ASTM D7619-22

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7619 − 17 D7619 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Sizing and Counting Particles in Light and Middle Distillate
1,2
Fuels, by Automatic Particle Counter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7619; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method uses a specific automatic particle counter (APC) to count and measure the size of dispersed dirt particles,
water droplets and other particles, in light and middle distillate fuel, and bio fuels such as biodiesel and biodiesel blends, in the
overall range from 4 μm(c) to 100 μm(c) and in the size bands ≥4 μm(c), ≥6 μm(c), and ≥14 μm(c).
NOTE 1—ASTM and military specification fuels falling within the scope of this test method include Specifications: D975 grades 1D and 2D, D1655,
D3699, D4814 (see 14.1.1.1), D6751, D7467, distillate grades of D396 and D2880, MIL-DTL-83133, and MIL-DTL-16884.
NOTE 2—For the purposes of this test method, water droplets are counted as particles, and agglomerated particles are detected and counted as a single
larger particle. Dirt includes biological particles. Although the projected area of a particle is measured, this is expressed as the diameter of a sphere for
the purposes of this test method.
NOTE 3—The notation (c), used with particle sizes, is used to denote that the apparatus has been calibrated in accordance with ISO 11171. Strictly this
only applies to particles up to 50 μm.
NOTE 4—This test method may be used for particle sizes bands up to 100 μm(c), however the precision has only been determined for the size bands
≥4 μm(c), ≥6 μm(c), and ≥14 μm(c). All measurements are per millilitre.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D02.14 on on Stability, Cleanliness and Compatibility of Liquid Fuels.
Current edition approved July 1, 2017April 1, 2022. Published July 2017May 2022. Originally approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 20122017 as
D7619 – 12b.D7619 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/D7619-17.10.1520/D7619-22.
The sole source of the apparatus known to the committee at this time is SETA-AvCount, available from Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8AP UK.
If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration of a meeting
of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7619 − 22
D396 Specification for Fuel Oils
D975 Specification for Diesel Fuel
D1655 Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels
D2880 Specification for Gas Turbine Fuel Oils
D3699 Specification for Kerosine
D4057 Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
D4175 Terminology Relating to Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and Lubricants
D4177 Practice for Automatic Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
D4814 Specification for Automotive Spark-Ignition Engine Fuel
D5854 Practice for Mixing and Handling of Liquid Samples of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
D6300 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias Data for Use in Test Methods for Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels, and
Lubricants
D6751 Specification for Biodiesel Fuel Blend Stock (B100) for Middle Distillate Fuels
D7467 Specification for Diesel Fuel Oil, Biodiesel Blend (B6 to B20)
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
ADJ6300 D2PP Determination of Precision and Bias data for Use in Test Methods for Petroleum Products
2.3 ISO Standards:
ISO 11171 Hydraulic Fluid Power—Calibration of Automatic Particle Counters for Liquids
ISO 4406 Hydraulic Fluid Power—Fluids—Method for Coding Level of Contamination by Solid Particles
ISO 12103-A1 Specification for Ultra Fine Test Dust (UFTD)
ISO 12103-A3 Specification for Medium Test Dust (MTD)
2.4 U.S. Dept. of Defense Specifications:
MIL-DTL-83133 Turbine Fuel, Aviation, Kerosene Type, JP-8 (NATO F-34), NATO F-35, and JP-8+100 (NATO F-37)
MIL-DTL-16884 Fuel, Naval Distillate
2.5 Energy Institute Standard:
IP 565 Determination of the level of cleanliness of aviation turbine fuel—Portable automatic particle counter method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology D4175.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 coincidence error limit, n—the highest concentration of ISO ultrafine test dust (ISO 12103-A1 or ISO UFTD) that can be
counted with an automatic particle counter with less than 5 % error resulting from the presence of more than one particle in the
sensor/laser optical path at a time.
3.2.2 particles, ISO Codes, n—solid particles and dispersed water droplets which are detected and counted by this test method.a
standard method for coding the level of contamination by particles.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
Results are expressed by ISO Codes as specified by ISO 4406. These codes are written in the form of x/y/z, where x, y and z are
ISO Codes equivalent to the cumulative counts, per mL, for particle size bands ≥4 μm(c), ≥6 μm(c), and ≥14 μm(c) respectively.
An example of this is given in Appendix X1.
NOTE 5—All particle counts are per millilitre.
3.2.3 particle count, n—the sum of the number of solid particles and dispersed water droplets.
3.2.4 particle size, μm(c), n—the projected area equivalent diameter of spherical particles passing through the detecting cell in
accordance with ISO 11171.
3.2.5 particle size cumulative count, n—the total number of particles per mL, in size bands, ≥4 μm(c), ≥6 μm(c), and ≥14 μm(c),
Out of print.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copies of these documents are available online at https://assist.dla.mil/quicksearch/ or http://assistdocs.com/ or from the Standardization Document Order Desk, 700
Robbins Avenue, Building 4D, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094.
Available from Energy Institute, 61 New Cavendish St., London, W1G 7AR, U.K., http://www.energyinst.org.
