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TM 10-6630-247-13&P
Section III. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
1-12. SYSTEM TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION.
a.
General, The Ground Fuels Petroleum Test Kit described in this manual is designed to be a self-
contained petroleum testing apparatus capable of performing fuel sampling, flashpoint testing
and distillation testing of various ground fuels. Your mission requirements will determine the
type of tests that must be performed based on the types of fuel available. All testing must be
performed in accordance with the applicable ASTMS.
b.
Cabinet. When packed for shipment, the test kit cabinet provides storage and protection for all
the test kit components. When opened for use, the cabinet top unfolds to provide additional
workspace.
c.
Distillation Unit, The distillation unit is operated by applying heat to a specific quantity of fuel
and measuring the rate of evaporation and vapor condensation.
The fuel sample in the distillation flask is heated by the electrically powered variable heat
source. As the fuel sample is heated and begins to boil, vapors given off by the fuel are directed
from the flask into the condenser assembly,
The condenser assembly is filled with a cooling agent (ice water) that surrounds the vapor tube
carrying fuel vapors from the distillation flask. The reduced surface temperature of the vapor
tube causes the evaporated fuel to condense and flow down to a graduated flask positioned on the
outside of the condenser.
The time required for the fuel to evaporate and condense is measured and recorded, then
compared to the standards identified in the applicable ASTM fort he type of fuel being tested.
d.
Flash Point Tester. The flash point tester is used to determine the lowest temperature at which
a particular fuel vapor will ignite when exposed to an open flame.
A fuel sample is placed in the flash cup. The slow speed stirrer is connected to and drives the
internal paddles which stirs the fuel sample.
The flash cup is heated by an electrically powered variable heat source until a vapor is formed
above the fuel sample. An external flame is then introduced into the fuel vapor and the
temperature at which the fuel vapor ignites is recorded. This ignition temperature is then
compared to the applicable ASTM for the type of fuel being tested.
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