Automated Smoke Point Measurement

The smoke point method, in accordance with ASTM D 1322, IP 57, and ISO 3014, is one of the oldest test methods in the petroleum industry.

This test method provides an indication of the relative smoke producing properties of kerosines 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.

It is one of the last manual methods that has never been automated. Running the smoke point test manually requires highly skilled technicians with years of experience. In addition, 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 very challenging exercise and very dangerous for lab personal. The visual rating of the flame varies from one operator to another.

The SP10, from AD Systems (France) revolutionizes this test.

This unique automated instrument uses a patented system (License TOTAL RM) based on a video camera that observes the flame instead of human eye. The flame image is digitalized and 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. Strictly following the standard test method, the instrument performs three determinations of the flame heights and reports the average value.

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.

Every test is fully documented and traceable, which is important for aviation industry quality procedures.

The SP 10 is an automated smoke point instrument that strictly follows the test method while eliminating the subjectivity inherent to the manual test and significantly improving repeatability and reproducibility. In addition, the SP10 eliminates all safety risks linked to the visual observation of an open flame. The test can run unattended which drastically reduces labor.

The SP 10 is versatile instrument for routine applications at every location where quality of kerosenes and aviation turbine fuel is evaluated in accordance with test methods ASTM D 1322, IP 57, ISO 3014, and BS 2000-57 and its analogs. Benefits of smoke point automation will be appreciated by laboratory personal at refineries, pipelines and terminals, airports, military (field labs), research labs and third-party labs