D7619 − 22
3.2.5.1 Discussion—
Automatic particle counters may also count the total number of particles per mL, in size bands, in addition to those in 3.1.43.2.5,
up to ≥100 μm.
3.2.6 ISO Codes, particles, n—a standard method for coding the level of contamination by particles.solid particles and dispersed
water droplets which are detected and counted by this test method.
3.1.5.1 Discussion—
Results are expressed by ISO Codes as specified by ISO 4406. These codes are written in the form of x/y/z, where x, y and z are
ISO Codes equivalent to the cumulative counts, per mL, for particle size bands ≥4 μm(c), ≥6 μm(c), and ≥14 μm(c) respectively.
An example of this is given in Appendix X1.
NOTE 5—All particle counts are per millilitre.
3.1.6 coincidence error limit, n—the highest concentration of ISO ultrafine test dust (ISO 12103-A1 or ISO UFTD) that can be
counted with an automatic particle counter with less than 5 % error resulting from the presence of more than one particle in the
sensor/laser optical path at a time.
3.2.7 test specimen, n—an aliquot of the test sample. (See Section 10.)
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The optical measurement cell comprises a light source and an optical sensor. The principle of operation is the measurement
of laser light obscuration. Particles/droplets entrained within the test specimen cast shadows on the optical sensor causing a
reduction of the output voltage of the sensor. The voltage drop is a function of the particle/droplet size. Each detected particle is
counted, sized and recorded. Upon completion of the test the software calculates and displays the number of obscuration events
for each of the predetermined size bands.
4.2 The test specimen is mixed in its container to suspend the particles. Upon initiation of a test, the automatic particle counter
(APC) draws the test specimen directly from a test specimen container (see Fig. A1.1). The test sequence commences by flushing
the optical measurement cell and pipework with 30 mL of the test specimen. This is immediately followed by the test of a 10 mL
test specimen where particles in each of the specified size bands are counted. This flushing and measurement is then repeated. If
the size band ≥4 μm(c), per mL, measurements agree within either 10 % or 200 counts, the measurements for each of the size bands
are averaged for each size band to give results, per mL, for each size band.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is intended for use in the laboratory or in the field for evaluating the cleanliness of distillate fuels, and liquid
bio fuels. It is not applicable to on or in-line applications.
5.2 This test method offers advantage over traditional filtration methods in that it is a precise rapid test, and advantage over visual
methods as it is not subjective.
5.3 An increase in particle counts can indicate a change in the fuel condition caused by storage or transfer for example.
5.4 High levels of particles can cause filter blockages and have a serious impact on the life of pumps, injectors, pistons and other
moving parts. Knowledge of particle size in relation to the metallurgy can provide vital information especially if the hardness of
particles is also known from other sources.
5.5 This test method specifies a minimum requirement for reporting measurements in particle size bands (see A1.1.2). Some
specific applications may require measurements in other particle size bands.
5.6 Obtaining a representative sample and following the recommended sample and test specimen preparation procedures and
timescales is particularly important with particle counting methods. (See Sections 8, 10, 14.1.4 and Note 8.)
D7619 − 22
5.7 This test method can also be used to estimate the total particulate counts excluding free water droplets in aviation turbine fuels
by a chemical pretreatment of the fuel. See Appendix X2.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Automatic Particle Counter (APC) —Operating on the laser light obscuration principle, comprising an optical measurement
cell, bi-directional double pump, electronics and software to analyze the test specimen, and display and print the particle
measurement data. (See Annex A1.)
6.2 Test Specimen Container, cylindrical, made of glass or other suitable material, of at least 125 mL volume with provision for
holding the test specimen input tube at least 10 mm above the bottom of the container, and a cap with a suitable inert internal seal.
NOTE 6—It is recommended that glass test specimen containers should be used to avoid any potential problems with particles adhering to the insides of
the containers due to static electricity that could occur with some samples or some specimen containers.
6.3 Waste Container, for collecting the tested test specimen.
6.4 Filter Apparatus, general purpose for filtering heptane or other solvents.
6.4.1 Filters, cellulose, glass fiber or polycarbonate 0.45 μm.
6.5 Printer, to record details of the measurements and results.
7. Reagents and Materials
7.1 Verification and Calibration Fluids —Containing ISO Medium Test Dust (MTD) as specified in specification ISO 12103-A3.
7.2 Heptane—Reagent grade filtered down to 0.45 μm.
7.2.1 Prepare the heptane by filtering through a 0.45 μm filter (see 6.4.1) contained in a filter apparatus (see 6.4) See 10.2.1. Store
in a container prepared in accordance with 10.2. (Warning—Extremely flammable, health hazard.)
8. Sampling
8.1 Unless otherwise specified, take a sample of at least 100 mL in accordance with Practices D4057, D5854, D4177, or other
comparable sampling practices.
8.2 It is essential to take a representative sample, but avoid power mixing as this can modify the particles, break up agglomerated
particles and entrain air. (See 14.1.4 and 10.1.2.)
