EVALUATION OF A DETECTOR FOR FREE WATER IN FUEL
Abstract
A test apparatus and procedure for detecting small amounts of free water in jet fuels have been evaluated. A fuel sample is passed through a dye- coated pad, which is then rated for fluorescence under ultraviolet illumination in comparison with color standards. Based on static evaluation of standard samples, the detector has accuracy and precision well within 5 mg/liter on samples containing up to 20 mg/liter free water. The detector often indicates traces of free water in filter-separator effluent samples for which Karl Fischer analyses indicate undersaturated fuel, which is explained by the nonequilibrated state of such samples. Normal concentrations of anti-icing additive, corrosion inhibitor, or iron oxide contaminant do not affect the sensitivity of the detector, based on limited data. The detector is far simpler and faster than the Karl Fischer method and is believed to give more meaningful results. It appears to be very suitable for use in preproduction tests of filter-separators and elements. The usefulness of the detector in base fuel quality control will depend somewhat on availability of suitable prepackaged pad holders and viewing comparators. Direct line sampling through a detector pad is more reliable than the use of bottled samples. Field trials and further laboratory evaluations are recommended.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0481506
Entities
People
- Charles M. Monita
- Robert K. Johnston
Organizations
- Southwest Research Institute