DR10

Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Fuels
ITR Heater Tube Deposit Rater
ASTM D3241 (Annex 2), IP323 (Annex C)
ASTM D1655, ASTM D7566, ISO 6249,
Def Stan 91-91, JIG (AFQRJOS)


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Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels, ASTM D3241 is universally used by the industry to measure high temperature stability of aviation turbine fuels.  The ASTM D3241 is required to be run on every batch of jet fuel produced according to ASTM D1655, D7566 or DEF STAN 91-91 specifications. In this test method, the fuel is pumped through heater tube at fixed flow rate and during a specified period of time. The fuel is pass or fail rated according to the amount of deposit formed on the heater tube at a specified temperature. The test results are indicative of fuel performance during gas turbine operation and can be used to assess the level of deposits that form when liquid fuel contacts a heated surface that is at a specified temperature.

Traditionally, the amount of deposit on the tube is rated visually against a reference color scale. The proper rating requires significant experience and expertise. However, operator capabilities vary, so evaluation of color can be quite subjective.

Many articles have been published on the fact that color does not provide real information on the thickness and volume of deposits, parameters which are far more meaningful for characterizing jet fuels for users and suppliers. The aviation fuel industry found that one of the most crucial stages of this test method is an objective analysis of deposit produced on the heater tube.

A new instrumental method of quantitative measurement of tube deposits has been developed by AD Systems, in which the thickness of the deposit is accurately determined by an automatic instrument, reducing test subjectivity. The innovative DR10 instrument uses an interferometry technique (ITR) for precise measurement of deposit thickness in nanometers. This stand-alone compact instrument can be easily installed in any location in minutes. The operation is based on a powerful light source, a spectrometer with fiber optic probe and specially designed application software.

The DR10 test is simple and straightforward. The heater tube is prepared according to ASTM D3241 test procedure and is then placed in the test chamber of the DR10. Using an intuitive graphical interface with touch screen panel, the operator enters sample information and starts a tube scan. Specific light is emitted and directed onto the surface of the heater tube. The reflected light is collected and the interference created by the deposit is monitored by the spectrometer. The software analyzes the interference and calculates the deposit thickness. Precise thickness measurements are taken at 1,200 points along and around the tube surface. A detailed test report is ready in less than 15 minutes.

The DR10 test report provides a 3-D profile of the deposit distribution on the tube surface. The software automaticaly detects and reports the Standard Spot value which is the mean deposit thickness of the thickest 2.5 mm2 area as defined in ASTM D3241. The average and the maximum thickness deposit values, as well as the calculated total deposit volume are reported.


Refineries
Special fuels
Pipeline and terminals
Military fuel testing
Jet fuel testing

ASTM D3241, IP 323, ISO 6249
Aviation Turbine Fuel - Standard Specification ASTM D1655 and Def Stan 91-91

Traditionally, the amount of deposit on the tube is rated visually against a reference color scale, that is source of errors due to the subjectivity.
Recently advanced testing metrics (called metrological methods) for quantifying the thermal stability characteristics of jet fuels (ASTM D3241 / IP323) by measuring the deposit thickeness on the heater tube was declared the referee technique by jet fuel specification bodies. The Aviation Turbine Fuels specifications (ASTM D1655,  D7566, DEF STAN 91-91, JIG (AFQRJOS) include 85nm pass/fail limits.

The DR10 Tube Deposit Rater is part of ASTM D3241 ( Annex 2) and IP323 (Annex C) as the ITR technique (Interferometry Tube Rating) that becomes a primary or "referee" technique to the VTR visual tube rating technique.


  • Absolute measurement of deposit thickness
  • Quick, accurate and objective rating
  • Push of a button operation
  • Very compact design
  • Rigid construction

 

 

 

The DR10 test is simple and straightforward. The heater tube is prepared according to ASTM D3241 test procedure and is then placed in the test chamber of the DR10. Using an intuitive graphical interface with touch screen panel, the operator enters sample information and starts a tube scan.

