scope:

This test method uses a specific automatic particle counter² (APC) to count and measure the size of dispersed dirt particles, water droplets and other particles, in light and middle distillate fuel, and bio fuels such as biodiesel and biodiesel blends, in the overall range from 4 μm(c) to 100 μm(c) and in the size bands ≥4 μm(c), ≥6 μm(c), and ≥14 μm(c).

NOTE 1-ASTM and military specification fuels falling within the scope of this test method include Specifications: D975 grades 1D and 2D, D1655, D3699, D4814 (see 14.1.1.1), D6751, D7467, distillate grades of D396 and D2880, MIL-DTL-83133, and MIL-DTL-16884.

NOTE 2-For the purposes of this test method, water droplets are counted as particles, and agglomerated particles are detected and counted as a single larger particle. Dirt includes biological particles. Although the projected area of a particle is measured, this is expressed as the diameter of a sphere for the purposes of this test method.

NOTE 3-The notation (c), used with particle sizes, is used to denote that the apparatus has been calibrated in accordance with ISO 11171. Strictly this only applies to particles up to 50 μm.

NOTE 4-This test method may be used for particle sizes bands up to 100 μm(c), however the precision has only been determined for the size bands ≥4 μm(c), ≥6 μm(c), and ≥14 μm(c). All measurements are per mL.

The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

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 The sole source of the apparatus known to the committee at this time is SETA-AvCount, available from Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8AP UK. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration of a meeting of the responsible technical committee,¹ which you may attend.

¹ This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D02.14 on Stability and Cleanliness of Liquid Fuels.

Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2012. Published March 2013. Originally approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D7619-12a. DOI: 10.1520/D7619-12B.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard