ASTM D3948 Determining Water Separation Characteristics of Aviation Turbine Fuels
ASTM D3948 Standard Test Method for Determining Water Separation Characteristics of Aviation Turbine Fuels by Portable Separometer
1. Scope
1.1 This test method provides a rapid portable means for field and laboratory use to rate the ability of aviation turbine fuels to release entrained or emulsified water when passed through fiberglass coalescing material.
1.2 The procedure section of this test method contains two different modes of test equipment operation. The primary difference between the modes of operation is the rate of fuel flow through the fiberglass coalescing material. Test method selection is dependent on the particular fuel to be tested.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, and 10.3.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D1655 Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels
D2550 Test Method for Water Separation Characteristics of Aviation Turbine Fuels
D3602 Test Method for Water Separation Characteristics of Aviation Turbine Fuels
D4306 Practice for Aviation Fuel Sample Containers for Tests Affected by Trace Contamination
2.2 Military Standards:
MIL-T-5624 (Grade MIL JP 4 and MIL JP 5) Turbine Fuel, Aviation Grade JP 4 and JP 5/JP 8 ST
MIL-T-38219 (Grade MIL JP 7), Turbine Fuel, Low Volatility, JP-7
MIL-T-83133 (Grade MIL JP 8) Turbine Fuel, Aviation, Kerosene Type, Grade JP 85 and NATO F 34 and F 35
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 micro separometer rating (MSEP) - a numerical value indicating the ease of separating emulsified water from fuel by coalescence as affected by the presence of surface active materials (surfactants).
3.1.1.1 Discussion - MSEP ratings obtained using Test A and Test B are termed MSEP-A and MSEP-B, respectively. The MSEP rating is comparable to the Water Separometer Index, Modified (WSIM) and the Minisonic Separometer Surfactants (MSS) of Test Method D2550 and field Test Method D3602, respectively.
3.1.1.2 Discussion - The results of precision programs with the Micro-Separometer and its correlation with other rating methods (Test Methods D2550 and D3602) are discussed in Appendix X3.
3.1.2 reference fluids - fuels that have been, as a minimum, clay treated and, as required, subjected to a water wash process and passed through a filter separator; and to which prescribed quantities of a known surface active agent (typically bis-2-ethylhexyl sodium sulfosuccinate in toluene) have been added.
