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1.1 This test method covers three procedures for the determination of the filter blocking tendency (FBT) and filterability of middle distillate fuel oils and liquid fuels such as biodiesel and biodiesel blends. The three procedures and associated filter types are applicable to fuels within the viscosity range of 1.3 mm² to 6.0 mm²/s at 40 °C.

1.2 This test method is not applicable to fuels that contain free (undissolved) water (see 7.3).

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 This test method is intended for use in evaluating the cleanliness of middle distillate fuels, and biodiesel and biodiesel blends for specifications and quality control purposes.

5.2 The filter media specified in the three procedures are all suitable for the materials in the Scope. Specifications calling up this test method should state the procedure required.

5.3 A change in filtration performance after storage or pretreatment can be indicative of changes of fuel condition.

5.4 The filterability of fuels varies depending on filter porosity and structure and therefore results from this test method might not correlate with full-scale filtration.

5.5 Causes of poor filterability in industrial/refinery filters include fuel degradation products, contaminants (including water) picked up during storage or transfer, effects due to temperature or composition for bio fuels, incompatibility of commingled fuels, or interaction of the fuel with the filter media. Any of these could correlate with orifice or filter system plugging, or both.

5.6 The results of the FBT test can range from 1 with a fuel with very good filterability, to over 100 for a fuel with poor filterability. The selection of a single FBT number to define a pass or fail criteria is not possible as this will be dependent on the fuel type and applications.