ASTM D5452 Standard Test Method for Particulate Contamination in Aviation Fuels by Laboratory Filtration
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A known volume of fuel is filtered through a preweighed test membrane filter and the increase in membrane filter mass is weight determined after washing and drying. The change in weight of a control membrane located immediately below the test membrane filter is also determined. The objective of using a control membrane is to assess whether the fuel itself influences the weight of a membrane. The particulate contaminant is determined from the increase in mass of the test membrane relative to the control membrane filter.
4.2 In order to ensure safety in handling, the test method requires that volatile fuels be transferred from the sample container to the funnel without pouring using a support stand shown in Fig. 1. Fuels having a verified flash point greater than 38°C (refer to Test Method D56 or Test Methods D93 or D3828) may be transferred by pouring the sample from the sample container directly into the funnel. Bonding of a metallic sample container to the funnel is required. (Warning - Volatile fuels such as JP-4 and Jet B or mixtures having flash points below 38°C have been ignited by electrostatic discharges when poured through membrane filters.)
4.3 Appendix X2 describes safety precautions to avoid static discharge in filtering fuel through 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 delivered to a laboratory for evaluation. 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.
