel is shown in Fig. 1. The emulsifier is on the right
fuel during handling from point of production to point of use.
side of the raised panel and the syringe drive mechanism is on
Certain additives can also have an adverse affect on the rating.
the left side. The control panel containing the operating
Some of these substances affect the ability of filter separators
controls is mounted on the fixed panel in the left side of the
to separate free water from the fuel.
case. Table 2 lists the manual and audio operating character-
5.2 The Micro-Separometer has a measurement range from istics of the instrument.
50 to 100. Values obtained outside of those limits are undefined 6.2.1 All of the controls are located in a pushbutton array on
the control panel. The pushbuttons illuminate when depressed
and invalid. In the event a value greater than 100 is obtained,
thus indicating operational status. A circuit breaker located on
there is a good probability that light transmittance was reduced
the control panel provides protection for the a-c power circuit.
by material contained in the fuel used to set the 100 reference
6.2.2 By depressing the ON pushbutton, the electronic
level. The material was subsequently removed during the
circuits are energized. The ON pushbutton pulses on and off
coalescing portion of the test, thus, the processed fuel had a
when the instrument is being operated by an a-c source and
higher light transmittance than the fuel sample used to obtain
constantly remains on when the battery (d-c) pack is used. The
the 100 reference level resulting in the final rating measuring in
lettered pushbuttons will sequentially illuminate on and off
excess of 100.
indicating READY operational status.
5.3 Test Mode A function of the separometer will give
NOTE 1—Of the lettered (A-G) pushbuttons, only the A and B push-
approximately the same rating for Jet A, Jet A-1, MIL JP 5,
buttons are applicable to this test method.
MIL JP 7, and MIL JP 8 fuels as Test Methods D 2550 and
D 3602. Using Mode A water separation characteristic ratings 6.2.3 The RESET pushbutton can be depressed at any time
to cancel the test in progress and restore the program to the
of Jet B and MIL JP 4 fuels will not necessarily be equivalent
initial start mode. The lettered pushbuttons commence to
to Test Method D 2550 but will give approximately the same
sequentially illuminate, thus indicating a READY operational
rating as Test Method D 3602. All Micro-Separometers have
status enabling test mode selection.
test Mode A capability.
6.2.4 Selection of test Mode A or test Mode B programs is
5.4 The Test Mode B option is used to determine water
accomplished by depressing either the A or B lettered push-
separation ratings for MIL JP 4 fuels containing fuel system
button. The depressed pushbutton illuminates and the sequen-
corrosion and icing inhibitors. These ratings are approximately
tial illumination of the other lettered pushbuttons ceases. The
the same as those obtained using Test Method D 2550.
START pushbutton also illuminates.
5.5 Selection of Mode A or Mode B depends on the specific
6.2.5 The START pushbutton, when depressed initially,
fuel and specification requirement. Table 1 identifies the
initiates the CLEAN cycle causing the syringe drive mecha-
recommended test method for various fuels.
nism to travel to the UP position and the emulsifier motor to
operate for the cleaning operation.
5.6 The basic difference between Modes A and B is the flow
6.2.6 The START pushbutton, when depressed after the
rate at which the water/fuel emulsion is forced through the
CLEAN cycle initiates the automatic program sequence caus-
standard fiberglass coalescer cell. The lapsed time required to
ing the read indicator and the two ARROWED pushbuttons to
force the emulsion through the coalescer cell in Mode A is 45
illuminate, indicating that a full-scale adjustment period is in
6 2 s; whereas, Mode B requires 25 6 1s.
effect. A numerical value also appears on the meter.
6.2.7 The turbidimeter is located under the main control
panel and consists of a well in which the sample vial is placed,
TABLE 1 Applicable Test Mode for Various Fuels
a light source, and a photocell.
Available Test Mode(s)
6.2.8 By depressing the appropriate ARROWED pushbut-
Fuel Applicable Test Mode
ton, the displayed value on the meter can be increased or
Jet A A
Jet A-1 A
Jet B A
The Model 1140 Micro-Separometer Mark V Deluxe is available from EMCEE
MIL JP 5 A
Electronics, Inc., 520 Cypress Ave., Venice, FL 34292.
MIL JP 7 A
The Model 1140 Micro-Separometers Mark III and Mark V Standard versions
MIL JP 8 A
MIL JP 4 B may also be used, but they are no longer supported by the manufacturer. For
operating procedures using these instruments, the user is referred to D 3948 – 87.
