Introduction
Clay treatment of fuels is a process used to remove impurities and contaminants and results in improved quality fuels. The process is chemical but can also involve a filtering component. This process is typically performed on industrial-scale size batches involving thousands of barrels of fuel.
However, often times, there is a need for a small laboratory size quantity to perform tests to validate instrument readings, filter efficacy, or to meet regulatory specifications.
Emcee has developed a Mini-Clay Treatment Tower designed to treat up to 500 mL of fuel per use. One clay cell will treat approximately 10 L of jet fuel or 5 L of diesel fuel depending on how contaminated the samples are that run through it. It is highly recommended that a dedicated clay cell be used for jet fuel and a dedicated clay cell be used for diesel fuel.
PROCEDURE WI-8037
Mini Clay Tower P/N: #900-99-0500
Clay Cell P/N: #900-99-0501
Assembly
Screw rod into base. Attach ring support as shown. Attach burette clamp to rod as shown. Insert separatory funnel into ring support as shown. Attach clay cell (arrow pointing down) to burette clamp and connect with tubing as shown. Place collection vessel on stand as shown.
Operation
- Turn stopcock valve ¼ turn to wide open prior to pouring the sample to prevent an air bubble.
- Pour 400 to 500 mL of fuel sample into separatory funnel.
- Allow approximately 25 minutes for Jet or 1 hour for diesel to flow.
- Turn stopcock valve ¼ turn to stop drips.
- Retrieve treated fuel sample.
Notes
- Use a different clay cell for each fuel type (jet or diesel) you are treating. If diesel has been treated, do not re-use clay cell for jet fuel.
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Efficacy-It is estimated the clay cell will adequately treat approximately 10 L of jet or 5 L of diesel fuel. Performance will vary depending on the original condition of the fuel.
- Clay will harden if used infrequently and flow will slow.