ASTM D2068 Test Method for Filter Plugging Tendency of Distillate Fuel Oils
1. Scope
1.1 This test method describes a procedure for determining the filter plugging tendency (FPT) of distillate fuel oils where the end use demands an exceptional degree of cleanliness. This test method is applicable to fuels within the viscosity range of 1.50 to 6.00 mm2/s (cSt) at 40°C.
NOTE 1 - ASTM Specification fuels falling within the scope of this test method are Specification D 396 Grade Numbers 1 and 2, Specification D975 Grades 1-D, low sulfur 1-D, 2-D, and low sulfur 2-D, Specification D2880 Grades 1-GT and 2-GT and Specification D3699 kerosine.
1.2 This test method is not applicable to fuels that are not clear and bright because water interferes with the measurement of filter plugging.
1.3 Relative tendency of fuels to plug filters may vary depending on filter porosity and structure, and may not always correlate with results from this test method.
1.4 Annex A1 describes a standard procedure for preparing a test fluid for use in calibrating the apparatus used in this test method.
1.5 The values stated in acceptable SI units shall be considered standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specified precautionary statements are given in Note 2 and Note 3.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D396 Specification for Fuel Oils
D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and the Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
D975 Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils
D1500 Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)
D2880 Specification for Gas Turbine Fuel Oils
D3699 Specifications for Kerosine
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
D4176 Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 For this test method, fuel filter plugging tendency (FPT) can be described in either of the following two ways:
3.1.1.1 filter plugging - the pressure drop across a 1.6 µm pore size glass fiber filter when 300 mL of fuel is passed at a rate of 20 mL/min.
3.1.1.2 filter plugging - the volume of fuel passed when a pressure of 105 kPa (15 psi) is reached. This method of report is used when less than 300 mL passes at that pressure drop.
