This test method is intended for use in evaluating distillate fuel cleanliness in those applications that demand a high throughput per installed filter.

A change in filtration performance after storage or pretreatment can be indicative of changes in fuel condition.

Causes of poor filterability might include fuel degradation products, contaminants picked up during storage or transfer, or interaction of the fuel with the filter media. Any of these could correlate with orifice or filter system plugging, or both.

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for determining the filter plugging tendency (FPT) of distillate fuel oils where the end use demands an exceptional degree of cleanliness. This test method is applicable to fuels within the viscosity range of 1.50 to 6.00 mm²/s (cSt) at 40°C.

ASTM Specification fuels falling within the scope of this test method are Specification D 396 Grade Numbers 1 and 2, Specification D 975 Grades 1-D, low sulfur 1-D, 2-D, and low sulfur 2-D, Specification D 2880 Grades 1-GT and 2-GT and Specification D 3699 kerosine.

1.2 This test method is not applicable to fuels that are not clear and bright because water interferes with the measurement of filter plugging.

1.3 Relative tendency of fuels to plug filters may vary depending on filter porosity and structure, and may not always correlate with results from this test method.

1.4 describes a standard procedure for preparing a test fluid for use in calibrating the apparatus used in this test method.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.