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Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels: Standard Test Method For
Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels: Standard Test Method For
Thermal Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels: Standard Test Method For
Designation 323/20
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
Heater Tube identificationE Each heater tube shall be physically identified with a unique serial
number, identifying the manufacturer and providing traceability to
the original material batch.
Heater Tube surface polish over circumference of center section Rotational cut buffing technique with polishing compound to
achieve mechanical surface finish.
FIG. 1 Standard Heater Tube Test Section, Essential to All D3241 10. Preparation of Apparatus
Test Instruments
10.1 Cleaning and Assembly of Heater Tube Test Section:
10.1.1 Clean the inside surface of the heater tube test section
using a nylon brush saturated with trisolvent to remove all
7.3 Use dry calcium sulfate + cobalt chloride granules (97 + deposits. Replace the nylon brush when it shows signs of wear
3 mix) or other self-indicating drying agent in the aeration (such as missing bristles) and no longer makes stiff contact
dryer. This granular material changes gradually from blue to with inner walls of heater tube test section.
pink color indicating absorption of water. (Warning—Do not 10.1.2 Check the heater tube to be used in the test for
inhale dust or ingest. May cause stomach disorder.) surface defects and straightness by referring to the procedure in
A1.10. Be careful, also, to avoid scratching the heater tube
8. Sampling shoulder during the examination, since the heater tube shoulder
8.1 General Requirements—The choice of construction ma- must be smooth to ensure a seal under the flow conditions of
terials is an important factor, particularly in the case of aviation the test.
turbine fuel, where thermal stability can be degraded by the 10.1.3 Assemble the heater tube test section using new
presence of very low concentration of copper. The use of items: (1) visually checked heater tube, (2) test filter, and (3)
copper or copper alloys shall be eliminated wherever possible three O-rings. Inspect insulators to be sure they are undam-
by the use of alternative materials such as stainless steel or aged.
aluminum. Zinc and cadmium are two other metals that
adversely affect product quality. Copper, copper alloys (such as NOTE 1—Heater tubes must not be reused. Tests indicate that magne-
sium migrates to the heater tube surface under normal test conditions.
brass), zinc-rich (galvanized) coatings, cadmium alloys, and Surface magnesium may reduce adhesion of deposits to reused heater
cadmium plating shall not be used in sampling aviation fuels tube.
for evaluation under this test method.
10.1.4 During assembly of the heater tube test section,
8.1.1 Sampling Containers—Sampling containers shall be
handle the heater tube carefully so as not to touch center part
in accordance with the requirements for thermal stability
of heater tube. IF THE CENTER OF HEATER TUBE IS
testing described in Practice D4306.
TOUCHED, REJECT THE HEATER TUBE SINCE THE
8.1.2 Sampling Equipment—Sampling equipment fabricated
CONTAMINATED SURFACE MAY AFFECT THE
from copper or its alloys shall not be used for sampling in
DEPOSIT-FORMING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
accordance with this test method. Sampling equipment shall be
HEATER TUBE.
in accordance with the requirements for aviation fuel described
in Practice D4057. 10.2 Cleaning and Assembly of Remainder of Test Compo-
nents:
9. Standard Operating Conditions 10.2.1 Perform the following steps in the order shown prior
9.1 Standard conditions of the test method are as follows: to running a subsequent test.
9.1.1 Fuel Quantity, 450 mL minimum for test plus about
NOTE 2—It is assumed that the apparatus has been disassembled from
50 mL for system. previous test (see Annex A5 or appropriate user manual for assembly/
9.1.2 Fuel Pre-Treatment—Filter the fuel through a single disassembly details).
layer of “qualitative” quality, medium-flow, cellulose filter
10.2.2 Inspect and clean components that contact test
paper. Filter should be a pleated (folded) circular shape and
sample and replace any seals that are faulty or suspect.
fitted into a conical funnel to filter fuel. Filter paper grades 2V,
MN514, or better, are recommended. After filtration, aerate the 10.2.3 Install the prepared heater tube test section (as
fuel for 6 min at 1.5 L ⁄min air flow rate for a maximum of described in 10.1.1 – 10.1.4).
