AD Systems - Model DR10 -Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels

Traditionally, the amount of deposit on the tube is rated visually against a reference color scale. The proper rating requires significant experience and expertise. However, operator capabilities vary, so evaluation of color can be quite subjective.

Many articles have been published on the fact that color does not provide real information on the thickness and volume of deposits, parameters which are far more meaningful for characterizing jet fuels for users and suppliers. The aviation fuel industry found that one of the most crucial stages of this test method is an objective analysis of deposit produced on the heater tube.

A new instrumental method of quantitative measurement of tube deposits has been developed by AD Systems, in which the thickness of the deposit is accurately determined by an automatic instrument, reducing test subjectivity. The innovative DR10 instrument uses an interferometry technique (ITR) for precise measurement of deposit thickness in nanometers. This stand-alone compact instrument can be easily installed in any location in minutes. The operation is based on a powerful light source, a spectrometer with fiber optic probe and specially designed application software.

• Refineries
• Special fuels
• Pipeline and terminals
• Military fuel testing
• Jet fuel testing

Traditionally, the amount of deposit on the tube is rated visually against a reference color scale, that is source of errors due to the subjectivity.
Recently advanced testing metrics (called metrological methods) for quantifying the thermal stability characteristics of jet fuels (ASTM D3241 / IP323) by measuring the deposit thickeness on the heater tube was declared the referee technique by jet fuel specification bodies. The Aviation Turbine Fuels specifications (ASTM D1655,  D7566, DEF STAN 91-91, JIG (AFQRJOS) include 85nm pass/fail limits.

The DR10 Tube Deposit Rater is part of ASTM D3241 ( Annex 2) and IP323 (Annex C) as the ITR technique (Interferometry Tube Rating) that becomes a primary or "referee" technique to the VTR visual tube rating technique.

• Absolute measurement of deposit thickness
• Quick, accurate and objective rating
• Push of a button operation
• Very compact design
• Rigid construction

The DR10 test is simple and straightforward. The heater tube is prepared according to ASTM D3241 test procedure and is then placed in the test chamber of the DR10. Using an intuitive graphical interface with touch screen panel, the operator enters sample information and starts a tube scan.

The operation is based on a powerful light source, a spectrometer with fiber optic probe and specially designed application software. Specific light is emitted and directed onto the surface of the heater tube. The reflected light is collected and the interference created by the deposit is monitored by the spectrometer. The software analyzes the interference fringes and calculates the deposit thickness. Precise thickness measurements are taken at 1,200 points along and around the tube surface. A detailed test report is ready in less than 15 minutes.

The 3D deposit profile is displayed on the screen and saved in a built-in data base. Any deposit thickness area greater than 85 nm is displayed in red color.

1 - The heater tube is prepared according to ASTM D3241 test procedure and is then placed in the chamber of the DR10 Deposit Rater.
2 - The tube is then placed in the Test chamber of the DR10.
3 - All samples details are entered and the operator presses the START button.
4 - The result is reported after 15 minutes.

The DR 10 reports the following data:

List of parameters saved with a result:

Reported results: Measurement range

• Average thickness: 0 to 1200 nm
• Maximum thickness: 0 to 1200 nm
• Maximum thickness on 2,5 mm² area: 0 to 1200 nm
• Deposit volume: 0 to 0.5 mm³
• Database: up to 110 000 results with curves;

Technical Points: Description

• Test duration: 5 minutes
• Number of measurement points: 1,200 points
• Parameters saved with a test result:
• Sample type
• Sample ID
• Date and Time
• Operator name
• Test Rig Identification used for the Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels test
• Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels temperature
• Heater tube serial number
• Comments
• X and Y Coordinates for the standard spot localization
• Calibration information (tube serial number + date of calibration)
• Instrument serial number
• Software version
• Results storage: Over 110 000 results locally
• LAN connectivity: Ethernet port RJ45
• Printer output: USB (printer is optional)
• Data output: USB(2), Ethernet
• Dimensions:
• W x D x H (mm): 250 x 410 x 290
• W x D x H (inches): 10" x 16" x 12"
• Weight: 10kg (22lb)
• Electrical: 100 to 240V - 2A - 50/60Hz