The operation is based on a powerful light source, a spectrometer with fiber optic probe and specially designed application software. Specific light is emitted and directed onto the surface of the heater tube. The reflected light is collected and the interference created by the deposit is monitored by the spectrometer. The software analyzes the interference fringes and calculates the deposit thickness. Precise thickness measurements are taken at 1,200 points along and around the tube surface. A detailed test report is ready in less than 15 minutes.
The 3D deposit profile is displayed on the screen and saved in a built-in data base. Any deposit thickness area greater than 85 nm is displayed in red color.

  • 1 - The heater tube is prepared according to ASTM D3241 test procedure and is then placed in the chamber of the DR10 Deposit Rater.
  • 2 - The tube is then placed in the Test chamber of the DR10.
  • 3 - All samples details are entered and the operator presses the START button.
  • 4 - The result is reported after 15 minutes.

Example of a DR10 report:


DR10 Video courtesy of DC Scientific


The DR 10 reports the following data:

The Standard Spot Thickness

The DR 10 measures the deposit thickness at 1200 different points of the heater tube circumference.

The standard spot thickness is the mean thickness deposit for the six thickest points in a 2.5 mm2 area (according to ASTM D3241 method definition). Grid of 50 x 24 Points

The deposit volume

The deposit volume is the total deposit volume measured on the circumference of the tube on a length of 50 mm.

Maximum thickness

The maximum deposit thickness is the thickest point among the 1200 measured points

Average thickness

The average deposit thickness is the mean value of the 1200 measured points.

For complete test traceability, the DR10 report is tagged with the heater tube serial number picture taken by the built-in camera.

List of parameters saved with a result:

  • Sample Type
  • Sample ID
  • Date and Time
  • Operator name
  • Test Rig Identification used for the Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels
  • Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels temperature
  • Heater tube serial number
  • Comments
  • X and Y Coordinates for the standard spot localization
  • Calibration information (tube serial number + date of calibration)
  • Instrument serial number
  • Software version

 The results can be displayed, printed, memorized on a USB disk on key or send to a LIMS via the LAN connection.

 


Reported results Measurement range
Average thickness 10 to 1200 nm
Maximum thickness 10 to 1200 nm
Maximum thickness on 2,5 mm² area 10 to 1200 nm
Deposit volume 0 to 0.5 mm³
Database up to 100 000 results with curves;

 

Technical Points Description
Test duration Less than 15 minutes
Number of measurement points 1,200 points
Parameters saved with a test result Sample type
Sample ID
Date and Time
Operator name
Test Rig Identification used for the Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels test
Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels temperature
Heater tube serial number
Comments
X and Y Coordinates for the standard spot localization
Calibration information (tube serial number + date of calibration)
Instrument serial number
Software version
Results storage Up to 100 000 results
Results storage Up to 100 000 results
LAN connectivity Ethernet port RJ45
Printer output Serial port (printer is optional)
Data output USB(2), Ethernet
Dimensions W x D x H (mm): 250 x 160 x 290
W x D x H (inches): 10" x 16" x 12"
Weight 10kg (22lb)
Electrical 112 to 230V - 2A - 50/60Hz

The Instrument
Catalog Number Description Picture
AA210-001 D3241 Deposit Rater Instrument - DR10
Thermal Oxidation of Aviation Turbine Fuels
Measurement of Deposit Thickness on Heater Tube in the range of 10 to 1200nm
Electrical: 110/240 VAC, 2A, 50/60 Hz, User manual in English
Accessories
Catalog Number Description Picture
AK000-005 Printer 112mm 230V 50/60Hz
Industrial thermal printer. Delivered pre-configured, with cable, adapter and 1 paper roll
AK000-006 Printer 112mm 115V 50/60Hz
Industrial thermal printer. Delivered pre-configured, with cable, adapter and 1 paper roll
AK210-001 LOW RANGE THICKNESS REFERENCE TUBE
Special verification tube with two certified reference thicknesses of 102nm and 157nm
AK210-002 HIGH RANGE THICKNESS REFERENCE TUBE
Special verification tube with two certified reference thicknesses of 375nm and 1000nm
Consumables
AC000-001 Set of 10 printer paper rolls
AC210-001 DR10 light source replacement kit