1000 mL sample using a coarse 12 mm borosilicate glass gas 10.2.4 Assemble pre-filter with new element and install.
dispersion tube. 10.2.5 Check thermocouple for correct reference position,
9.1.3 Fuel System Pressure, 3.45 MPa (500 psi) 610 % then lower into standard operating position.
gauge. 10.2.6 On Models 230 and 240, make sure the water beaker
9.1.4 Thermocouple Position, at 39 mm. is empty.
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A2. TEST METHOD FOR THICKNESS DEPOSIT RATING OF HEATER TUBES—INTERFEROMETRIC METHOD
A2.1 Scope the same technique to establish a base line or condition of satisfactory
starting quality.
A2.1.1 This annex describes a procedure for the interfero-
metric thickness deposit rating in the range of 0 nm to 1200 nm A2.2 Terminology
of heater tubes produced by Test Method D3241—Thermal
Oxidation Stability of Aviation Turbine Fuels. A2.2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
A2.1.2 The final result from this rating procedure is an A2.2.1.1 deposit—film of oxidized product deposited on the
absolute measurement of the thickness and volume of deposit test area of the heater tube after D3241 test procedure.
on the heater tube that provides a basis for judging the thermal A2.2.1.2 deposit profile—three-dimensional representation
oxidative stability of the fuel sample. For aircraft fuel systems of deposit thickness profile along and around the length of the
performance, deposit thickness and volume are useful param- heater tube test section.
eters.
A2.2.1.3 deposit thickness—the thickness of deposit present
A2.1.3 An interlaboratory study was conducted in October
on the heater tube substrate surface expressed in nanometers,
2011 (see ASTM Research Report RR:D02-17869 for support-
nm.
ing data) involving 8 interferometric instruments and 117
heater tubes tested in duplicate. The interferometric procedure A2.2.1.4 deposit volume—the volume of deposit present on
demonstrated objective rating. the test section of the heater tube expressed in mm3.
NOTE A2.1—The particular technique used for this test method is called A2.2.1.4.1 Discussion—The deposit volume is derived by
spectral reflectance. integration of the area under the deposit profile.
NOTE A2.2—If this procedure is to be used to rate the heater tube after
the thermal oxidation test, the new heater tube may also be examined by A2.2.1.5 interferometry—a technique used for measuring
the optical properties of surfaces (refractive index and absorp-
tion coefficient) based on studying the pattern of interference
9
created by their superposition. In the presence of a thin
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1786. Contact ASTM Customer transparent layer called film, interferometry can also be used to
Service at service@astm.org. provide film thickness information.
A2.8.2 Standard Operating Conditions: be used for instrument verification. Behenate films are anisotropic and do
A2.8.2.1 Heater Tube (Substrate)—refractive index (n) and not relate to deposits. They are sub-layered with metals separated by fatty
chains which creates multiple reflection for each sub layer. In other words,
absorption coefficient (k) values are automatically selected by the Lanmuir-Blodgett films of cadmium behenate do not create any
the computer software using the relationship shown in the interference with spectral reflectance technique when the emitted light is
graph below (Fig. A2.3). normal to the deposit surface which is the case with the DR 10.
NOTE A2.5—The value of n and k index are dependent on the A2.8.2.3 Circumferential Resolution—(number of points
metallurgy and surface roughness of the heater tube under examination. measured on the heater tube circumference), 24 points (Fig.
The values on the graphs here above are appropriate for heater tubes used A2.5).
in D3241.
A2.8.2.4 Longitudinal Resolution—(number of points mea-
A2.8.2.2 Deposit Film—refractive index (n) and absorption sured on a length of 50 mm), 50 points (Fig. A2.6).
coefficient (k) values are automatically calculated by the A2.8.2.5 Heater Tube Scanned Surface—the instrument
computer software using the relationship shown in the graph shall be set up to measure the thickness between the 5 mm and
below (Fig. A2.4). the 55 mm points. See Fig. A2.7.
NOTE A2.6—This represents the average value of refractive index of
heater tube deposit after D3241 test procedure.
