ASTM D4740

ASTM D4740 – Standard Test Method for Cleanliness and Compatibility of Residual Fuels by Spot Test

Description:

Significance and Use

5.1 The four procedures in this test method are used alone or in combination to identify fuels or blends that could result in excessive centrifuge loading, strainer plugging, tank sludge formation, or similar operating problems.

5.2 A spot rating of Number 3 or higher on a finished fuel oil by the cleanliness procedure indicates that the fuel contains excessive suspended solids and is likely to cause operating problems.

5.3 Although a fuel may test clean when subjected to the cleanliness procedures (manual and automated), suspended solids can precipitate when the fuel is mixed with a blend stock. Evidence of such incompatibility is indicated by a spot rating of Number 3 or higher in the compatibility procedures (manual and automated).

Scope

1.1 This test method covers separate procedures for determining the cleanliness of residual fuel oil and the compatibility of a residual fuel oil with a blend stock. It is applicable to residual fuel oils with viscosities up to 50 cSt (1 cSt = 1 mm²s) at 100 °C. This test method describes two protocols: one manual and one automated.

Note 1: This test method has not been evaluated for heavy distillate having the propensity to leave a wax sediment on the filter paper and contain no residual asphaltene.

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