TECH TALK

SAMPLE CONTAINERS FOR JET FUEL

OIL, GAS AND CHEMICALS SERVICE

MAY 2012

Introduction
The analysis of jet fuel is, arguably, the most important testing that we perform and crucial to any analysis is the
sampling and handling. Jet fuel is mostly sampled using manual methods and these methods are the same as
for manually sampling other petroleum products and are defined in API MPMS Chapter 8.1, ASTM D 4057, ISO
3170, etc. Sample handling is not quite so typical and much of this focuses on the correct type of sample
container, which is specified in ASTM D 4306 - Standard Practice for Aviation Fuel Sample Containers for Tests
Affected by Trace Contamination. The scope of the method states that, this practice covers the types of and
preparation of containers found most suitable for the handling of aviation fuel samples for the determination of
critical properties affected by trace contamination.

Critical Properties
The critical properties specified
in the standard are:

MSEP Water Separation

Characteristics
Electrical Conductivity
Lubricity
Thermal Stability
Trace Metals
Copper Corrosion

Container Types
The
types
of
containers
referenced and evaluated are:

Epoxy lined steel cans

Borosilicate (Hard) Glass
Polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE)
BottlesBlack,
carbon-filled bottles avoid
possible
reactions
with
sunlight
Polyethylene Bottles, highdensity, linear.
Steel
Cans,
tin-plated,
soldered side seam.
Soda Lime (Soft) Glass
Bottles.

suitable containers or PTFE are

also suitable. The use of
improper or uncleaned closures
or shipping seals will destroy all
precautions used in selecting
and preparing containers. The
use of properly selected and
cleaned closures or seals is
essential

Container
tions

Recommenda-

Table
1
specifies
what
containers are recommended for
each of the Critical Properties.
Each container type is further
qualified for three differing
storage conditions; specifically,

Immediate use maximum

storage time 24 hours
Storage
Reuse

For each of these containers and

storage conditions the table
gives the following type of
recommendation:

Closures (Caps)

P - Preferred
S - Suitable
NR Not Recommended
NE Not Evaluated

Closures with a metallic inside

surface are preferred. Closures
with the same inside surfaces as

Preferred and Suitable rated

containers
may
be
used;
however, Not Recommended

and Not Evaluated must not.

Additionally, testing for Electrical
Conductivity
and
Thermal
Stability
requires
that
all
transparent
or
translucent
containers must be shielded
from light by wrapping with
opaque
material
such
as
aluminum foil, or enclosure in a
dark box or cabinet. Amber
bottles
also
reduce
photochemical effects. This is
good practice for any sample
handling situation as we are
frequently asked to do additional
testing on stored samples.
In summary, the most versatile
container is the epoxy lined steel
can, which is either preferred or
suitable for all critical properties
except Trace Metals for which
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
bottles
and
high
density
polyethylene bottles are both
rated preferred. However, this
should not be considered a
substitute for reviewing the
detailed information contained in
Section 6 Preparation of
Apparatus.
As a general rule we do not
recommend the reuse of sample
containers; however, there are
occasions
when
this
is
unavoidable. In which case, the
cleaning procedures specified in

TECH TALK
SAMPLE CONTAINERS FOR JET FUEL
OIL, GAS AND CHEMICALS SERVICE
Sections 6.4.1.1 and 6.4.1.2
must be rigorously followed.
This standard was recently
updated and one of the principal
changes was to define how
epoxy coated containers are to

be prepared. Immediately prior

to sample collection, flush the
container three times with the
sample being collected. For
each flush, the container should
be 10 to 20% filled with sample,
closed, and shaken for 1 min

MAY 2012
and the fuel replaced for the next
flush. After the last flush is
drained, the container may be
filled for transport to the
laboratory for testing.

Conclusion
Any analysis is only as good as the sample being tested and sample handling is an integral part of the sampling
process all of which goes double for jet fuel. The purpose of this Tech Talk is to make you aware of and to
highlight some of the more pertinent aspects of ASTM D 4306. It is not meant to be a substitute for reviewing
the standard, which can be downloaded, without cost to the affiliate, as part of our subscription service to ASTM,
which can be accessed directly or via SAI. Read the standard in case I need to spell out the consequences of
bad jet fuel, see below.

TECH TALK
SAMPLE CONTAINERS FOR JET FUEL
OIL, GAS AND CHEMICALS SERVICE

MAY 2012

Minutes of Tech Talk Meeting:

Branch:_______________________________ Division: ______________________________
Person Conducting Meeting:__________________________________________________
Attendees:

Additional Items Discussed:

Problem Areas or Concerns:

Comments:

The original is to be maintained at the Branch for

reference and audit purposes. Data from this form is
required as part of your monthly Global QHS&E reporting