Work Item
ASTM WK5808
Revision of D975-04a Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils
Rationale
Committee: D02
Subcommittee: E0
Letter Ballot: D02.E0 (03-2004)
Contact Person: John Chandler
Item 1
Revision of D 975-04a, Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils, to remove reference to Footnote J in Table 1 for Grade No. 4 diesel fuel oil.
BACKGROUND
It was noted by one of our members two semesters ago that Table 1 in D975, Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils referenced Footnote J in Table 1 for Grade No. 4 fuels. Footnote J refers to low temperature testing by Cloud Point, Cold Filter Plugging Point and Lot Temperature Flow Test, none of which are generally applicable to Grade No. 4 fuels because of the presence of non-wax, residual fuel material like asphaltenes. Footnote J makes no mention of Grade No. 4 fuels while it does specifically name Grades No. 2 and No. 1.
Our initial thought was that this was a typographical error which was not noticed during one of the many revisions of D975. ASTM Editorial was asked to search back several years to see when this might have occurred. Unfortunately, Editorial was not able to find where and when the change occurred.
The removal of the footnote reference from Grade No. 4 was discussed with several Subcommittee members and no one could come up with a reason to reference the footnote for Grade No. 4. Grade No. 4 fuels are generally dark and contain non-wax materials like asphaltenes which precipitate on cooling and make it difficult to see the first appearance of wax crystals as required by the D2500, Cloud Point Test. The Cold Filter Plugging Point Test and the Low Temperature Flow Test mentioned in the footnote were also not intended for heavier fuels like a Grade No. 4, so the results of these tests would be of questionable value.
The purpose of this ballot is to remove only the Grade No. 4 reference to Footnote J in Table 1 of D975 to fix what is believed to be an error or to find out from our membership if there is a legitimate reason that the footnote should be referenced for Grade No. 4 diesel fuel oils.
Regards,
John Chandler
THE BALLOT
Item
Revision of D 975-04a, Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils, to remove Footnote J in Table for only Grade No. 4 diesel fuel oil.
Remove the
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 09-01-2004
Technical Contact: John Chandler
Item: 001
Ballot: D02.E0 (04-03)
Status: Will Reballot Item
Item: 002
Ballot: D02.E0 (04-04)
Status: Will Reballot Item
Item: 001
Ballot: D02.E0 (04-04)
Status: Will Reballot Item