A2.9 Baseline Calibration
NOTE A2.7—It is assumed that the film is optically transparent to the A2.9.1 Heater tube surface finishes vary slightly between
wavelength of UVVIS light used in the DR 10, currently 200 nm to brands due to variations in polishing techniques. Therefore, a
1100 nm.
NOTE A2.8—This method is not applicable to heater tubes coated with baseline calibration shall be performed using a new heater
Langmuir-Blodgett films of cadmium behenate. Consequently, heater tube. The heater tube shall have been visually inspected
tubes coated with Langmuir-Blodgett films of cadmium behenate cannot according to section A2.11.2. Baseline calibration shall be
performed prior to initial use of the instrument and whenever A2.9.3 The typical reflected spectrum is calculated by
there is a change in heater tube brand. averaging the 12 points and it is saved as the baseline. This
A2.9.2 During this phase, the instrument records and baseline is then used to determine the interferences wave
memorizes the reflected light spectrum from 12 different points length generated by the deposit.
on the new heater tube (Fig. A2.8).
A2.9.4 To perform this calibration, refer to the operation magnifies the serial number and takes a picture of the heater tube serial
manual delivered with the instrument, the duration of this number. Second, it positions the heater tube on the same point of the
circumference to ensure that the sequence of thickness measurements is
phase is approximately three minutes. started from the same point on the circumference. Consequently, for
verification, when the test is repeated on the same heater tube, it facilitates
A2.10 Apparatus Verification the comparison of the deposit profiles.
A2.10.1 On a regular basis, a minimum of once per week, A2.12.3 At the end of the measurement, the reported values
verify the operation of the apparatus by measuring a reference are displayed and recorded, as shown in Fig. A2.9.
heater tube (A2.5.1). To do so, refer to the operation manual
A2.12.4 Remove the rated heater tube and return it to its
delivered with the instrument. The results shall be within 65 %
original container.
of the known thickness. If the determined values are not within
the acceptable limits, return the apparatus to the manufacturer A2.13 Reporting
for recalibration.
A2.13.1 Report the following:
A2.11 Heater Tube Inspection A2.13.1.1 Standard spot deposit thickness to the nearest
1 nm.
A2.11.1 Handle the heater tube carefully and do not touch A2.13.1.2 Deposit volume to the nearest 0.00001 mm3 or
the center section at any time. “N/A” when the volume is not reported.
A2.11.2 Visually examine the heater tube for straightness by NOTE A2.10—In some cases, the apparatus is unable to precisely
rolling the heater tube on a flat dust-free surface and noting the determine the thickness at one or several of the 1200 measured points.
gap between the flat surface and the center section. Heater When this situation occurs, because safety is involved with D3241 test, the
tubes with a bent center section are not suitable for rating by apparatus does not extrapolate the thickness from the surrounding points.
the DR 10. It simply reports “N/A” (Non Applicable) for the point in question. If the
number of reported “N/A” points exceeds 10, then the Deposit Volume of
A2.11.3 Examine the heater tube, without magnification, in is reported as “N/A”. However, the apparatus still reports the standard spot
laboratory light for visible mechanical scratches on the centre thickness which is based on the average of the thickest points in a 2.5 mm2
section of the heater tube. If such defects are visible, discard area. This reported standard spot is calculated with all the points for which
the thickness was determined.
the heater tube. In some cases, when the apparatus reports a “N/A Deposit Volume”, the
heater tube in question is visually rated (VTR) as an abnormal deposit. No
A2.12 Procedure correlation can be established between “N/A Deposit Volume” reporting
A2.12.1 To start a test, refer to the operation manual and abnormal visual rating. It was observed with the results of the ILS
conducted in 2011 (Research Report RR:D02-1786) that when a “N/A
delivered with the instrument. Deposit Volume” was reported, it was associated with thick deposits and
A2.12.2 Once the jet fuel sample details in addition with the it is expected to be typical.
heater tube details are entered, the thickness measurement is
A2.14 Test Report
automatically initiated.
