ASTM D4860-91(2000)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Mid-Distillate Fuels (Clear and Bright Numerical Rating)
Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Mid-Distillate Fuels (Clear and Bright Numerical Rating)
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides a rapid, portable means for field and laboratory use to visually inspect for particulate matter and numerically rate free water in aviation turbine and distillate fuels.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 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 11.2.3.1 and Annex A1.
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An American National Standard
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Designation:D4860–91(Reapproved 2000)
Standard Test Method for
Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Mid-Distillate
Fuels (Clear and Bright Numerical Rating)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4860; 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.
e NOTE—Warning notes were placed in the text editorially in November 2000.
1. Scope 3.1.1 free water—water in excess of that soluble in the fuel
atthetemperatureofthetestandappearinginthefuelasahaze
1.1 This test method provides a rapid, portable means for
or cloudiness, or as droplets.
field and laboratory use to inspect visually for particulate
3.1.2 solid particulates—small solid or semi-solid particles,
matter and numerically rate free water in aviation turbine and
sometimes referred to as silt or sediment, present in fuel as a
distillate fuels.
result of contamination by air-blown dusts, corrosion by-
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
products, fuel instability, or protective-coating deterioration.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
3.1.3 clear-and-bright (also termed clean-and-bright)— a
only.
condition in which the fuel contains no visible water drops or
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
particulates and is free of haze or cloudiness.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.4 Micro-Separometer clear-and-bright (MSEP-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
C&B)—a numerical rating indicating the presence and ease of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
removal of free water and particulate contamination by filtra-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
tion.
statements, see 11.2.3.1 and Annex A1.
4. Summary of Test Method
2. Referenced Documents
4.1 Visual inspection of the fuel sample for free water and
2.1 ASTM Standards:
particulate matter is performed immediately when the sample
D 1500 Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Prod-
is taken. A glass container is used to view for water haze, and
ucts (ASTM Color Scale)
the fuel sample is swirled to create a vortex to detect the
D 1744 Test Method for Water in Liquid Petroleum Prod-
presence of particulate matter.
ucts by Karl Fischer Reagent
4.2 Anumerical rating for free water is obtained by filtering
D 2276 Test Method for Particulate Contaminant in Avia-
a portion of the fuel sample at a programmed rate (50 mL/45
tion Fuel by Line Sampling
s)throughastandardfiberglasscoalescer/filter.Aportionofthe
D 2709 Test Method for Water and Sediment in Middle
effluent is used to establish a reference (100) level by a light
Distillate Fuels by Centrifuge
transmittance measurement. Another portion of the unproc-
D 4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
essed (unfiltered) fuel sample is then compared to the 100
Petroleum Products
reference level. The results are reported on a 50 to 100 scale to
D 4176 Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Con-
the nearest whole number. A test can be performed in 5 to 10
tamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Proce-
min.
dures)
NOTE 1—The standard fiberglass coalescer/filter consists of a precision
3. Terminology
machined, aluminum housing, containing fiber-glass material that has
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: been selected to specific air flow characteristics. These criteria have a
direct bearing on the test results.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
5. Significance and Use
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
5.1 The test provides a field test to evaluate visually a fuel
D02.14 on Stability and Cleanliness of Liquid Fuels.
Current edition approved Dec. 23, 1991. Published February 1992. Originally
sample for particulate matter and free water similar to Test
published as D 4860 – 88. Last previous edition D 4860 – 88.
Method D 4176 plus a numerical rating for free water. High
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.01.
numerical ratings indicate that the fuel is relatively free of free
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 05.02.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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D4860–91 (2000)
FIG. 1 Micro-Separometer Mark V Deluxe and Control Panel
water. The degree of water and particulate contamination can 7. Apparatus
be measured using other methods such as Test Methods
7.1 Micro-Separometer, Mark V Deluxe
D 1744, D 2276, and D 2709.
7.1.1 The Micro-Separometer is a completely portable and
5.2 The color of the sample does not affect the measure-
self contained unit capable of operating on an internal re-
ment. Limited laboratory evaluations of samples have deter-
chargeable battery pack or being connected to an a-c power
mined the degree of free water can be rated in fuels with dark
source using power cords that are furnished for various
opaque color having a darker rating than 5 in Test Method
voltages. Connection to an a-c power source provides power to
D 1500.
the unit and effects battery recharge.The accessories as well as
the expendable materials for six tests can be packed in the
6. Interferences
cover of the lockable case.