8.3 Use sample containers that are capable of transporting the sample without contamination. Examples of these are fully
epoxy-lined metal or amber colored glass containers with a threaded cap, fitted with an inert liner, forming a seal with the container.
8.4 Prior to taking the sample, rinse the sample containers with the product to be sampled at least three times. Each rinse shall
use product equal to 10 % to 20 % of the container volume. A rinse shall include closing and shaking the container for a minimum
of 5 s and then draining the product.
8.5 Do not fill the sample container more than 90 % full. Overfilling affects the preparation of the test specimen as specified in
10.1.
The sole source of verification and calibration fluids known to the committee at this time is Stanhope-Seta, London Street, Chertsey, Surrey KT16 8AP UK. If you are
aware of alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration of a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
D7619 − 22
8.6 Ensure that any aliquots or sub-division of the sample results in representative samples being taken and remaining in the
original sample container. 10.1.2 and 10.1 recommend suitable procedures regarding this particle counting test method.
9. Preparation of Apparatus
9.1 Ensure that the APC is set up according to the instrument manufacturer’s operating instructions and the verification and
calibration requirements stated in both Section 11 and A1.1.4.
9.2 Ensure that the mode of operation, specified for this test method by the manufacturer, is selected.
9.3 Clean the outside of the test specimen input tube before each test sequence, by washing the outside in clean heptane or another
filtered solvent.
9.4 At the start of any daily testing regime, initiate a test sequence using filtered heptane.
9.5 If a test specimen is tested that has a ≥4 μm(c) measurement of over 20 000 particles per mL, perform a complete test sequence
(two flushes and two measurements as shown in Section 12) using filtered heptane to clean and flush the measurement cell and
the inside of the connecting tubing before testing other test specimens.
10. Test Specimen Preparation
10.1 Gently shake the sample in its container, for at least a minute, sufficiently to ensure that a representative test specimen can
be drawn into the test specimen container.
10.1.1 It is essential to take a representative test specimen, but avoid power mixing or vigorous mixing as this can modify the
particles, break up agglomerated particles and entrain air. (See 14.1.4.)
10.1.2 Consistent agitation can be achieved by either: (a) tumbling the sample container, by hand or using a suitable automated
mechanical tumbler, end over end for a minimum of 60 revolutions at approximately 1 revolution per second; (b) inverting the
sample container back and forth for a minimum of 60 times at approximately 1 cycle per second; or (c) using a barrel roller and
roll for a minimum of 60 rotations. Other ways of gently shaking the sample can be used, provided a representative test specimen
is achieved.
10.2 Use a clean test specimen container, or flush a test specimen container by rinsing the inside of the container three times with
the sample to be tested. Each rinse shall use product equal to 10 % to 20 % of the container volume. A rinse shall include closing
and shaking the container for a minimum of 5 s and then draining the product. Alternatively, the test specimen container may be
cleaned by washing thoroughly with filtered heptane (see 7.2) and then allowed to dry in a clean environment.
10.2.1 The efficacy of cleaning of the test specimen container can be checked by testing a sample of filtered heptane (see 7.2),
in the cleaned test specimen container; this should give a count of less than 100 counts for the ≥4 μm(c) measurement.
10.3 Immediately after gently shaking, pour the mixed sample into the test specimen container and fit a clean cap. Ensure that the
test specimen container is less than 90 % full.
NOTE 7—Over shaken or mechanically stirred samples can result in finely dispersed micro bubbles forming that will be counted as solid particles. Test
specimens given ultrasonic treatment can result in the break-up of agglomerated particles into smaller ones that can affect the particle counts.
11. Apparatus Verification and Calibration
11.1 Verification:
11.1.1 Verify the correct operation of the APC at least every 6 months or more frequently if required by local quality controls, by
using the verification fluid (see 7.1) in accordance with 11.1.1.1 and Section 12. The result obtained shall be equal to or less than
R/√2 of the measurement plus the uncertainty of the verification fluid, from the certified ≥4 μm(c) value of the verification fluid,
where R is the reproducibility of the test. If the result obtained is not within this figure, ensure the sample preparation is in
D7619 − 22
accordance with the manufacturers instructions, check the verification fluid’s validity date, and run a further test using the filtered
heptane to confirm that the inlet tube and cell assembly are free from contaminants. Then repeat the verification. If the result is
still not within the allowed tolerance, contact the manufacturer.
11.1.1.1 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the verification fluid.
NOTE 8—Failure to correctly precondition the verification material can result in particle counts not meeting the verification criteria specified in 11.1.1 and
11.1.1.1.
11.2 Calibration:
11.2.1 The APC shall be calibrated according to ISO 11171 at least every 12 months or more frequently if required by local quality
controls or by the manufacturer.
11.2.1.1 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding factory calibration or on site calibration using integral auto, self
checking, calibration software.
11.2.2 The test specimen flow rate through the measurement cell shall be the same for calibration, verification and testing.
11.2.3 After calibration, verify the correct operation of the APC in accordance with 11.1.
12. Procedure
12.1 Before commencing a test, gently shake the test specimen, as prepared in 10.1 – 10.3, for a minimum of 1 min and then allow
approximatel
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