SAQAM-Lab Testing
SAQAM-Lab Testing
SAQAM-Lab Testing
00 Sample Containers
A. Searle and Co. is also the official supplier of the Shell Water Detector (SWD).
01.05.01 General
For results to be comparable and meaningful, sample testing should be conducted in
accordance with the latest requirements of the following approved standards or equivalent:
a) IP Standard Methods for Analysis and Testing of Petroleum and Related Products (latest
edition).
b) Book of ASTM Standards (latest edition).
Laboratories used for sample testing should either be Shell or approved third party
laboratories complying with the Downstream Laboratory Standard. Laboratories should be
audited according to the Global Laboratory Auditing programme. It is expected that the
laboratory has in place a quality management system that conforms to the requirements of
Notes:
1) Water Reaction is no longer required in the Civil Jet A-1 specifications Def Stan 91-91
and AFQRJOS Checklist, however it may still be required in certain Military
specifications.
2) If contamination with leaded fuel is suspected and the Flash point is lower than expected
based on the Recertification comparison.
3) To be carried out on bulk stock in storage, or immediately after taking a sample from
bulk storage to avoid problems with conductivity loss in sample containers.
4) Where Jet A-1 is received from ships equipped with copper or copper alloy pipework in
their cargo tanks, or when a significant Saybolt colour change has been noted (>5 units),
this test must be performed.
Sample quantities required:
Jet fuel 2 litres (3 litres when JFTOT included)
Avgas 4 litres
Note: * Most specifications do not define a test method for the Appearance test. ASTM D 4176 Procedure 1
can be used if required.
Note:
1) For Jet fuel, use the Shell Water Detector (SWD); for information on the use of the SWD,
refer to Appendix 01.06.05. If the SWD is unavailable, an equivalent chemical water
detector may be used (refer to IATA Guidance Material for Aviation Turbine Fuels
Specifications – see Framework section 5.2). For Avgas, SWD is not required, but it is a
requirement to use water finding paper/paste when checking sample in a bucket.
Sample quantity required: 1 litre
The following should serve as a guide to the visual assessment of fuel samples:
x Colour. The various grades of aviation gasoline are dyed to aid recognition while the
colour of jet fuels may vary, usually in the range from water white to straw colour.
x Undissolved water (free water) will appear as droplets on the sides, or as bulk water on the
bottom of the sample jar. It can also appear as a cloud or haze (suspended water).
x Solid matter (particulate matter), generally consisting of small amounts of rust, sand, dust,
scale, etc., suspended in the fuel or settled out on the bottom of the jar.
x The term “Clear and Bright” is independent of the natural colour of the fuel. “Clear” refers
to the absence of sediment or emulsion. “Bright” refers to the sparkling appearance of fuel
having no cloud or haze.
If any water/dirt is observed, the sampling procedure should be repeated until the test
requirements in the table above are met.
High lead to lower lead (or unleaded) Lead Content and Colour
Aviation Gasoline
Unleaded Motor Gasoline to Jet A-1 Recertification Test
Avgas or Leaded Motor Gasoline to Jet A-1 Trace Lead Content, Recertification Test
Jet Fuel to Aviation Gasoline Recertification Test
Gas Oil to Jet A-1 Recertification Test
Gas Oil to Aviation Gasoline Recertification Test
Motor Gasoline to Aviation Gasoline Recertification Test
Where the previous product may have contained bio components, seek specific advice from Fueltec.
Colour of jet fuel is not a specification property, but any unusual colour could cause customer concern.
Sample quantities required:
Jet fuel 1 litre or 3 litres when recertification specified
Avgas 4 litres