6.1 When a fuel is visually inspected at or below the cloud
7.1.2 The Micro-Separometer Mark V Deluxe model and
point temperature of the fuel, small amounts of solid wax
the associated control panel is shown in Fig. 1. The emulsifier
particles can be confused with a water-induced haze or
is on the right side of the raised panel and the syringe drive
cloudiness.
6.2 The presence of free water or particulate can be ob-
scured and missed during visual inspection of the fuel, if the
The Micro-Separometer is available from EMCEE Electronics, Inc., 520
ASTM color rating is greater than five. Cypress Ave., Venice, FL 34292.
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D4860–91 (2000)
mechanism is on the left side. The control panel containing the
operating controls is mounted on the fixed panel in the left side
of the case.
7.1.3 All of the controls are located in a push-button array
on the control panel. The push buttons illuminate when
depressed, thus, indicating operational status.Acircuit breaker
located on the control panel provides protection for the a-c
power circuit.
7.1.4 By depressing the ON push button, the electronic
circuits are energized. The ON push button light pulses on and
off when the instrument is being operated by an a-c source and
constantly remains on when the battery (d-c) pack is used. The
A-G lettered push buttons sequentially illuminate on and off
indicating ready operational status.
NOTE 2—Of the lettered (A-G) push buttons, only the C push button is
applicable to this test method.
7.1.5 The RESET push button can be depressed at any time
to cancel the test in progress and restore the program to the
initial start mode. The lettered push buttons commence to
illuminate sequentially, thus indicating a ready operational
A B CDEF
status enabling test mode selection.
FIG. 2 Test Supplies and Accessory
7.1.6 Test mode selection is accomplished by depressing the
applicable lettered (C) push button. The depressed push button
7.2.6 Beaker, catch pan or the plastic container supplied
illuminates and the sequential illumination of the other lettered
with each Micro-Separometer can be used to receive the waste
push buttons ceases. The START push button also illuminates
fuel during the coalescence period of the test (not shown).
and the syringe drive mechanism moves to the UP position.
7.3 New Syringe, Syringe Plug, Test Sample Vial, and
7.1.7 The START push button, when depressed sequentially
Alumicel Coalescer/Filter are used in each test. These
after depressing the C lettered push button, initiates the
expendable materials are available in a kit containing supplies
automatic program for the clear-and-bright test.
for six tests. This kit, termed Micro-Separometer Clear and
7.1.8 The turbidimeter is located under the main control
Bright Six Pack, is designed to fit inside the top lid of the
panel and consists of a well in which the sample vial is placed,
Micro-Separometer.
a light source, and a photocell.Amark on the panel in front of
7.4 Sample Container, cylindrical, wide-mouth, clear-glass,
the turbidimeter well is used to align the sample vial.
container capable of holding at least 900 mL of fuel. The
7.1.9 By depressing the appropriate ARROWED push but-
minimum dimensions of the container shall be 100 mm in
ton, the displayed value on the meter can be increased/
diameter with a height of 120 mm. The container shall have a
decreased, as required, to establish the 100 reference level for
lid to seal the contents.
the vial of filtered fuel sample in the turbidimeter.
8. Sampling
7.2 Accessory equipment and expendable materials needed
to perform the test are shown in Fig. 2 and consist of the 8.1 Sampling shall be consistent with the procedures of
following:
Practice D 4057. When practical, take the sample directly into
the sample container; however, in some instances the sample
7.2.1 Syringe Plug, (A)—A plastic plug used to stopper the
syringe. canbetransferredfromtheapparatususedtosecurethesample
to the sample container used in the test.
7.2.2 Syringe, (Barrel, B and Plunger, C), a disposable
plastic syringe.
NOTE 3—Exercise care when transferring a sample from one container
7.2.3 Vials, (D)—25-mm outside diameter vial premarked
to another to ensure the test sample is representative of the fuel source.
for proper alignment in the turbidimeter.