NOTE A2.9—The rotation and the positioning of the heater tube has two A2.14.1 The test report shall contain at least the following
functions. The first one for traceability of the test, the instrument information:
A2.14.1.1 Sufficient details for complete identification of correct operation of Annex A2, exceed the values in Table A2.1
the fuel and the heater tube tested; only in one case in twenty, where x is the average of the two
A2.14.1.2 A reference to this standard; deposit measurements.
A2.14.1.3 The result of the test (see A2.12); A2.15.1.2 Deposit Volume:
A2.14.1.4 Any deviation, by agreement or otherwise, from (1) Repeatability Limit (r)—The difference between suc-
the procedure specified; cessive deposit measurements, obtained by the same operator
A2.14.1.5 The date of the test. with the same apparatus under constant operating conditions on
the same heater tube, would in the long run, in the normal and
A2.15 Precision and Bias correct operation of Annex A2, exceed the values in Table A2.2
A2.15.1 Precision—The following criteria provides infor- only in one case in twenty, where x is the average of the two
mation on the accuracy of the deposit measurements using this deposit measurements.
technique:12 (2) Reproducibility Limit (R)—The difference between two
A2.15.1.1 Deposit Thickness: single and independent deposit measurements, obtained by
(1) Repeatability Limit (r)—The difference between suc- different operators working in different laboratories on the
cessive deposit measurements, obtained by the same operator same heater tube, would in the long run, in the normal and
with the same apparatus under constant operating conditions on correct operation of Annex A2, exceed the values in Table A2.2
the same heater tube, would in the long run, in the normal and only in one case in twenty, where x is the average of the two
correct operation of Annex A2, exceed the values in Table A2.1 deposit measurements.
only in one case in twenty, where x is the average of the two A2.15.2 Bias—Since there are no accepted reference mate-
deposit measurements. rials suitable for determining the bias for this procedure, bias of
(2) Reproducibility Limit (R)—The difference between two deposit thickness and deposit volume measurements between
single and independent deposit measurements, obtained by Annex A2, Annex A3, and Annex A4 of this test method have
different operators working in different laboratories on the not yet been determined.
same heater tube, would in the long run, in the normal and
A2.15.3 The precision statements were derived from a 2011
intralaboratory study of deposit thickness and volume measure-
ments.12 One laboratory using 8 instruments tested 117 heater
12
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may tubes in duplicate for deposit thickness and deposit volume.
be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D02-1786. Contact ASTM Customer Information on the heater tubes and their average deposit
Service at service@astm.org.
measurements are in the research report.12
TABLE A2.1 Precision of Deposit Thickness Measurement by TABLE A2.2 Precision of Deposit Volume Measurement by
Interferometric (Heater) Tube Rating (ITR) (nm) Interferometric (Heater) Tube Rating (ITR) (mm3)
Measurement Range Repeatability (r) Reproducibility (R) Measurement Range Repeatability (r) Reproducibility (R)
7.2 to 1189.6 0.0009857 (x+2000) 0.001996 (x+2000) 0.0004 to 0.1934 0.002274 (x+0.2) 0.006447 (x+0.2)
NOTE A4.4—The value of aluminum oxide refractive indices selected A4.9 Heater Tube Inspection
were obtained from well-known reference literature.19
A4.9.1 Handle the heater tube carefully and do not touch the
A4.7.2.4 Aluminum Oxide absorption coefficient (k) center portion at any time.
k(466 nm) = 0
k(525 nm) = 0 A4.9.2 Visually examine the heater tube for straightness by
k(596 nm) = 0 rolling the heater tube on a flat surface and noting the gap
k(638 nm) = 0 between the flat surface and the center section. Heater tubes
with a bent center section are not suitable for rating by the
NOTE A4.5—The value of aluminum oxide absorption coefficients MWETR.
selected were obtained from well-known reference literature.19
A4.7.2.5 Deposit film refractive index setting (n) A4.10 Procedure
n(466 nm) = 1.478 A4.10.1 Operate the instrument in accordance with the
n(525 nm) = 1.471 manufacturer’s operating instructions.
n(596 nm) = 1.466
n(638 nm) = 1.464 A4.10.2 Insert the heater tube into the measuring system
with the serial number on bottom and opposing the operator (6
NOTE A4.6—The average value of deposit film refractive indices o’clock position).
selected were derived from many representative organic films measured
on multiple multi-wavelength instruments which had the substrate con- A4.10.3 Enter the heater tube details in the user interface
stants and aluminum oxide constants set to the stated literature values. and initiate the deposit thickness and volume measurements.
