ASTM D4176-04(2014)
Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)

Standard No.

ASTM D4176-04(2014)

Release Date

2004

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D4176-04(2019)

Latest

ASTM D4176-22

Scope

5.1 It has long been the practice to include in fuel specifications a requirement that the fuel be clear and bright and free of visible particulate matter (see Note 1). However, there has been no standard method for making this determination so that practices have differed. This test method provides standard procedures for the test.

Note 1: Clean and bright is sometimes used in place of clear and bright. The meaning is identical.

5.2 Procedure 1 provides a rapid pass/fail method for contamination in a distillate fuel. Procedure 2 provides a gross numerical rating of haze appearance, primarily as a communication tool. Other test methods, including Test Methods D1744, D2276, D2709, and D4860, permit quantitative determinations of contaminants. No relationship has been established between Procedure 2 and various quantitative methods.

5.3 Limited laboratory evaluations of samples that have failed this clear and bright test indicate that an experienced tester can detect as little as 40 ppm of free water in the fuel.

1.1 This test method covers two procedures for estimating the presence of suspended free water and solid particulate contamination in distillate fuels having distillation end points below 400°C and an ASTM color of 5 or less.

1.1.1 Both procedures can be used as field tests at storage temperatures, or as laboratory tests at controlled temperatures.

1.1.2 Procedure 1 provides a rapid pass/fail method for contamination. Procedure 2 provides a gross numerical rating of haze appearance.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ASTM D4176-04(2014) Referenced Document

• ASTM D1500 Standard Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products (ASTM Color Scale)
• ASTM D1744 Standard Test Method for Determination of Water in Liquid Petroleum Products by Karl Fischer Reagent
• ASTM D2276 Standard Test Method for Particulate Contaminant in Aviation Fuel by Line Sampling
• ASTM D2709 Standard Test Method for Water and Sediment in Middle Distillate Fuels by Centrifuge
• ASTM D4057 Standard Practice for Manual Sampling of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
• ASTM D4860 Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Mid-Distillate Fuels (Clear and Bright Numerical Rating)

ASTM D4176-04(2014) history

• 2022 ASTM D4176-22 Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
• 2021 ASTM D4176-21a Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
• 2021 ASTM D4176-21 Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
• 2020 ASTM D4176-20 Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
• 2019 ASTM D4176-04(2019) Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
• 2004 ASTM D4176-04(2014) Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
• 2004 ASTM D4176-04(2009) Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
• 2004 ASTM D4176-04e1 Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
• 2004 ASTM D4176-04 Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
• 2002 ASTM D4176-02 Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)
• 1993 ASTM D4176-93(1997) Standard Test Method for Free Water and Particulate Contamination in Distillate Fuels (Visual Inspection Procedures)