ASTM D5000-05

Clay elements are widely used in aviation fuel handling systems to adsorb polar contaminants that are picked up in shipments by tanker, barge, or pipeline from refineries to terminals, airports, or both. Some of these contaminants such as surfactants interfere with efficient operation of filter-separator units that remove water from fuel.

In order to determine whether the clay elements are spent, it is necessary to test fuel both into and out of clay treatment vessels frequently. Clay elements must be changed when no improvement in quality is noted. Unless carried out frequently, such testing may not disclose a deactivated clay treatment vessel in time to prevent failure of downstream filter/separators.

To avoid such failures, a small sample of clay in a clay holder contained in a sidestream installation that receives flow proportional to the main stream flow is evaluated periodically using a reference fuel containing a known surfactant. When the rating of the reference fuel by Test Method D 3948 indicates that the capsule clay is becoming spent, the elements in the main filter vessel are ready for change.

1.1 This practice describes a field procedure to determine whether the useful life of the clay has been exceeded in canister or bag-type clay elements that are installed in ground filtration units of aviation fuel handling systems.

1.2 The field procedure utilizes the apparatus of Test Methods D3948 to periodically test a small clay capsule installed in a sidestream around a clay treatment vessel that receives a fixed ratio of the same fuel that flows through the clay elements in the vessel.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The inch-pound units in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 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.