---
title: "ASTM D4176"
url: "https://mat-cs.com/astm-d4176"
description: "This test method covers two procedures for estimating the presence of suspended free water and solid particulate contamination in distillate fuels having distillation end points below 400 °C and an ASTM color of 5 or less."
---

ASTM Standard

# ASTM D4176

Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)

[Back to all techniques](/analytical-techniques/)

## Significance and Use

5.1 It has long been the practice to include in fuel specifications a requirement that the fuel be _clear and bright and free of visible particulate matter_ (see Note 1). However, there has been no standard method for making this determination so that practices have differed. This test method provides standard procedures for the test.

Note 1: _Clean and bright_ is sometimes used in place of _clear and bright._ The meaning is identical.

5.2 Procedure 1 provides a rapid pass/fail method for contamination in a distillate fuel. Procedure 2 provides a gross numerical rating of haze appearance, primarily as a communication tool. Other test methods, including Test Methods D2276, D2709, and D4860, permit quantitative determinations of contaminants. No relationship has been established between Procedure 2 and these quantitative methods.

5.2.1 Test Method D8148 has established a correlating relationship with Procedure 2 appearance rating numbers by reporting a correlating instrument haze rating (IHR) based upon its spectroscopically determined haze clarity index (HCI). Supporting data can be found in RR:D02-1876.5

5.3 Limited laboratory evaluations of samples that have failed this _clear and bright_ test indicate that an experienced tester can detect as little as 40 ppm of free water in the fuel.

## Scope

1.1 This test method covers two procedures for estimating the presence of suspended free water and solid particulate contamination in distillate fuels having distillation end points below 400 °C and an ASTM color of 5 or less.

1.1.1 Both procedures can be used as field tests at storage temperatures, or as laboratory tests at controlled temperatures.

1.1.2 Procedure 1 provides a rapid pass/fail method for contamination. Procedure 2 provides a gross numerical rating of haze appearance.

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