ASTM D4308 Test Method for Electrical Conductivity of Liquid Hydrocarbons by Precision Meter
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers and applies to the determination of the "rest" electrical conductivity of aviation fuels and other similar low-conductivity hydrocarbon liquids in the range from 0.1 to 2000 pS/m (see 3.1.2). This test method can be used in the laboratory or in the field.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 WARNING - Mercury has been designated by many regulatory agencies as a hazardous material that can cause central nervous system, kidney and liver damage. Mercury, or its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and mercury containing products. See the applicable product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA for additional information. Users should be aware that selling mercury and/or mercury containing products into your state or country may be prohibited by law.
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 warning statements, see 7.1.1, 7.2, 8.3, and Annex A1.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D150 Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics and Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation
D2624 Test Methods for Electrical Conductivity of Aviation and Distillate Fuels
D4306 Practice for Aviation Fuel Sample Containers for Tests Affected by Trace Contamination
E1 Specification for ASTM Liquid-in-Glass Thermometers
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 picosiemens per metre, n - the unit of electrical conductivity is also called a conductivity unit (CU). A siemen is the SI definition of reciprocal ohm sometimes called mho.
1 pS/m = 1 x 10(-12)Ω(-1)m(-1) = 1 cu = 1 picomho/m
3.1.2 rest conductivity, n - the reciprocal of the resistance of uncharged fuel in the absence of ionic depletion or polarization. It is the electrical conductivity at the initial instant of current measurement after a dc voltage is impressed between electrodes.
