ASTM D2276 for Particulate Contaminant in Aviation Fuel by Line Sampling
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A known volume of fuel is filtered through a preweighed test membrane filter in a field monitor and the increase in membrane filter mass determined after washing and drying. The change in mass of a control membrane filter located immediately below the test membrane filter is also determined. The particulate contaminant is determined from the increase in mass of the test membrane filter relative to the control membrane filter.
4.2 This test method employs a field monitor to filter a sample of fuel that is taken in the field by the sampling procedure detailed in Test Method D5452.
4.3 For situations where it is not possible to take a field monitor sample, procedures are given in Test Method D5452 for the determination of particulate contaminant in a fuel sample by laboratory filtration.
4.4 Appendix X1 describes a method for color-rating used filter membranes.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides a gravimetric measurement of the particulate matter present in a sample of aviation turbine fuel by line sampling. The objective is to minimize these contaminants to avoid filter plugging and other operational problems. Although tolerable levels of particulate contaminants have not yet been established for all points in fuel distribution systems, the total contaminant measurement is normally of most interest. The Appendix X1 color rating method is useful for fuel system monitoring purposes. No quantitative relationship exists between gravimetric and color rating test results.