8.2 Use the following procedure when the sample is drawn
7.2.4 Alumicel Coalescer/Filter (E), labeled Clear and
directly into the sample container from a sampling valve:
Bright—an expendable, precalibrated aluminum coalescer/
8.2.1 Be sure the sampling valve is free of loose solid
filter cell with a tapered end to fit the syringe.
contaminants. If rust or other loose encrustations are present,
7.2.5 Wire Aid (F)—Apiece of wire with a loop on one end,
remove with a cloth; then flush the sampling valve before
used to release the air trapped in the barrel of the syringe when
taking the actual sample.
the plunger is being inserted. A wire aid is supplied with each
8.2.2 Rinse a clean sample container thoroughly with the
Micro-Separometer.
fuel being sampled.
The Micro-Separometer Clear & Bright Six Pack is available from EMCEE
A registered trademark of EMCEE Electronics, Inc. Electronics, Inc., 520 Cypress Ave., Venice, FL 34292.
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D4860–91 (2000)
8.2.3 Draw approximately 700 mL of fuel into the sample
container(atleast ⁄4full)asrapidlyaspossible.Useafullflush
rather than permitting the fuel sample to trickle out.
8.2.4 Alid must be placed on the container to prevent water
absorptionorlossfromthesampletotheambientenvironment,
especially if the test is performed under different environmen-
tal conditions than those of the sample site or at a later time.
9. Preparation of Apparatus
9.1 Locate the Micro-Separometer on a clean workbench in
an area in which the temperature is within the operating limits
of the instrument, 0 to 50° (32 to 122°F).
9.2 Open the case and remove the six-pack box from the lid.
Raise the right panel until completely vertical and locked in
place. When a-c power is available, connect the power cord
and turn the instrument on; otherwise operate using battery
power.
9.3 Depress the switch (push button) marked ON.
FIG. 3 Plunger Insertion
NOTE 4—Flickering of the power indicator light, during any portion of
a test sequence being performed when using battery power, indicates that
11.2.2.1 Remove a plunger from a new 50-mL syringe,
recharging is necessary.
insert a plug into the tapered bottom of the syringe, and add 50
9.4 Have ready a supply of syringes, syringe plugs, vials,
6 1 mL of fuel sample into the barrel of syringe.
and Alumicel coalescer/filters. In addition, have the wire aid 11.2.2.2 Insert the plunger using the wire aid to release the
readilyavailableandthecatchpanpositionedunderthesyringe
entrapped air. Insert the wire aid in the syringe barrel with the
drive mechanism to accept the spent fuel. loop end out. (To ensure that only the entrapped air is expelled
withoutfuelloss,thesyringebarrelshouldbecockedataslight
10. Conditioning angle with the wire aid held against the upper portion of the
barrel—Fig. 3.) Insert the plunger to the 50-mL mark on the
10.1 Under no circumstances is the test fuel to be prefiltered
syringe barrel. Remove the wire aid from the syringe. Remove
as filter media can remove the very materials, water and
the plug from the syringe and replace it with an Alumicel
particulate matter, that the test is designed to detect.
coalescer.
10.2 The sample temperature shall not be lower than the
11.2.3 Prepare for Coalescing/Filter Process:
temperature at which the fuel will be stored and used. Too low
11.2.3.1 Place the entire syringe assembly into the syringe
a temperature may cause a haze to form from water previously
drive mechanism. Electrically bond the coalescer/filter to the
in solution. When possible, perform the test with the fuel
instrument by using the ground lead provided. Insert the end
sample at a temperature representing a real-use situation.
with the banana plug into the recepticle located left of the
syringe drive mechanism and attach the alligator clip to one of
11. Procedure
the coalescer/filter fins. Position a waste container beneath the
11.1 Visual inspection for water or particulate contamina-
Alumicel coalescer/filter to collect the unwanted portion of the
tion.
processed fuel sample during the coalescing/filtering period of
11.1.1 Immediately upon drawing a sample for field testing,
the test (Fig. 4).(Warning—Alumicel coalescer/filters should
check visually for evidence of water or particulate contamina-
be electrically bonded to the Micro-Separometer to prevent
tion. Hold the sample container up to the ambient light source
buildupofanelectrostaticchargethatcouldresultinignitionof
and view the fuel through the walls of the container, visually
flammable test fluids (Fig. 4.))
examining for haze or lack of clarity. Check the same sample
NOTE 5—Caution:
by swirling the fuel in the sample container to produce a
vortex. The bottom of the vortex is visually examined for
11.2.4 Initiate the Coalescing/Filtering Process:
particulate matter. Record the visual clarity as clear-and-bright
...
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