Fuel Dilution (Flash Point).

NAVAIR 17-15-50.1

TM 38-301-1

T.O. 33-1-37-1

CGTO 33-1-37-1

(2) Karl-Fischer Method. The Karl-Fischer method utilizes an automatic coulometric titrator that

determines the quantitive amount of water in various fluids (transmission, heat transfer, dielectric, etc.). This is an

electrochemical technique. A measured amount of sample is added to a cell containing a sensing electrode in a

chemical medium. If water is present, the sensing electrode causes the cell to generate iodine. When the sensing

electrode indicates no water is present, iodine production stops. The electrical charge used to generate the iodine

is proportional to the concentration of water. The test functions automatically and provides a readout of the

electrical charge used which is converted electronically into an indication of water content of the sample in PPM

or in percent by volume/weight.

d. Fuel Dilution (Flash Point). The flash point is a means of determining if used lubricants are

contaminated with diesel or gasoline fuel. SETAFLASH testers are used in accordance with American Society for

Testing and Materials (ASTM) Method D 3828 and Institute of Petroleum (IP) Method 303. The two models of the

SETAFLASH Tester recommended are the Model 03SF HiTemp for diesel fuel contamination and the Model

01SF Low Temp for gasoline fuel contamination. There are two very similar procedures for using the

SETAFLASH tester. The "Flash/No Flash" method reports a temperature and whether a flash did or did not occur

which represents a simple "Go/No Go" test. The "Finite Flash Point" method reports the actual temperature that

the flash point occurs which is an accurate quantitative result. For field application, the "Flash/No Flash" method

is preferred, since the "Finite Flash Point" method is too time consuming for routine laboratory use.

e. Insoluble Debris Characterization (Microscopic Analysis). Insoluble debris, collected by filtration on a

membrane filter, are examined microscopically to determine their significance with respect to wear and

contamination. Some contaminants such as metal chips or dirt may provide Indications of the source of the

contaminants. This may be of particular value in the quality control of high performance fluids or in early detection

of imminent failures.

f. Particulate Contamination. Measuring particulate contamination provides the quantity and size of

particles present. Large particles are generally ingested dirt while smaller particles are usually generated from the

system itself in the form of wear debris.

g. Fourier Infrared Transform Spectrometer (FT-IR). The FT-IR spectrometer system quantitatively

measures water, fuel, coolant, soot, and by-products in synthetic and petroleum based lubricants. It also monitors

component's lubricant additive depletion, lubrication degradation, and incorrect oil contamination for predicting a

variety of fluid conditions that lead to component failures.

h. Debris/Wear Particle Analysis (Ferrographic analysis). Ferrography is a means of microscopic

examination of component wear particles suspended in fluids. The ferrographic analysis of wear particles begins

with the magnetic separation of wear debris particles suspended from the lubrication fluids. The primary element

evaluated is iron (Fe). There are two basic types of ferrographs to evaluate wear particles: The analytical

ferrograph system and the Direct Read (DR) ferrograph. The analytical ferrograph allows visual analysis for wear

particles to be identified by type and characteristics of the wear. The DR ferrograph is used to obtain numerical

baseline values for normal and abnormal wear.

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