ASTM D2392-15(2021)

Standard Test Method for Color of Dyed Aviation Gasolines

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Aviation gasolines are dyed different colors for easy identification of grade, thus minimizing possibilities for fueling aircraft with fuel of the wrong grade.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the acceptability of color of dyed aviation gasolines.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, see Annex A1.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2020
• ICS: 17.180.20 - Colours and measurement of light
• ICS: 75.160.20 - Liquid fuels
• Technical Committee: D02 - Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
• Drafting Committee: D02.05 - Properties of Fuels, Petroleum Coke and Carbon Material

Overview

ASTM D2392-15(2021) - Standard Test Method for Color of Dyed Aviation Gasolines - establishes a reliable procedure for evaluating the color acceptability of dyed aviation gasolines. Developed by ASTM International, this test method is designed to ensure that aviation gasoline grades are identified accurately and safely by their color, helping prevent misfueling and associated risks in aviation operations. This standard is applicable to all dyed aviation gasoline products and is recognized by global regulatory bodies and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Key Topics

• Purpose: The main goal of ASTM D2392 is to verify that the color of dyed aviation gasolines matches established reference standards, which correspond to different fuel grades.
• Test Method: The procedure involves using a split-field color comparator and calibrated glass color standards to assess both the hue and intensity of the gasoline sample.
• Safety Emphasis: The standard reminds users to comply with all relevant health, safety, and environmental practices, emphasizing the flammability and handling hazards of gasoline.
• Applicability: Only SI (International System of Units) measurements are used in this standard to maintain global consistency and precision.
• Pass/Fail Criteria: The color of the tested gasoline is compared directly to standards and reported as either "Acceptable" or "Fail" based on visual matching.

Applications

ASTM D2392-15(2021) is an essential reference for:

• Aviation Fuel Manufacturers: To verify that fuel batches meet industry color-coding requirements before distribution.
• Quality Control Laboratories: Used in routine testing to confirm identity and grade of aviation gasolines in compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
• Airports and Fuel Suppliers: Ensures only correctly dyed, correctly identified aviation fuels are dispensed, reducing the risk of cross-contamination or misfuelling.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports compliance with international and national regulations concerning aviation fuel safety, labeling, and traceability.
• Aircraft Operators and Maintenance Organizations: Provides a standardized method to inspect and verify fuel quality before fueling aircraft.

Using this standard helps prevent fueling errors-the color codes make it easy for operational personnel to identify fuel grades rapidly, reducing the risk of engine failures or operational incidents linked to incorrect fueling.

Related Standards

For comprehensive fuel quality assurance, the following related standards and test methods are often referenced alongside ASTM D2392:

• ASTM D910: Standard Specification for Aviation Gasolines
• ASTM D1655: Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels
• ASTM D156: Standard Test Method for Saybolt Color of Petroleum Products
• ASTM D6837: Standard Test Method for the Determination of Usable Precision and Bias
• ISO Fuel Standards: For alignment with international aviation fuel requirements

Conclusion

The ASTM D2392-15(2021) Standard Test Method for Color of Dyed Aviation Gasolines ensures accurate and efficient identification of aviation gasoline grades, supporting safety and compliance throughout the aviation industry. By following this standard, stakeholders maintain quality assurance, meet regulatory requirements, and significantly reduce operational risks tied to fuel misidentification. For best results, always integrate this method within a broader aviation fuel quality control program and stay updated with current regulatory guidance.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D2392 − 15 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
Color of Dyed Aviation Gasolines
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2392; 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 U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 4.2 Fluid Tubes, of glass, 200 mm viewing depth, with a
fused-on plane bottom plate.
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the accept-
ability of color of dyed aviation gasolines. 4.3 Plungers, Fluid Type, of polished optical glass.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as 4.4 Aviation Gasoline Color Standards, permanent-color
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this glass disks.
standard.
5. Material
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.1 The reference liquid can be either distilled water or a
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
sample of the gasoline to be tested before the addition of dye
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
or lead alkyl fluid. (Warning—Gasoline is extremely flam-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mable. See A1.1 and A1.2.)
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
For specific warning statements, see Annex A1.
6. Procedure
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 6.1 Cleantheopticalsurfacesofthecolorcomparator.Insert
the empty fluid tubes in the comparator and adjust the position
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- of the light source until the intensities of the light from both
halves of the comparator split-field are equal.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
6.2 Rinse and fill one of the tubes with the reference liquid
to be used and insert the plunger. Wipe all excess reference
2. Summary of Test Method
liquid from the outside of the tube and from the top of the
2.1 The hue and color intensity of a sample of the gasoline plunger, and insert the tube on the left side of the comparator.
to be tested are compared with those of glass permanent-color
6.3 Rinseandfilltheothertubewiththesampletobetested,
standards.
and insert the plunger.Wipe all excess sample from the outside
of the tube and from the top of the plunger, and insert the tube
3. Significance and Use
in the right side of the comparator, so that it is directly below
3.1 Aviation gasolines are dyed different colors for easy the larger of the two openings when the access door is closed.
identificationofgrade,thusminimizingpossibilitiesforfueling
6.4 Insert the glass permanent-color standards into the
aircraft with fuel of the wrong grade.
comparator and rotate the standards until the color section can
be viewed by transmitted light. Turn on the light source and
4. Apparatus
compare the two fields for hue and intensity with the minimum
4.1 Color Comparator, split-field, for viewing simultane-
and maximum color sections of the glass permanent-color
ously (by transmitted light) the sample to be tested and the standards.
combination of the reference liquid and the glass permanent-
6.5 Determine if the hue is approximately the same as the
color standard.
standard and if the intensity of the color is between, or
equivalen
...