ASTM D6217 for Particulate Contamination in Middle Distillate Fuels by Laboratory Filtration
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A measured volume of about 1 L of fuel is vacuum filtered through one or more sets of 0.8 µm membranes. Each membrane set consists of a tared nylon test membrane and a tared nylon control membrane. When the level of particulate contamination is low, a single set will usually suffice; when the contamination is high or of a nature that induces slow filtration rates, two or more sets may be required to complete filtration in a reasonable time.
4.2 After the filtration has been completed, the membranes are washed with solvent, dried, and weighed. The particulate contamination level is determined from the increase in the mass of the test membranes relative to the control membranes, and is reported in units of g/m3 or its equivalent mg/L.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This is the first ASTM standard test method for assessing the mass quantity of particulates in middle distillate fuels. Test Method D5452 and its predecessor Test Method D2276 were developed for aviation fuels and used 1 gal or 5 L of fuel sample. Using 1 gal of a middle distillate fuel, which can contain greater particulate levels, often required excessive time to complete the filtration. This test method used about a quarter of the volume used in the aviation fuel methods.
5.2 The mass of particulates present in a fuel is a significant factor, along with the size and nature of the individual particles, in the rapidity with which fuel system filters and other small orifices in fuel systems can become plugged. This test method provides a means of assessing the mass of particulates present in a fuel sample.
5.3 The test method can be used in specifications and purchase documents as a means of controlling particulate contamination levels in the fuels purchased. Maximum particulate levels are specified in several military fuel specifications.
