The primary use of this test method is to evaluate new additive packages in specific fuels to ensure that fuel-water separability will not be compromised by the use of the additive package, either at their normal treat rates or at several times the intended treat rate to evaluate the impact of potential overtreatment.

Water Volume Changes—Using this technique reveal the presence of water-soluble components, such as alcohols, in the fuel.

Interface Condition Ratings—Using this technique reveal the presence of partially soluble components, such as surfactants, in the fuel.

Additives or contaminants that affect the interface could harm water separation properties of fuels in equipment and quickly inhibit the free flow of fuel through filters and injection equipment, causing a decrease in combustion performance.

1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the tendency of water and fuels with a final boiling point of less than 390°C, as measured in Test Method D 86, to separate cleanly rather than create emulsions when they may contain potential emulsion forming additives or components, or have been additized with potential emulsion forming additives, or components.

1.2 This test method applies primarily to gasoline, diesel, kerosine, and distillate grades of gas turbine, marine, home heating oils and furnace fuels (see Specifications D 396, D 975, D 2880, D 3699, D 4814, and D 6985). For fuel components such as biodiesel or alcohol, refer to X1.2 and X1.3.

1.3 This test method is not meant to certify or qualify fuels for sale, but it is intended for use by additive suppliers to determine the need for demulsifier components in their additive packages.

1.4 This test method is not meant for testing of fuels containing large amounts of aqueous soluble components, such as E85, or for testing of water emulsified fuels, or for testing of aviation fuels.

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

1.6 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.