Cochin laboratory

PARTICULATE MATTER/ Pentane insoluble constituents (D 2276, IP 216)

Control of dirt and other particles involves use of a membrane filtration method in which the dirt retained by filtration of a sample through a cellulose membrane is expressed as weight per unit volume of the fuel. This test provides field quality control of dirt content and can be supplemented by a visual assessment of membrane appearance after test against color standards. Particulate determination in appearance tests is sensitive to sampling procedures. The presence of a small number of particles may indicate, for example, that the sample line was not flushed to provide a representative sample. The persistent presence of even a small number of particles, however, may be cause for further investigation depending on the situation. This test method provides a gravimetric measurement of the particulate matter present in a sample of aviation turbine fuel. The objective is to minimize these contaminants to avoid filter plugging and other operational problems.