D 3948 – 99a
(Micro-Separometer, Mark V Deluxe)
FIG. 1 Micro-Separometer Model and Associated Control Panel
TABLE 2 Manual and Audio Operating Characteristics of the
6.3 Accessory equipment and expendable materials needed
Various Model 1140 Micro-Separometer Instruments
to perform the test are shown in Fig. 2 and consist of the
Available Test Mode(s) Deluxe A and B
following:
Function 6.3.1 Syringe Plug, (A)—A plastic plug used to stopper the
Test Mode Select Pushbutton
syringe during the CLEAN and EMULSION cycles.
Mode A Depress A
6.3.2 Syringe, (Barrel (B) and Plunger (C))—A disposable
Mode B Depress B
plastic syringe.
Syringe Drive Not required
6.3.2.1 Use of syringes other than those demonstrated to be
Speed Selection
free of surfactant contamination in a precision program such as
Clean Cycle START
described in Section 12 will render test results invalid.
Depress
6.3.3 Vials,(D), 25-mm outside diameter vial premarked for
Pushbutton
proper alignment in the turbidimeter well.
Automatic Sequence
6.3.4 Alumicel, Coalescer, (E) labeled for use with jet fuel,
an expendable, precalibrated aluminum coalescer cell with a
Initiate START
Cancel RESET
tapered end to fit the syringe.
1st Meter Read
1st Meter Depress 8
A registered trademark of EMCEE Electronics, Inc.
Adjust ARROWED
Pushbuttons
2nd Meter Read
2nd Meter Depress
Adjust ARROWED
Pushbuttons
Collect Sample Short Tone and C/S
Annunciator Lamp
Illuminates
3rd Meter Read
Record Pulsed Tone Sounds 5 s
Measurement into 3rd Meter Read
decreased, as required, to attain the 100 reference level for the
vial of fuel sample in the turbidimeter. FIG. 2 Test Supplies and Small Parts
D 3948 – 99a
TABLE 3 Expected Performance with Jet A, Jet A-1, MIL JP 5,
6.3.5 Pipet, (G) with Plastic Tip (F)—An automatic hand
MIL JP 7, or MIL JP 8 Reference Fluid Containing a Dispersing
pipet with a disposable plastic tip. A pipet is supplied with each
Agent Using Mode A Operation
Micro-Separometer.
Limits for
6.3.6 Wire Aid, (H)—A piece of wire with a loop on one
Concentration
Acceptable
Standard
A
end, used during test to release the air trapped in the barrel of of Dispersing
Performance
Rating
Agent, mL/L
the syringe when the plunger is being inserted. A wire aid is
Min Max
supplied with each Micro-Separometer.
0 99 97 100
6.3.7 Water Container—A clean container for distilled wa-
0.2 89 82 94
0.4 80 69 88
ter (not shown or supplied).
0.6 72 59 83
6.3.8 Beaker, Catch Pan, or Plastic Container—Supplied
0.8 65 51 77
with each Micro-Separometer may be used to receive the waste
A
Expected range of values obtained by using increasing amounts of dispersing
fuel during the coalescence period of the test (not shown).
agent used to verify instrument calibration.
6.4 A new syringe, pipet tip, test sample vials, syringe plug
and Alumicel coalescer are used in each test. These expendable
TABLE 4 Expected Performance with Jet B Reference Fluid
materials are available in a kit containing supplies for six tests.
Containing a Dispersing Agent Using Mode A
This kit termed Micro-Separometer Six Pack isdesigned to fit
Limits for
Concentration
Acceptable
inside the top lid of the Micro-Separometer (Fig. 3).
Standard
A
of Dispersing
Performance
Rating
Agent, mL/L
7. Reagents
Min Max
0 99 96 100
7.1 Aerosol OT, solid (100 % dry) bis-2-ethylhexyl sodium
0.3 92 86 97
sulfosuccinate.
0.6 88 81 95
7.2 Toluene, ACS reagent grade. (Warning—Flammable.
0.9 86 78 94
1.2 79 69 90
Vapor harmful.).
7.3 Dispersing Agent—Toluene solution (Warning—
Flammable. Vapor harmful.) containing 1 mg of Aerosol OT
TABLE 5 Expected Performance with MIL JP 4 Reference Fluid
per millilitre of toluene.
Containing a Dispersing Agent Using Mode B
7.4 Reference Fluid Base—. A surfactant-free clean hydro-
NOTE 1—Standard ratings are based on actual averages and the limits
carbon material which is used to verify proper operation and is
are based on 6 ⁄2 calculated reproducibility value from the average. A
prepared in the manner described in Appendix X1.(Warning—
standard rating of 99 was used for the base reference fuel instead of the
Flammable. Vapor harmful.)
actual average since this value is preferred.
7.5 Reference Fluids—(Warning—Flammable. Vapor
Limits for
harmful.) (for checking the operational performance of the
Concentration
Acceptable
Standard
A
Micro-Separometer instrumentation) consist of incre
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