A4.7.2.6 Deposit film absorption coefficient (k) A4.10.4 At the end of the measurement procedure, record
k(466 nm) = 0.107 the maximum average 2.5 mm2 deposit thickness in nanome-
k(525 nm) = 0.082 ters (nm) as provided by the apparatus. The manufacturer
k(596 nm) = 0.064 includes an algorithm that automatically identifies all 6 point
k(638 nm) = 0.057 combinations, calculates the average thickness of each of these
NOTE A4.7—The average value of deposit film absorption coefficients combinations, selects the maximum average 6 point
selected were derived from many representative organic films measured combination, displays the maximum average and shows the
on multiple multi-wavelength instruments which had the substrate con- location of the maximum on the deposit graph.
stants and aluminum oxide constants set to the stated literature values.
A4.10.5 Record the deposit volume in cubic millimeters
A4.7.2.7 Resolution (number of circumferential points), 24
(mm3) as provided by the apparatus.
points.
A4.7.2.8 Resolution (number of longitudinal points), 50 A4.11 Reporting
points.
A4.11.1 Report:
NOTE A4.8—The rater has the capability to measure up to a maximum A4.11.1.1 The heater tube reference number;
of 5000 points along the length of the heater tube and up to 384 equally
spaced points around the circumference of the heater tube. A4.11.1.2 The maximum average 2.5 mm2 deposit thick-
ness to the nearest 1 nm;
A4.7.2.9 The rater records the maximum average 2.5 mm2 A4.11.1.3 The volume deposit to the nearest 0.00001 mm3;
deposit thickness in nanometers (nm). The manufacturer in-
A4.11.1.4 Sufficient details for complete identification of
cludes an algorithm that automatically identifies all 6 point
the fuel and the heater tube tested;
combinations, calculates the average thickness of each of these
A4.11.1.5 Reference to this standard, and annex;
combinations, selects the maximum average 6 point
A4.11.1.6 Any deviation, by agreement or otherwise, from
the procedure specified;
A4.11.1.7 Date of the test.
19
Palik, Edward D., Handbook of Optical Constants of Solids, Handbook of
Optics, 3rd edition, Vol. 4, 2009, McGraw-Hill. NOTE A4.10—A typical report is shown in Fig. A4.2.
FIG. A4.2 Multi-Wavelength Ellipsometer Apparatus Typical Reports 3D and 2D Color Maps (VTR 3)
A5. EQUIPMENT
A5.1 Test Instrument A5.2.2.1 The heart of the test system is the tube-in-shell
heat exchanger, or heater tube test section Fig. A5.1, which
A5.1.1 The instrument described in this annex is the Avia-
holds the heater tube and directs flow of fuel over it. It is
tion Fuel Thermal Oxidation Stability Tester that is used to test
important for the heater tube to be aligned correctly in the
the thermal oxidation stability of turbine fuel. There are five heater tube test section as shown in Fig. A5.2. This component
instrument models which will be described. All provide a is critical to consistent results and is a common component in
means to pump the sample once through the test system across all models.
the heater tube and through a test filter. There are means to
A5.2.2.2 There are some other points regarding the fuel
control and measure heater tube temperature, system pressure,
system that deserve mention:
and pressure drop across the filter, and methods of control and
(1) Fresh fuel is filtered immediately out of the container
measurement vary with each instrument model. Mechanism for
containing the aerated fuel through 0.45 µm membrane filter
pumping is positive displacement using a gear pump or piston paper before entering the heater tube test section;
pump. (2) The heater tube is sealed in the heater tube test section
A5.2 Test Details by elastomer O-rings (Fig. A5.3);
(3) The test filter is of stainless steel of 17 µm rated
A5.2.1 General Description—This instrument uses a fixed porosity. Bypass of the filter occurs automatically when differ-
volume of jet fuel that has been filtered, then aerated to provide ential pressure reaches 250 mm Hg;
a sample saturated with air. During the test, fuel is pumped at (4) All models use two containers, one for fresh fuel and
a steady rate across a heater tube which is maintained at a one for spent;
relatively high temperature, typically 260 °C, but higher under (5) Flow of fuel in all models can be monitored by visually
some specifications. The fuel, saturated with oxygen from the counting drops of flow. Also allow volumetric measure of flow
aeration, may degrade on the hot heater tube to form deposits with time, which is considered the most accurate flow measure.
