SP10 Smoke Point Tester
SP10
Smoke Point Tester
ASTM D1322
D1655
IP 598
Def Stan 91-91
Summary
The Smoke Point method, in accordance with ASTM D1322, IP 598, is one of the oldest test methods in the petroleum industry. This test method provides an indication of the relative smoke producing properties of kerosenes and aviation turbine fuels in a diffusion flame. The smoke point is related to the hydrocarbon composition of such fuels.
Generally, the more aromatic the fuel, the smokier the flame. A high smoke point indicates a fuel of low smoke producing tendency. Performing the smoke point test manually requires highly skilled technicians with years of experience. Additionally, the manual test is time consuming. The current visual rating method used for specification purposes suffers from the drawback of operator subjectivity. The visual measurement of an open flame is a challenging exercise and dangerous for lab personnel. The visual rating of the flame varies from one operator to another.
The SP10 Revolutionizes Smoke Point Testing
This unique automated instrument uses a patented system (License TOTAL RM) based on a video camera that measures the flame. The flame image is digitalized. The dedicated software determines the height of the flame when its shape corresponds to the one described in the test method. This specific flame is the one with the maximum height without smoke generation. The SP10 performs three determinations of the flame heights and reports the average value in strict accordance with the test method. The results are saved in an internal database and can be printed, transferred to a USB memory stick and/or sent to a LIMS. Every test is fully documented and traceable, which is imperative for aviation industry quality procedures.
The SP10 is an Automated Smoke Point instrument that strictly follows the test method while both eliminating the subjectivity inherent to the manual test and significantly improving repeatability and reproducibility. Additionally, the SP10 eliminates all safety risks linked to the visual observation of an open flame. The test can now be run unattended which drastically reduces labor costs..
Methods
Test methods: ASTM D1322, IP 598
Aviation Turbine Fuel - Standard Specification ASTM D1655 and Def Stan 91-91
This test method provides an indication of the relative smoke producing properties of kerosene and aviation turbine fuels in a diffusion flame. The smoke point is related to the hydrocarbon type composition of such fuels. Generally the more aromatic the fuel the smokier the flame. A high smoke point indicates a fuel of low smoke producing tendency.
The smoke point is quantitatively related to the potential radiant heat transfer from the combustion products of the fuel. Because radiant heat transfer exerts a strong influence on the metal temperature of combustor liners and other hot section parts of gas turbines, the smoke point provides a basis for correlation of fuel characteristics with the life of these components.
Application
The SP10 is a versatile instrument for routine applications at locations where quality of kerosenes and aviation turbine fuel is evaluated in accordance with test methods ASTM D1322, IP 598. The SP10 can be used at the following locations and more:
- Refineries
- MilitaryResearch and Development
- Independent Laboratories
- Aircraft Engine Manufacturers
- Pipeline and Terminals
Benefits
Quick, easy, and objective rating
The SP 10 is an automated instrument that strictly follows the test method with an improved precision. It eliminates the subjectivity inherent to the manual test where the visual rating of the flame varies from one operator to another. Thanks to the digital imaging technology of SP10, the shape of the flame described in the test method is automatically repeatedly determined and corresponding flame height is precisely recorded in the same conditions.
Increases safety
The SP 10 totally eliminates all safety risks linked to the visual observation of an open flame.
Reduces labor, minimum 30 minutes saved per test
The SP 10 is a "Set it and Forget it" instrument. Once the candle is prepared and positioned on the conveyor, the operator keys in all test details and starts the test. Then all test phases are automatic. The operator time is reduced to its minimum. At the end of the test, the corrected result is displayed and automatically transferred if the SP 10 is connected to a LIMS system.
Mimics strictly the manual method with iImproved precision
The SP 10 is an automated instrument. It is using exactly the same lamp and candle as the manual method. The precision is significantly improved because the CCD camera with its associated software always determine the perfect flame shape corresponding to the method description. All errors linked to the operator subjectivity are eliminated.
Very compact design
The automated SP 10 instrument does not take more bench space than the manual instrument. Consequently it can be installed at the same place where the manual instrument was used.
Quality Procedure features
The SP 10 enhance a built-in result data base. All details related to each test result are memorized. In addition, all information related to the instrument calibration is memorized to ensure a perfect traceability.
Operation
The smoke point test with the SP 10 is as simple as is a flash point test with an automated instrument. The operator prepares the candle according to the test method instructions (phase 1). The candle is then positioned on a conveyor (phase 2). The operator keys in all sample details and then initiate the test (phase 3).
Then all the procedure is automated. The candle is automatically lit, the five minutes stabilization time is followed by the three determinations of the flame height. At the end of test, the SP 10 instrument calculates the mean value of the three flame heights measured. The result is rounded then corrected with the memorized lamp correction factor and finally reported according to the format specified in the test method. The result is saved in a built-in data base. It can be printed, transferred on a USB memory stick and/or send to a LIMS when the SP 10 is connected to a LAN. The lamp factor correction is automatically calculated and used for result reporting.
Reporting
The results can be displayed, printed, memorized on a USB disk on key or send to a LIMS via the LAN connection.
List of parameters saved with a Smoke Point Result in 0.1 mm (according to selected test method):
- Sample Type
- Sample ID
- Date and Time
- Barometric pressure
- Operator name
- Test method
- Calibration information
- Instrument serial number
- Software version
SP10
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