Smart, fully integrated, fuel lubricity testers: HFRR-ADV and BOCLE-ADV

Refineries, quality assurance providers, regulatory agencies and other organisations involved in the production, processing, handling, delivery and certification of fuels are required to evaluate critical properties of diesel (as per ASTM D975) and aviation turbine fuel (as per ASTM D1655). Fuel lubricity governed by the HFRR and BOCLE test methods is a critical safety test that ensures fuel quality, engine compatibility, and environmental compliance at the point of delivery. Traditional instruments have multiple independent units that include the mechanical test unit, electronic controller, humidity control cabinet and PC, all of which are manually operated. Paltro’s ultra-compact, fully integrated designs with automated workflow simplify testing and eliminate manual activities, thereby making it a game changer for modern labs. Both systems feature complete workflow automation from testing to imaging and reporting. Auto-detect functions powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms precisely measure wear scar diameter without user dependency. Smart sensing, data logging and diagnostics tools in these advanced systems ensure complete traceability and uninterrupted operation.

BOCLE-ADV is a compact, fully automated desktop instrument for ASTM D5001 to assess wear aspects of the boundary lubrication properties of aviation turbine fuels. This innovative unified system revolutionises fuel lubricity evaluation by seamlessly integrating mechanical testing, conditioning of air, optical imaging, auto-wear scar analysis and single-click reporting, offering unmatched user convenience. Integrated imaging features a digital microscope that is built-in to the test unit for wear scar analysis, thereby eliminating the requirement of a separate microscope. 

HFRR-ADV is a fully automated, state-of-the-art desktop instrument designed for compliance with ASTM D6079, ISO 12156 and ASTM D7688 standards to assess the lubricity of diesel fuels and biodiesel blends. This ultra-compact, fully integrated system with vibrator, electronics controller and digital humidity control module in a single unit offers the smallest footprint and lab space requirement. The clean, salt-free humidity that is electronically controlled requires only distilled water. Real-time stroke length acquisition during the test with an inline sensor makes electronic calibration effortless. 

The future of fuels will be shaped by sustainable development goals, including the advancement of biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels. In this evolving landscape, laboratory testing is transforming to support innovation in product development and enhance quality control. HFRR-ADV and BOCLE-ADV stand at the forefront of this transition, delivering the highest levels of precision while ensuring an efficient and effortless testing process.