as a visible film. Also, the degraded materials of the fuel may
A5.2.3 Heating/Temperature Control System—The heater
flow downstream and be caught by the test filter. Both the
tube is resistively heated by the conductance of high amperage,
increase in differential pressure across the test filter and the
low voltage current from a transformer through the heater tube.
final heater tube rating are used to determine the oxidative
The heater tube is clamped to relatively heavy, water cooled
stability of the fuel. current conducting bus bars, which increase in temperature
A5.2.2 Fuel System—Freshly filtered and aerated fuel is relatively little.
initially placed in a container, then circulated once through the A5.2.3.1 The temperature controller in all instrument mod-
apparatus to a spent sample container. Motive force for the els serves as indicator and controller. In automatic mode, the
sample is a positive displacement pump that will maintain flow controller provides a source of steady heat during the test,
at 3.0 mL ⁄min and overcome any tendency of initial filter varying the power as necessary to maintain the target (setpoint)
blockage from affecting the flow rate. Deviation of 10 % in temperature. Temperature range of operation is from 180 °C to
flow rate is permitted. If filter blockage becomes severe, the 350 °C.
bypass valve located before the test filter can be opened in A5.2.3.2 Critical to temperature control is the thermocouple
order to finish the test. Then, any deposit on the heater tube can and its position. The thermocouple itself must be calibrated to
be evaluated based on a complete test. ensure acceptable accuracy. The position of the tip must be
carefully placed so the temperature reading during automatic A5.2.4 Cooling System—In the normal operation of the
control is the maximum (the hottest spot) for the heater tube. A instrument, some cooling is necessary to remove heat going
simple mechanical positioning system allows easy and accurate into the bus bars by conduction from the hot heater tube.
placement of the thermocouple. Cooling water is circulated through each bus bar using an
A5.2.3.3 A diagram of the basic heating system is shown in internally circulated and radiator cooled liquid system. The
Fig. A5.4. only precautions with these systems is to monitor them to be
A6.5 Compressed Gases (Nitrogen) A6.6 Aviation Turbine Fuel (Jet B, See Specification
D1655)
A6.5.1 Keep cylinder valve closed when not in use.
A6.6.1 Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
A6.5.2 Do not enter storage areas unless adequately venti-
lated. A6.6.2 Keep container closed.
A6.5.3 Always use a pressure regulator. A6.6.3 Use with adequate ventilation.
A6.6.4 Avoid breathing vapor or spray mist.
A6.5.4 Release regulator tension before opening cylinder.
A6.6.5 Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin.
A6.5.5 Do not transfer to cylinder other than one in which
gas is received. A6.7 Aviation Turbine Fuel (Jet A or A-1, See Specification
A6.5.6 Do not mix gases in cylinders. D1655)
A6.7.1 Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flame.
A6.5.7 Never drop cylinder.
A6.7.2 Keep container closed.
A6.5.8 Make sure cylinder is supported at all times.
A6.7.3 Use with adequate ventilation.
A6.5.9 Stand away from cylinder outlet when opening
cylinder valve. A6.7.4 Avoid buildup of vapors and eliminate all sources of
ignition, especially nonexplosion-proof electrical apparatus
A6.5.10 Keep cylinder out of sun and away from heat. and heaters.
A6.5.11 Keep cylinder from corrosive environment. A6.7.5 Avoid breathing vapor or spray mist.
A6.5.12 Do not use cylinder without label. A6.7.6 Avoid prolonged or repeated contact with skin.
