Quality Surveillance of Aviation Fuels for Tactical Units
15.6 GUIDELINES FOR REQUESTING LABORATORY SERVICES
1. FMF units shall forward samples to a military laboratory in the geographic region, if practicable. See Appendix B of MIL-HDBK-844(AS) for a list of laboratories.
2. Decisions as to which laboratory to utilize shall be based upon laboratory proximity, capabilities, and responsiveness.
Note
Not all laboratories are available for regular recurrent testing on a no-cost basis.
15.7 REGIONAL LABORATORY TEST METHODS AND REPORTING
The following paragraphs provide instructions to regional laboratories that receive fuel samples from an FMF unit.
15.7.1 Routine Samples. Regional laboratories receiving samples from tactical units for routine fuel quality checks shall test the samples as requested on the sample label for one of the following properties using the listed ASTM method:
1. Particulate matter (sediment), ASTM D 2276 2. FSII content, ASTM D 5006
3. Flash point, ASTM D 93.
Laboratories shall also note the presence of signifi- cant amounts of free water in the bottoms of sample containers. Laboratories shall not run free water determinations on routine samples since the free-water content of the fuel is severely affected by normal shipping and handling of the sample and results are meaningless.
Note
All JP-5 fuel tested shall be assumed to contain DiEGME.
15.7.2 Special Samples. Regional laboratories receiving special samples for testing shall conduct requested tests in accordance with methods authorized by the applicable fuel specification.
15.7.3 Reporting. Regional laboratories perform- ing testing shall report the results to the following:
1. Original — Tactical unit submitting the sample. 2. One copy — Commander
Naval Air Systems Command (AIR-4.4.5) 22229 Elmer Rd., Unit 4
NAS Patuxent River Patuxent River, MD 20670
15.7.4 Report Forms. Regional laboratories are requested to report results in a form similar to Figure A-5 in Appendix A. If CCFD and/or B/2 results are reported by the tactical unit on the sample’s label, regional laboratories shall include them with the results obtained on the fuel samples.
15.7.5 Distribution Lists for Reports. It is the responsibility of the tactical unit submitting samples to a laboratory to provide the laboratory with the desired distribution of reports in accordance with paragraph 15.7.3 above.
15.7.6 Message Reports. When a “special” fuel sample has been tested and the results exceed the deterioration use limits of Appendix B, the testing laboratory will report the findings as soon as possible by telephone to the aviation activity that submitted the sample. The telephone report shall be followed by a message report. During nonworking hours, the aviation activity’s duty officer shall be notified of the test results. It is unnecessary to report test results via telephone or message for “routine monthly verification samples” which exceed the use limits for particulates; however, if the FSII content is found below the 0.03 limit a telephone and message report is required.
15.8 PROCEDURES FOR PREVENTING AND CONTROLLING CONTAMINATION
Contamination of aircraft fuel can be prevented only by the use of proper equipment and by carefully following proper operating procedures. Daily recircula- tion and fuel delivery/dispensing through a filter/
separator that removes both water and particulates will help ensure that fuel is clean and dry. Special fuel quality filter/monitors that restrict or shut off the flow of fuel if exposed to excessive water or particulates are used in conjunction with, and downstream of, filter/ separators within all dispensing assemblies.
The proper care, operation, and maintenance of these systems are essential in assuring that only clean, dry fuel enters aircraft. As a minimum, operators should:
1. Observe the pressure drops at least daily across all filter/separators and fuel monitors in accordance with applicable technical manuals.
Note
Pressure drop readings depend on the flow rate of the fuel through the filter. Meaningful readings can be obtained only if the system is operating at normal flow conditions during recirculation or flushing.
2. Take every precaution possible to prevent the introduction of any particulate matter (dirt) into the fuel. (See discussion in the MIL-HDBK- 844(AS).)
3. Install and maintain dust-tight caps or covers on all openings and connections, including refueling nozzles. These caps shall be removed only when item or system is in use.
CAUTION
To prevent a FOD hazard, component caps and plugs shall be attached either to the owning equipment or removed from the vicinity of aircraft refueling operations.
4. Brush away or remove any accumulated dirt or sand around tank flanges, manholes, etc. before opening/removing.
5. Never leave a storage tank, refueler truck, or other vessel open to the air any longer than absolutely necessary.
6. Do not operate any fuel handling equipment unless all filters, monitors, strainers, screens, and
nozzle spout caps are properly installed and in place.
7. Never remove any filter, strainer, or screen for any purpose except cleaning or maintenance. Always replace filter or screen immediately after cleaning. 8. Observe and report any unusual accumulations of
matter in nozzle screens to the FO/FC.
9. Observe water that is drained from refueler and filter/separator sumps. It should appear clean. Report any unusual accumulation of foreign matter/sediment to the FO/FC.
10. Drain (strip) and check all refuelers, tanks, filter/separators, and equipment provided with manual drains daily.
11. Circulate stagnant product in refueling equipment to remove condensate and particulate contami- nants from lines, hoses, and nozzles prior to aircraft issues. This is mandatory for any refueling equipment that has not been in use for a period exceeding 24 hours. Minimum circulation time must be determined locally for each piece of equipment depending on its configuration and size as well as fuel flow rate. Allow sufficient time for the fuel in the piping and hose(s) downstream of the fuel filter/monitor to be completely re- placed by clean, dry fuel.
12. Ensure that regularly scheduled maintenance is properly performed in accordance with applicable Technical Manuals and Directives.
13. If Federal/State/local environmental protection laws allow, keep refueler tanks filled when not in use or when no defueling is anticipated.
14. Never use the same system/equipment with a different fuel until all equipment has been properly purged.
15. Check fuel product markings on each separate piece of equipment for agreement before initiating any fuel transfer operation.
16. Never load or carry two different aviation fuels in one refueler.
17. Use separate hoses and equipment for each product.
18. Report and investigate any suspected contamina- tion or any other unusual accumulation of foreign matter. The FO shall be responsible for initiating investigations and formulating corrective actions. 19. Report and correct any leaks.
20. Never use equipment configured solely as a defueler for refueling aircraft.
21. Use padlocks to secure manhole covers on items such as refueler trucks and SIXCON tank modules.