ASTM D6468

These test methods ASTM D6468, Dupont F21, Octel F31, and IP467 cover relative stability of middle distillate fuels under high temperature aging conditions with limited air exposure. These test methods are suitable for all No. 1 and No. 2 grades in specifications for fuel oils, diesel, gas turbine fuel oils and keresine. It is also suitable for similar fuels meeting other specifications.

Why is it important to know the high temperature stability of middle distillate fuels?

ASTM D6468, Dupont F21, Octel F31, and IP 467 test methodes provide an indication of thermal oxidative stability of distillate fuels when heated to high temperatures that simulate those that may occur in some types of recirculating engine or burner fuel delivery systems. The test method can be useful for investigation of operational problems related to fuel thermal stability. When the test method is used to monitor manufacture or storage of fuels, changes in filter rating values can indicate a relative change in inherent stability.

Summary of the test method

Two 50-mL volumes of filtered middle distillate fuel are aged for 90 or 180 min at 150°C in open tubes with airExposure inside a Dupont bath. After aging and cooling, the fuel samples are filtered and the average amount of filterable insolubles is estimated by measuring the light reflectance of the filter pads. The 100 and 0 % extremes of the reflectance rating range are defined by an unused filter pad and a commercial black standard, respectively.

Why should you use a Tamson Dupont bath?

The very good insulated Tamson Dupont bath is the most robust in the market with the widest temperature range from ambient +5°C to 250°C. The seperately to order cover of the bath has six openings. The openings can accommodate test tubes in test tube holders. All essential parts of the Dupont bath are made from stainless steel. The Dupont bath has a standard drain to empty the bath content. All the required accessories and consumables for ASTM D6468, Dupont F21, Octel F31, and IP 467 tests are supplied by Tamson.

Please contact our sales team (sales@tamson.nl) to get a quotation. Or visit our webshop to get price and technical information of a Tamson Dupont bath and the required accessories and consumables to cover the relative stability of middle distillate fuels conform to ASTM D6468, Dupont F21, Octel F31, and IP 467.