ASTM D4870-09

Appreciable amounts of sediment in a residual fuel oil can cause fouling of facilities for handling, and give problems in burner mechanisms. Sediment can accumulate in storage tanks, on filter screens, or on burner parts, resulting in obstruction of the flow of oil from the tank to the burner.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of total sediment up to 0.40 % m/m for distillate fuel oils containing residual components and to 0.50 % m/m in residual fuel oils having a maximum viscosity of 55 cSt (mm²/s) at 100°C. Some fuels can exceed the maximum filtration time specified in this test method due to factors other than the presence of significant quantities of insoluble organic or inorganic material. This test method can be used for the assessment of total sediment after regimes of fuel pretreatment designed to accelerate the aging process.

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

1.3 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific warning statements, see 7.2, 7.3, Annex A1, and X1.6.1.