ASTM D6986-03(2010)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Free Water, Particulate and Other Contamination in Aviation Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
Standard Test Method for Free Water, Particulate and Other Contamination in Aviation Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The two procedures in the test method provide rapid methods for field detection of free water and solid contaminants, or any other visually apparent contamination. Uncertain or marginal results by either of these methods would normally result in the performance of methods such as D2276, D5452, or D3240 for quantitative determination of contaminants.
Particulate determination in appearance tests is sensitive to sampling procedures. The presence of a small number of particles may indicate, for example, that the sample line was not flushed to provide a representative sample. The persistent presence of even a small number of particles, however, may be cause for further investigation depending on the situation.
Experience has shown that an experienced tester using a clear bottle can detect as little as 40 ppm of free, suspended water in the fuel. Thus, a fuel rated as clear and bright can still fail lower limits set by quantitative methods. A rater will also have difficulty resolving particles smaller than 40 μm. Smaller particles must be determined by other than visual methods such as D2276, D5452 or chemical field tests listed in Manual 5.
Experience has shown the visual appearance of fuel in a white porcelain bucket to be the most suitable method for the detection of dye contamination or other unusual discoloration. In the U. S., the white porcelain bucket is used to detect the dye.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers two procedures for establishing the presence of suspended free water, solid particulate, and other contaminants in aviation gasoline and aviation turbine fuels.
1.1.1 Both procedures are intended primarily for use as field tests with the fuel at handling temperature.
1.1.2 Procedure A uses transparent sample containers; Procedure B uses opaque containers.
1.2 Both procedures are rapid methods for contamination detection and include ratings of haze appearance and particulate presence.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation: D6986 − 03(Reapproved 2010) An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Free Water, Particulate and Other Contamination in Aviation
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Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6986; 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.
INTRODUCTION
Fuel quality is paramount in aviation fuels because of their critical application. Many successive
types of inspections are conducted to ensure quality protection. Rapid, visual inspections carried out
at various locations in the fuel supply system are a critical part of the inspection program. Experience
hasshownthatsubjectiveevaluationssuchasdescribedbythistestmethodformaneffectivefieldalert
system that is backed by other, more quantitative tests.
The present test method duplicates much of Test Method D4176, a test method applicable to all
distillate fuels. However, the present test method also includes field methods applicable especially to
aviation fuels, and is therefore published as a separate test method.
1. Scope D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and
Petroleum Products
1.1 This test method covers two procedures for establishing
D4176 Test Method for FreeWater and Particulate Contami-
the presence of suspended free water, solid particulate, and
nation in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
other contaminants in aviation gasoline and aviation turbine
D5452 Test Method for Particulate Contamination in Avia-
fuels.
tion Fuels by Laboratory Filtration
1.1.1 Both procedures are intended primarily for use as field
tests with the fuel at handling temperature.
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
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1.1.2 Procedure A uses transparent sample containers; Pro- ADJD417601 Distillate Fuel Bar Chart
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cedure B uses opaque containers.
ADJD417602 Distillate Fuel Haze Rating Standard
1.2 Both procedures are rapid methods for contamination
3. Terminology
detection and include ratings of haze appearance and particu-
late presence.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 3.1.1 aviation fuels—as used in this standard, the term
includes both aviation gasoline and aviation turbine fuels.
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
3.1.2 clear and bright—a condition in which the fuel
contains no visible water drops or particulates and is free of
2. Referenced Documents
haze or cloudiness.
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2.1 ASTM Standards:
D2276 Test Method for Particulate Contaminant in Aviation 3.1.3 free water—water in excess to that soluble in the fuel
Fuel by Line Sampling at the temperature of the test and may appear in the fuel as a
haze, cloudiness, droplets, or water layer.
D3240 Test Method for Undissolved Water In Aviation
Turbine Fuels
3.1.4 solid particulates—small solid or semi-solid particles,
sometimes referred to as silt or sediment, present in a fuel as
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on
the result of contamination by airborne dusts, corrosion by-
Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
products, or wear products.
D02.J0 on Aviation Fuels.
Current edition approved July 1, 2010. Published October 2010. Originally
published in 2003. Last previous editon approved in 2003 as D6986–03. DOI:
10.1520/D6986-03R10.
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For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM ADJD417601.
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Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
the ASTM website. ADJD417602.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D6986 − 03 (2010)
4. Summary of Test Method particlesmustbedeterminedbyotherthanvisualmethodssuch
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as D2276, D5452 or chemical field tests listed in Manual 5.
4.1 The test method describes two types of sampling con-
tainers for evaluating the appearance of aviation fuel samples.
5.3 Experience has shown the visual appearance of fuel in a
Procedure A covers transparent sample containers, including white porcelain bucket to be the most suitable method for the
the open jar and the closed circuit sampler, while Procedure B
detection of dye contamination or other unusual discoloration.
uses opaque containers such as the white bucket. In the U. S., the white porcelain bucket is
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