Counter detects contaminants in aviation fuel

For the aviation refuelling industry, a particle counter allows quick, easy and accurate detection of contamination in fuels, from the refinery to uplift of fuel into the aircraft.

For use in the aviation refuelling industry, the ACM20 particle counter from Parker Hannifin allows quick, easy and accurate detection of contamination in fuels, from the refinery to uplift of fuel into the aircraft, replacing potentially subjective methods of fuel monitoring such as clear and bright and gravimetric millipore.

The quick two minute test, with very little waste, will allow checking of contamination levels, trends and integrity in a reproducible and repeatable way.

It can also be used in other applications such as filter performance, pipeline commissioning and extending service intervals of supply systems.

Regular monitoring with the ACM20 will prevent problems caused by contamination that enters the fuel supply during installation, maintenance or repair, or through damaged or worn parts.

Solid and water contamination will affect the operating efficiency of the fuel and sliding parts, causing valves to stick and, in the worst case, lead to sudden component failure causing costly downtime and increased maintenance.

Monitoring results can be downloaded to a PC or laptop, and statistical records kept to predict maintenance periods.

The ACM software provides as a primary output counts per millilitre, and as a secondary the percentage volume distribution of the contamination per sample.

Cleanliness levels are reported in accordance with ISO4406-1999.

Fuel can be monitored from point of manufacture to point of use, ensuring that the fuel received is the same quality as was bought; conformity and liability issues can be seen and resolved quickly, and filter efficiency is readily checked against manufacturers' performance specifications.

Fuel storage tanks, which normally have to be cleaned every two to three years, if monitored regularly with this device can show that scheduled maintenance can be delayed because fuel cleanliness is still acceptable.

Trend analysis over time will track increases or decreases of contamination here and within pipelines as the systems are flushed.

This can lead to savings in routine maintenance and associated downtime.

The ACM20 is portable and can be used anywhere hydrocarbon fuel is used, across filters, tanks, fuel receipts from ships and in laboratories where it can be used with existing analysing equipment.

The calibration is traceable to ISO11171 for SRM2806 through ISO11943 principles.

It was developed from the Hydraulic LCM20 portable particle counter.

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