Greensboro, NC, Fuels Test Lab
NEW - API/IP Recommended Practice 1596
• Maintaining aviation fuel quality at airports
• Intended for filter users
• Cover general requirements of system to maintain fuel quality
• Highlight limitations in application of filtration equipment
• Cover API/EI liability associated with ‘incorrect/unwise’
application of categories of filters
1596 1581 1583 NEW – 1599 1590 1598
Vessels for Filter/water Absorbent Non-SAP 2” filters Microfilters Electronic sensors
filter elements separators monitors
Publications relating to components in the overall system describe
laboratory tests for some critical aspects of performance intended for
manufacturers
AV GAS - ASTM D910
JET FUEL - ASTM D1655
Clean, Dry, Contaminant-
Contaminant-Free Fuel
Principal Contaminants
• Inter-facial Contamination
• Dye
• Microbes
• Surfactants
• Particulate
• Water - Free, Emulsified & Dissolved
WATER
• Dissolved
• Free & Entrained
Maximum Allowable Free Water
Downstream of Dispensing
15 ppm
WATER IN FUEL
5 PPM
<<5 50 PPM 100 PPM
FUEL TESTS
• Membrane/Millipore Particulate
• IFT
• WSIM/MSEP
• Pressure Differential
• Free Water
• Single Element
• White Bucket
• Clean and Bright
Fuel Handling
• HP Units
• Micronic Pre-
Pre-Filters
• Clay Treaters
• Filter/Separators
• Monitors
Vertical Micronic Pre-Filter
CLAY TREATER
Adsorption
Purpose:
• Removal of Surface Active Agents
• Insure the performance of the
Filter Separator
CLAY TREATER
• Options:
– Canister
– Bag
– Removable Bundle Design
Coalescers
Separators
• Paper
• Teflon
• Synthetic
SYNTHETIC vs. TEFLON
SEPARATORS
SAFETY: Lower static charge than Teflon
• SAFETY
• PERFORMANCE:
PERFORMANCE Synthetic is 50 micron
versus Teflon @ 75 thus allowing for remov
of smaller water droplets as well as making it
perform better on surfactants
• COST
COST: Synthetic is 25% less than the Teflon
FILTER/SEPARATOR
• Extremely Fine Solids Removal
• Water Removal
MANDATORY
ACCESSORIES
• Now have (5) accessory items that are required
with each unit.
1 . Direct reading differential pressure gauge
2 . Air eliminator w/ check valve
3 . Pressure relief valve
4 . Manual Sump Drain
5 . Automatic Water Defense System that will stop fuel
flow or alert operating personnel when activated by
a high water level
* All per ATA Specification 103 – Rev. 2009.1
AVOID FIRES
• Fill Vessels as slowly
as possible!
Static Charge + O2 + Fuel Vapor
Equals FIRE!
Differential Pressure Drop
Typical Clean Differential Pressure Drop
Filter/Separators 2-4 Clean at Ambient Temp.
Micronic Filters .5-4 Clean at Ambient Temp.
2” Monitors 6-7 Clean at Ambient Temp.
6” Monitors 3-4 Clean at Ambient Temp.
These decals should
be used when a
filter/separator is
upgraded or converted
to the latest API/IP
1581
*
This decal should be used
on filter/separators and
monitor units when
upgraded. It should be
used on all units.
*Must be done Under Pressure
MICRO-ORGANISM /
MICRO-
BACTERIA
SUMP
WATER
WHAT’S
HAPPENED ?
Filter/Separators - Maintenance
• Must be opened annually to visually check
condition of interior for cleanliness,
structural integrity and integrity of
elements.
• Coalescing Elements must be changed
annually unless the approved extension
procedure is accomplished.
Coalescer Elements
must be changed when:
• Millipore test indicates the elements are not
performing.
• Differential pressure exceeds 15 psi or there
is a sudden drop in differential pressure.
• Continuous sump samples indicate
surfactants, microbial or solid contaminants.
• 12-month service life has expired and
approved extension is not accomplished.
• Fee Water Test indicates elements are not
performing.
