ASTM D6217 for Particulate Contamination in Middle Distillate Fuels by Laboratory Filtration
1. Scope
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the mass of particulate contamination in a middle distillate fuel by filtration. This test method is suitable for all No. 1 and No. 2 grades in Specifications D396, D975, D2880 and D3699 and for grades DMA and DMB in Specification D2069.
1.2 This test method is not suitable for fuels whose flash point as determined by Test Methods D56, D93 or D3828 is less than 38°C.
NOTE 1 - Middle distillate fuels with flash points less than 38°C have been ignited by discharges of static electricity when the fuels have been filtered through inadequately bonded or grounded membrane filter systems. See Test Methods D2276 and D5452 for means of determining particulate contamination in Specification D1655 aviation turbine fuels and other similar aviation fuels. See Guide D4865 for a more detailed discussion of static electricity formation and discharge.
1.3 The precision of this test method is applicable to particulate contaminant levels between 0 to 25 g/m3 provided that 1 L samples are used and the 1 L is filtered completely. Higher levels of particulate contaminant can be measured, but are subject to uncertain precision.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.5 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D56 Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Tester
D93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Tester
D396 Specification for Fuel Oils
D975 Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D1655 Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels
D2069 Specification for Marine Fuels
D2276 Test Method for Particulate Contaminant in Aviation Fuel by Line Sampling
D2880 Specification for Gas Turbine Fuel Oils
D3699 Specification for Kerosine4
D3828 Test Methods for Flash Point by Small Scale Closed Tester
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
D4865 Guide for Generation and Dissipation of Static Electricity in Petroleum Fuel Systems
D5452 Test Method for Particulate Contamination in Aviation Fuels by Laboratory Filtration
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 membrane filter, n - a thin medium of closely controlled pore size through which a liquid is passed and on which particulate matter in suspension is retained.
3.1.2 ground, v - to connect electrically with earth.
3.1.3 bond, v - to connect two parts of a system electrically by means of a conductive wire to eliminate voltage differences.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 control membrane, n - the lower of the two stacked membrane filters used in this test method.
3.2.2 filtered flushing fluids, n - either of two solvents, heptane or 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, filtered through a nominal 0.45 µm membrane filter.
3.2.3 test membrane, n - the upper of the two stacked membrane filters used in this test method.