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1.1 Laboratory Installation Requirements X1.2.5 Remove and install the AutoCal Calibrator in up-
right position and refill with new metal. The proper amount of
X1.1.1 The tester should be placed on a level laboratory
tin for one filling is about 1.5 g to 1.9 g, and for lead about
bench, allowing a 200 mm to 300 mm wide bench area in front
3.3 g to 4.7 g, or within 1 mm of the top of the cup.
of the tester. Ready access to the rear of the tester should be
provided for routine maintenance and service requirements. X1.3 Thermocouple Replacement and Position Adjust-
Ensure any vents in the instrument cabinet are not obstructed ment
during installation or use. Adequate ventilation should be
X1.3.1 The thermocouple used for measuring and control-
provided, and proper procedures for handling solvents and
ling the temperature of the heater tube may have to be replaced
hydrocarbons should be used.
at intervals due to damage or failure.
X1.2 AutoCal Calibrator Metal Replacement X1.3.2 Install a new thermocouple reversing the steps used
to remove old thermocouple. Replace and tighten screws as
X1.2.1 The tin and lead in the well of the AutoCal Calibra- required. The tip of the thermocouple must be flush with top of
tor must be replaced whenever the quantity is below minimum upper fixed bus when position indicator is set at the reference
or when contaminated. mark.
X1.2.2 To remove the metal, install the AutoCal Calibrator X1.3.3 Check for proper thermocouple indexing under ac-
inverted between the upper fixed bus and the lower floating tual test operating conditions.
bus.
X1.4 Heater Tube Temperature Profile (for Models 230
X1.2.3 Place a damp paper tissue, cloth rag, or aluminum and 240 Only)
foil under the well to catch the molten metal.
X1.4.1 If it is desired to measure the heater tube temperature
X1.2.4 Apply power to the AutoCal Calibrator as during profile, do so after the first hour of the test or before significant
normal calibration, and at same time gently tap the well until ΔP occurs. Follow the procedure in the user manual for the
all molten metal has dropped out. particular model.
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Subcommittee D02.J0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D3241 – 20b) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Dec. 1, 2020.)
(1) Added subsections 12.8.4 and 12.8.4.1. (3) Revised Table 2 and added Footnotes E and F.
(2) Revised subsections 7.1, 7.2, 10.1.1, 13.1, and 13.2.
Subcommittee D02.J0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D3241 – 20a) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Sept. 1, 2020.)
(1) Revised subsections 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 9.1.2, 10.2.2, and12.8.3. (5) Updated language throughout to ensure uniformity (replac-
(2) Revised Table 2. ing “coupon” with “heater tube,” adding “heater” to tube where
(3) Deleted previous subsections 12.2.1 and 12.2.2. missing, etc.).
(4) Replaced “reservoir” with “container” throughout.
Subcommittee D02.J0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D3241 – 20) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved July 1, 2020.)
Subcommittee D02.J0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D3241 – 19b) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved March. 1, 2020.)
(1) Deleted sections 1.6, 11.1.5, 12.2.3, 12.3.2, 12.3.3, 12.7.1, (2) Revised sections 6.1, 6.2.2.1(2), 9.1.11, 11.1.1, 12.1.2,
12.7.1.1, 12.7.1.2, 12.7.1.3, 12.8.3.1, A5.2.2.3, A6.8, X1.1.2, 12.2.3, 12.4.2.2, 12.4.2.3, 12.7.1, 12.7.1.1, 12.7.1.2, 12.7.1.3,
X1.5.1, X1.5.2, X1.6, X1.7 12.7.1.4, 12.8.1, 12.8.3.1, 14.1.3, 14.1.5, A5.2.2.2(3) (4) and
Subcommittee D02.J0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D3241 – 19a) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Nov. 1, 2019.)
Subcommittee D02.J0 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D3241 – 19) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved Aug. 1, 2019.)
(1) Added Precision and Bias information to Annex A2, Annex (3) Revised Table 2.
A3, and Annex A4. (4) Added new footnote to subsection A3.6.1.
(2) Added new Section 8.
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